When the Wheels Fall Off

What is that per yonder place

Where distant wheels and driving state

Careening corners and making pace

Doth carry loads with human fates?

A carriage low and sometimes high

Bending neath and driving by

Ignoring signs of damaged ties

When separate binds doth wave goodbye

The careless one hath not a clue

That binding wheels are letting loose

That pins secure are now reduced

To fragments of what once was used

The dangling circles begin their flight

And off the cart within the sight

Of all who'll see within the night

That which was used in great delight

Now tumbling ground doth that cart see

And bears the fruit of used to bes

As spoils from the crashing keys

Remind them of the fate of these

When wheels do fly and spoils lie

Beneath the wreckage and piled high

There's none so close within the night

As He who reigns without a sigh

And places wheels back on again

That all who will will find in Him

The one who saves from deep within

Cares the most for wheels of men

Haman the Adversary and Enemy Esther 7:6 - Equipped for Battle

King Ahasuerus and Haman were attending the second banquet held by Queen Esther when the king requested that she ask him for whatever she desired up to half the kingdom. As she gave her answer, she began to plead for her life and her people's lives as they had been destined to be exterminated. As our story continues we have been waiting for the moment which occurred in chapter seven and verse six for quite a while where Esther tell the king who masterminded this evil plan. We read:

And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

The verse begins, “And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.” Can we imagine the faces of both Esther and the king when she said this? Haman thought he was being invited to the queen's banquet because he was a special guest, and in reality, he was being led like a sheep to the slaughter. He was named both “adversary” which means “foe or oppressor” and “enemy” which means “blowing, puffing, and hatred against”. She also indited him as “wicked” which means “bad, evil, disagreeable and malignant.” In other words, Haman was named to be as horrible as he could be before the king, and there was no holding back on Esther's part.

The verse continues, “Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.” Now can we imagine Haman's face when the queen said this? Let's think about it for a moment. Haman was rushed to this second feast, and he was probably well into the delicacies set before him when the dialog between the king and queen occurred. As the king asked for her request, perhaps Haman wondered with interest as she began her answer. Then his face began to droop as she appealed for her life and the life of her people, and when the king asked who the perpetrator was, she turned to Haman and said “him”! Immediately Haman's face turned from wonder, drooping, to wide-eyed fear. Not only was he afraid of the queen, but he was of the king as well. He knew the power within the throne, and now rather than be so boastful about his position, he feared for his life because of it.

It is obvious to see the turn of events in this story as it appeared for a while that Haman held the upper hand. What Haman failed to realize was that God had a plan and He was going to work it out. No one would stop God from fulfilling His idea for a messiah to be born, and the extermination of the Jews would have prevented that from occurring. When we ponder this for a while we might profit from inserting our own lives into each person's role in this story to make it more real to us, however, we should also keep in mind that God Almighty has a purpose and plan for our lives as well. Sometimes His presence is not as evident as others, but He still remains involved behind the scenes. The fulfillment of Esther's part in this story was backed by her family and associates praying and fasting for “such a time as this”, and when we consider the overall plan of God, Esther completed her role. The question for us is, “will we complete ours?”

Next time we will observe the king's reaction to Esther's revelation, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Who and Where is He? Esther 7:5 - Equipped for Battle

The plot had thickened as King Ahasuerus and Haman sat listening to Queen Esther's answer to the request of the king for what she desired up to half the kingdom. While she plead for her life and the life of her people we might imagine the king moving to the front of his seat with heated interest and wonder as to who was behind this extinction idea. In chapter seven and verse five we see King Ahasuerus' response to Esther's plea. We read:

Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that presumes in his heart to do so?

The verse begins, “Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen,...” At this moment we might notice that the king directs all his attention to Esther. It is as though no one else is at or around the table. It is like Haman is not there, servants are not there, and no one is in attendance except King Ahasuerus and his queen. We can almost visualize his direct stare at Esther when he answered her.

The verse goes on to say, “Who is he, and where is he, that presumes in his heart to do so?” When we consider this question, we should keep in mind who is asking it. This is the man who is the ruler of the known world at that time. Power to rule was his and was only limited by that which was already written into Persian law. His question is pointed and direct, and “who” and “where” indicated that as soon as he knew the answer, that person better watch out. Notice too that he uses the phrase “presumes in his heart”. King Ahasuerus knew from where evil intentions such as these begin. They begin in the heart of a man. Presumptive as it may be, the one who contrived such a genocide as this should only have one fate in his future, and the king was ready to inflict him for it.

As we consider this verse, let us put ourselves in the place of King Ahasuerus for a moment. Can we imagine hearing about the demise of those whom we love? Within all of us is a nature to protect someone we love, and if we heard that someone was going to destroy them, wouldn't we respond in the same manner? Interestingly enough, sometimes we forget words like these from Paul the apostle in Ephesians chapter six and verse twelve:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our enemy is often spiritual wickedness manifested through human beings such as Haman. We should remember that God Almighty is behind the scenes of all the activities within the book of Esther, and one of the lessons we should learn from this book is that although Haman was being used to attempt to destroy Israel, God Almighty was going to protect them. As we ponder these things, perhaps we have those in our lives whom the enemy would destroy as well, and if so, we must call upon God and remember to ask the question, “Who is he, and where is he?”, and then turn whoever it is over to the Almighty.

Next time we see Esther name her adversary, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

We are Sold to be Destroyed Esther 7:4 - Equipped for Battle

While sitting at the second of two banquets given by Queen Esther to King Ahasuerus and Haman, the king asked her what she desired up to half the kingdom. As Esther began her answer to the king's question, she revealed that her life and the lives of her people were in danger of extinction. In chapter seven and verse four we learn more of Esther's request and watch as she acts upon her “moment such as this”. We read:

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

The verse begins, “For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish.” The perspective of Esther is interesting in this statement, “For we are sold.” As those who have been bought for a price, Esther believes that she and her people have become like cattle in an auction or slaves on a block. Even worse, they are bought “to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish.” Their fate was a mortal one in which the purchaser only did so that they might be eliminated. We might recall that Haman offered King Ahasuerus “ten thousand talents of silver” for the losses that might be incurred because of the lack of their labor, and even so, the king himself paid the tariff for the threat of their existence.

The verse goes on to say, “But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue,...” Esther adds to her comments by suggesting that it would have been less difficult if they had been bought simply to be slaves. Her trouble was not as much that they had been bought, but in the purposes for which they were purchased. They were purchased to be killed and not to be used as slaves.

Finally she adds, “although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.” In other words, if Esther and her people would have been banished to be slaves it would not be sufficient enough of a matter to attempt to overcome the king's decision. If this had been the case, the trouble caused by complaining to the king would have been more trouble to him than simply accepting the position of servants.

Let us imagine the king and Haman's faces as Esther is telling the king these words. Basically she is implicating one person as an enemy against her and her people, and since the king loved Esther more than any other maiden that appeared before him, we might imagine his blood beginning to boil. Whenever there is an attack against someone we love we are inclined to position ourselves in protection mode, and whenever we are implicated for doing wrong, we also cling to safety. King Ahasuerus is wondering who is doing this to his bride and her people, and Haman knows that he is the man. As we remember that God Almighty is acting behind the scenes, we know there is more of this story to come, but we shall wait until next time to have more of it revealed.

Next time we will watch as the king ask who did this, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Let My Life Be Given Me Esther 7:3 - Equipped for Battle

The plot to our story has thickened once again as King Ahasuerus and Haman are sitting at the second of two banquets held by Queen Esther. After some time at the banquet, King Ahasuerus asked Esther what her petition was of him up to half of the kingdom. In chapter seven and verse three we see the beginning of her answer. We read:

Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

The verse begins, “Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king,...” The marvel of this portion of this verse is the humility in which Esther begins her answer. She says, “if” and “if” as though to open the opportunity for there not to be favor or pleasing to the king. Although she was chosen over thousands of young maidens from all over the kingdom, Esther takes a position that is humble, willing to be discharged, and rejected. Entreaty in generally a very affective manner when engaging those who have authority over us.

Note too that Esther was looking for “favor” and to “please” the king. The word “favor” means “grace, charm or acceptance” and the word “please” means “to be pleasant, joyful or glad”. Each of these were important to Esther if she was to receive what she desired.

The verse goes on to say, “let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:” We might imagine the furrowed brow and wonder upon King Ahasuerus' face when Esther spoke these words. First, she began with her own life. Esther believed herself to be in some favor with the king as he did indeed choose her over thousands of available others, and only after the possible threat of his loss of her would she make an appeal for her people as well. Secondly, she proposed the saving of her people. We might remember that this was the exact moment in which Mordecai told her “and who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This was indeed Esther's time, and her request began with notice to the king that both she and her people were in danger of elimination.

How would we act in such a place as Queen Esther? Would we think to use entreaty and humility as we made our request? Would we place ourselves in positions of favor and pleasing to the authority above us or would we simply blurt out our petition? As we ponder this verse and the actions within it, perhaps we will take a few lessons from wise Esther as she prepared these two feasts, waited for her moment, and used humility within her time to speak. As we align ourselves with Jesus and Our Heavenly Father, may the Spirit of God lead us to such wisdom in our times of external need, and may we evermore be governed by the wisdom of God within them.

Next time we will see more of Esther's answer, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Once Again, What is Your Petition? Esther 7:2 - Equipped for Battle

After Haman was embarrassed because he paraded Mordecai through the street as an honor from the king, he and King Ahasuerus are attending the second banquet of Queen Esther. In chapter seven and verse two we see a repeat of an earlier question from the king to Esther the queen where we read:

And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

The verse begins, “And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther?” We learn from this portion of the verse that this was another “banquet of wine”. As in chapter five and verse six where Esther's first banquet was held, this second banquet caused the king to ask Queen Esther what she desired. Last time he offered her up to half the kingdom should she desire it, and she only chose that the king and Haman attend this second banquet. The king knew there was more to her desire than that request, so he asked her once again to reveal her pleasure.

The verse goes on to say, “ and it shall be granted you: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.” King Ahasuerus made another solicitation for Queen Esther with the guarantee that even if she were to ask for half the kingdom, her request would be granted. We see by the king's offer that she was highly favored by him, and the notable aspect to this second asking is that Esther was wise enough to continue to draw the king's inquisitiveness until he nearly asked her to tell him in desperation. In delaying her answer, Queen Esther actually built a better position in King Ahasuerus to give her what she desired.

Isn't it interesting how delay builds greater desire? It seems the more we are delayed in receiving what we desire, the more we want it. Queen Esther kept King Ahasuerus in a state of wondering, and his interest continued to grow. Although Queen Esther could have given him an answer the first time the king requested it, Esther chose to put him off just a little. Could it be that our Heavenly Father does this at times as well? Perhaps we have been asking for something for quite a while, and it seems that we never receive what we request. Because we do not receive it, our desire and passion for that request to be fulfilled grows more and more. Sometimes the process of desiring a relationship with God is more important than receiving what we think we should have. In our desires, requests and needs, we often grow closer to God than any other time. Jesus makes Himself available to us in our times of need, and part of the process is that we often need Him more than the request that burns upon our hearts.

Next time we will begin to see Esther's answer, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Haman Attends the Second Banquet Esther 7:1 - Equipped for Battle

Haman was advised by his wife and wise friends that “If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.” Little did Mordecai know that the fall before Mordecai was on its way. As we begin chapter seven with verse one we see the beginning of the downfall of Haman. We read:

So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

Our verse begins, “So the king and Haman came...” As though once again united in cause, both King Ahasuerus and Haman came. King Ahasuerus was totally unaware of the underlying attention of Haman, and he believed Haman was willfully complying with not only this invitation to the second banquet of Esther, but that he also carried out his command for Mordecai with a willing heart. King Ahasuerus had no idea of the hatred that Haman had for Mordecai, so as though blinded, he came in compliance with the invitation of Esther.

The verse continues, “...to banquet with Esther the queen.” Like an ox led to the slaughter, Haman came to the banquet along with King Ahasuerus as though nothing was wrong or necessary to change. It is interesting to note the obliviousness that both King Ahasuerus and Haman had about the events that were about to occur. We have the advantage of reading ahead in our story to know the outcome of this part of the story, but neither King Ahasuerus or Haman knew at the time. As far as they were concerned, they were being invited to enjoy another banquet that was much like the one they experienced the day before.

How many times in our lives have we thought things were one way when they were quite another? We, like Haman, believed ourselves to be simply attending an affair or keeping a meeting when something different than we thought occurred. Perhaps there was a special appointment to which we were traveling and there was a flat tire along the way or we ran out of gas or an accident impeded our path. Our point is that both Haman and the king did not know at the time what was in store for them at this second banquet, and neither do we know everything that will happen to us as well. As we travel forward in our lives, we can benefit by the following verse found in the book of Proverbs in chapter sixteen and verse nine where we read:

A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.

God knew the future for Haman and King Ahasuerus, and He knows our future too. When we align ourselves with His perfect will, no matter what changes, alterations, surprises or unexpected turns of event we face, we will know that God is with us, and He is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.

Next time we will see King Ahasuerus ask Esther for her desire once again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Haman to the Banquet Again Esther 6:14 - Equipped for Battle

Haman was embarrassed because he fulfilled his own plan to honor the man in whom the king delights. He thought this man would be himself, but it was actually Mordecai, Haman's enemy, whom the king desired to reward. After parading Mordecai through the city street saying, “thus shall it be done to the man in whom the king honors”, Haman covered his head, went to his home and complained to his wife and friends about his shameful act. He was listening to them as they warned him, “if Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom you hast begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him”. In chapter six and verse fourteen we see their advice interrupted by the king's chamberlains. We read:

And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Our verse begins, “And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains,...” If we use our imaginations, we can almost see the intensity upon Haman's face as he listens to his wife and wise guests share. All of the sudden, the king's chamberlains interrupt Haman's them, and they have come to retrieve Haman. These men were not coming to Haman's house for a visit, but were urgent about their mission. Though Haman had his little pity party going on, this in no wise would stop the king's chamberlains from their duties.

The verse goes on to tell us the purpose of the chamberlains interruption, “and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared”. With all the commotion from the parading of Mordecai, it would have been easy to forget that there was still another banquet prepared by Queen Esther to which Haman was invited. The king's chamberlains were sent to be sure that Haman attended. Haman's shame and emotional downturn only enhanced his ability to forget the benefit he assumed that he had because he was invited to the Queen's banquet a second time. Nonetheless, the king's chamberlains were there to assist him in remembering, and they hasted to be sure he was present for the feast.

Isn't it amazing how a “pity party” can distract us from a benefit of life that is afforded to us? Haman could not even think about the banquet invitation as long as he was nursing his emotional hurt over the embarrassment of parading Mordecai. Misery indeed loves company, and it often so distracts us that benefits in life are forgotten as well. Rather than think upon the good things we have, self-absorption and depression may have us looking so inward that we forget the outward things. Certainly Haman experienced this, and if the king's chamberlains would not have come to retrieve him he would have continued wallering in his misery. Perhaps as we ponder this verse today we are self-absorbed and cannot see the outward benefits of life. If so, let the reminder of Haman give us all a sense of the overseeing hand of God who is involved in our outward life as much as He is the inward, and may we turn from wallering to see the plan of the Almighty God for us.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and discover what happens at the second banquet, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Haman's Wife and Wise Men's Advice Esther 6:13 - Equipped for Battle

Haman has been embarrassed beyond measure because he has been forced to lead his enemy Mordecai through the street of the city of Shushan while crying out “Thus shall be done to he in whom the king delights.” Mordecai returned to his original place at the gate of King Ahasuerus' palace, but Haman covered his head and mourned all the way to his house. After telling his friends and wife of his terrible troubles, in chapter six and verse thirteen we see their reaction to his plight. We read:

And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom you have begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him,

Our verse begins, “And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had befallen him.” Can we imagine poor ole Haman snibbling and whining as he told his wife and friends about his trouble? He more than likely dramatized every detail of how horrible it was that he had the tables turned on him. If we think about it long enough we will see this embittered display by Haman and imagine the reactions of those listening to him.

The verse goes on to say, “Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews,” It is interesting to note that both Haman's wife and wise friends came to the same conclusion. They both recognized that if Mordecai was a Jew, it would have special significance. Misery loves company, and it is quite certain that Haman's wife and wise friends we aligning with his misery.

The verse goes on to say, “ before whom you have begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him,” Almost prophetically Haman's wife and wise men knew there was something different about Mordecai. As if they were giving him a warning they said “you shall not prevail against him”. As though there was some sort of intuition about the circumstances with Mordecai, those who were closest to Haman gave him warning. Little did they know how accurate they were at the time.

Whining and complaining is natural for most people who do not get their way. We have looked at an extreme measure of it. The interesting part of this is to keep in mind that God is overseeing all of it, and although Haman thought his whines and complaints might solicit comfort for him, we shall soon see that it did not. Perhaps as we ponder this passage today we will examine our own lives in the area of whining and complaining? Have we shown such dissatisfaction with God and His direction for our lives that we have resorted to these measures like Haman did? May the Lord lead us, convict us, and help to alter us if we find ourselves in Haman's shoes.

Next time we will look at Haman's wife and wise men friend's conclusion to their advice, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Haman's Mourning Esther 6:12 - Equipped for Battle

Haman suffered the embarrassment of clothing Mordecai, putting him on the king's horse, and leading him through the city crying, “Thus shall be done to the man in whom the king delights”. Haman thought that he would be the one in whom the king delighted, so he suggested the honoring method that he was forced by the king to implement upon Mordecai who was his enemy. In chapter six and verse twelve, we look at the activity of both Mordecai and Haman after the parading was over. We read:

And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

The verse begins, “And Mordecai came again to the king's gate.” Rather than exalt himself more, or brag about the town concerning the honor he just received, Mordecai simply went back to the place from which he was taken. Most people who would be honored in such a way as Mordecai would desire that people know what they did to receive the honor, talk about how wonderful the reward was, and so on. Yet, Mordecai just went back to the gate. Haman however did something quite different.

The verse goes on to say, “But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.” Can we imagine how this looked? There was poor self-exalted, high official Haman running through the street with something covering his head. He was mourning as he ran home like a little spoiled child. His embarrassment was more than he could bear, so he returned to his only place of security for the moment – his home. What a pitiful site it must have been as he shamefully ran to hide inside his house.

When we look at the two reactions of these men and consider them more closely, Mordecai's reaction was one of true humility. He could have continued his exaltation, but he simply went back to his normal place. Haman, however, was so embarrassed and prideful that he had to cover his head as he walked through the same street through which he led Mordecai. To which of these behaviors do we relate? Are we embarrassed by some of our actions and wish to hide and mourn, or when we are exalted by men does it have little affect upon us? As we ponder these two responses, perhaps we will put ourselves in the place of each of these men, and when the Lord Jesus has directed us in these areas, our hope should be that we will align ourselves with behavior that is pleasing to God.

Next time we will see Haman whining to his wife and friends, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Humbled Haman Esther 6:11 - Equipped for Battle

The scene was set, and Haman had been chosen to do as he suggested and place Mordecai upon King Ahasuerus' royal horse, dress him in the royal clothing, put a crown upon his head, and lead him through the city proclaiming “Thus will be done unto the man whom the king delights to honor”. In chapter six and verse eleven, we discover the fulfillment of Haman's suggestion as he lead Mordecai through the street. We read:

Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delights to honor.

Our verse begins, “Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city...” Just as Haman had proposed to the king, Haman was being humbled to carry out his plan. Though he thought he would be the one receiving the king's honor, it was as though he was being the king's lowly servant to fulfill it, and if that wasn't enough, Haman was executing the king's orders upon his arch-enemy.

The verse goes on to say, “and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delights to honor.” If clothing Mordecai in the king's clothing and setting him upon the king's horse was not enough, now Haman had to be the town crier and tell everyone in the city how the king would honor those who were aligned with him. The humility and embarrassment of this moment must have been overwhelming for Haman.

Can we imagine the embarrassment and chagrin of Haman as he fulfilled his own words upon Mordecai? Have we ever had to be in an extended place of humility such as this? Haman thought that he would receive honor, and yet he received lowliness. Haman thought himself great and that he should be shown as great before everyone in the kingdom, but he was placed so low that he had to accept the role of a servant. As we ponder these words, perhaps we shall realize once again the hand of God in this story and ours. We may wonder, “where are those places that the Lord will place His mighty fingers upon us and bring humility to our lives?”, and “Do we trust God enough to know that He is working in our behalf even when our enemies are against us?”

Next time we will see Haman's reaction to having to fulfill the king's demand, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The King's Orders to Haman Esther 6:10 - Equipped for Battle

Haman's suggestion has been made to the king that his royal clothing, horse and crown be given to the man in whom the king delights. He added that there should be one of the king's most noble princes to parade him through the streets and cry out, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” In chapter six and verse ten we discover a surprise for the prideful and arrogant Haman where we read:

Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as you have said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sits at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that you have spoken.

Our verse begins, “Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as you have said,...” If we use our mind's eye to see the king, we may watch as he begins his answer. Haman has thought himself so brilliant for conceiving this act of honor, and now as the king begins to speak, he is probably anticipating his great reward. With great expectation Haman hears the command to get the apparel and horse just as Haman suggested, but then things changed.

The verse continues, “and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sits at the king's gate:...” Can we imagine how Haman's countenance fell? “Do even so to Mordecai”? Mordecai? He was to do his for the man whom Haman hated more than any other in the world? Mordecai the Jew, that sits at the king's gate was to be the one in whom the king delights? Oh how embarrassed Haman must have been. Oh how Haman must have been filled with regret for his suggestion, and Oh how Haman's heart must have overflowed with unbelievable disappointment. However, that wasn't the end of the king's command because there is more.

The verse finishes, “let nothing fail of all that you have spoken.” Haman's suggestion for honoring was so thorough that King Ahasuerus didn't want him to miss one aspect. Nothing that Haman thought would be great for the man whom the king would honor was to be missed. Haman had given the king specific instructions believing that he would be the one receiving the honor, however the tables were turned upon him and he was now to give this reward to Mordecai.

Can we not see the hand and humor of God in this part of our story? God is so involved behind the scenes that He has used the very enemy of Mordecai to bless him. Haman thought he had everything in control. He thought himself to be superior to everyone else in the kingdom to the extent of being better than the most noble princes, and now he was going to suffer the embarrassment of leading Mordecai, his arch-enemy, through the town while crying out, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” If we will ponder this verse for a while and think about the turning of direction for what Haman had planned, we may realize that God will also deal well with our enemies. Mordecai had rebelled against Haman and he was hated by Haman for it, but God stood in Mordecai's stead and brought shame upon his enemy.

Next time we will see Haman fulfilling the king's command, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Parade of the King’s Delight Esther 6:9 – Equipped for Battle

 

Haman has given King Ahasuerus his idea of what should be done unto the man in whom the king delights. Because he believes the king's man to be himself, Haman thought that he should be dressed in the king's finest clothes, ride upon the king's horse, and wear the king's crown. In chapter six and verse nine we learn more about Haman's suggestion to the king. We read:

And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delights to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.

The verse begins, “And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delights to honor,...” If we allow ourselves, we can almost see in our mind's eye the enthusiasm in which Haman is saying these words. He continues in the verse with the word “And” which denotes a constant flow of thought as if he is on a roll. Haman thought it would be a wonderful idea to have the horse and apparel to be “delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes” which indicates that Haman not only wanted to be exalted above the people of the land, but also the nobles who attended to the king. Haman thought this noble should “array” him with the king's clothes and horse as to prepare him for display throughout the kingdom. Oh what a marvelous plan Haman had in his own mind.

The verse continues, “and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him,...” Haman continued his suggestion with the agenda for the public display of the man in whom the king delights. Haman's idea was to parade this man through the street of the city just like a single float display and then have someone “proclaim” which means yell out, tell loudly, shout a special message about this man who was upon the king's horse.

Finally we see what Haman thought the crier should say in last part of this verse. We read: “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” As though he was honoring himself before the king, Haman decided that his suggestion is what should be done unto the man in whom the king delights. A loud crier should go before this man so that all could know, all could hear, and all would honor the man who was dressed in the king's apparel and riding upon the king's horse. In other words, Haman thought everyone should know just how great he was.

People for the most part enjoy when they are honored, and they will often pitch for it. Their looks, their car, their house or vocation will often be displayed for others to give them praise. Haman's pitch and attitude is not entirely unfamiliar as most people have an internal desire to be honored or praised. The key to understanding this in the kingdom of God is that honor, true honor, should come from the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the other honor is temporary and limited. God's honor is complete, thorough and everlasting. If we choose, we may turn to the weaker honor of man as Haman was attempting to receive, but if we will seek the honor of God, no man or time shall ever be able to take His honor away.

Next time we will see the beginning of Haman being embarrassed beyond his wildest dreams, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Haman’s Fashion Aggrandizement Esther 6:8 – Equipped for Battle

Haman believes himself to be the one in all of the Persian Empire that King Ahasuerus would delight in honoring, so he has been asked for a suggestion as to what should be done for the man that should receive such an award. Haman began his answer in Esther chapter six and verse seven, and in verse eight he adds more to his fashion aggrandizement. We read:

let royal apparel be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides upon, and on the head of which a crown royal is set:

Haman's first suggestion is, “let royal apparel be brought which the king uses to wear,...” Certainly the fashion statement made by wearing the apparel of the king would make people take notice of the man the king would honor. People are often impressed by clothing and especially expensive royal clothing. Anyone seen in such fashion as the king would be elevated before the people and they would honor the man who was given this opportunity.

The verse goes on to say, “and the horse that the king rides upon,...” The mode of transportation for the king would be the finest available to man so whenever the royal ride would be seen, the one who sits upon it would be noted as special and worthy of great honor. Thus far Haman has suggested fancy clothing and a special ride, however there is more.

The verse concludes, “and on the head of which a crown royal is set:” As though dress and special transportation were not enough for Haman, he now suggested the “crown royal” or the royal crown for the man whom the king desired to honor. Surely fine jewelry set apart for the king would get people's attention, and the one whom the king desired to honor would be known as special for wearing it.

Clothing, transportation, and jewels. Does this sound familiar to us? It should because it seems that Haman desired a “Red Carpet Affair” for the one whom the king would honor. Haman thought this honor would be for himself, so he desired to be given the finest of everything that would make one feel valuable. Haman's problem was that he was only thinking of himself and this life. He did not consider there was a God who owns everything sitting behind the scenes and leading him not only to embarrassment but also to his own demise. If we put our trust in outward things to make us valuable before others, we have in a sense bought in to the same fashion aggrandizement of Haman. Clothing, cars, boats, airplanes, jewels, etc. are all temporary in nature. They do not last, and the statements from them lasts less time than the fashions themselves. We must have our treasure in eternal things- the things that last, and as we do, we will make no greater impression than the one we give to God Almighty who made us valuable in Him through Jesus Christ our Lord and we need nothing else to do so.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Next time we will see the conclusion of Haman's suggestion to the king, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.