Bible Chapter:Esther 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    After prayer, Queen Esther went to see the king.  He saw her and welcomed her into his presence.  He said he would give her anything she wanted, up to half of his kingdom.  She invited hm and Haman to a banquet she was preparing.  This caused Haman’s pride to increase even more.  She invited them both back for another banquet and she would then make her request known to the king.  Haman was very puffed up by this, but at the same time acted like a spoiled brat because Mordecai still refused to bow down to him.  In looking for a way to insult and kill Mordecai, Haman had gallows built seventy five feet high.
    We see God’s hand in this situation in that the king couldn’t sleep that night.  He had someone read to him from the official records.  Upon discovering that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving the king’s life, he called to Haman for some insight on how to reward someone the king wanted to honor.  Haman thought the king wanted to honor him and made suggestions that would bring much praise.  He was shocked when he found out that the king order Haman to honor Mordecai.  Yet, he had to do it.  His anger and pride rose.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    We see two opposite characters in this story: Mordecai and Haman.  Mordecai was a righteous man who faithfully served God and was willing to have God use him.  He was not focused on himself.  Haman was an immature person full of pride.  He was self-centered and wanted everything to go his way.  He couldn’t stand to have anything good happen to Mordecai.  We can see the results of these two different lives.  It is always better to follow God and not let pride get in the way.  The Bible says the pride goes before destruction.  Keep this lesson front and center in life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people keep a proper balance of pride and self-importance.  Gospel song writer Lowell Lundstrom wrote a song that includes the line: be nice to the little guy on his way up or you’ll meet him on your way down.  That’s good advice.