Esther 3:10-15

"So the king took his signet ring(A) from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. 11 “Keep the money,” the king said to Haman, “and do with the people as you please.” (Esther 3:10-11)

I can't help but wonder how a king can allow himself to be used in such a manner as King Xerxes did. Not only could his actions have resulted in the annihilation of the chosen people, but also the death of his beloved Esther. Is it because as royalty he became lazy and left all the thinking and research and decision making to his noblemen?

"Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods." (Esther 3:13)

Haman was given free rein to do as he wished with the Jewish people.  He wanted all of them dead--his heart was filled with hatred.  But, Jesus was to be born of this lineage, so we know Haman's plan would be defeated. I am not going to give away the rest of the story, but will save the exciting details for your to read later.  

The lesson I am sensing from the scripture for today is to be loving, kind, patient and prayerful.  Whatever is going on in your heart, these four practices will help us to move forward and not dwell in the past or stew in anger and disappointment.  I don't know when or how Haman's heart was hardened toward the Jews, but if he had turned to Esther's God for healing, the story would have a different outcome.  

Each of our stories has a different outcome now that we are walking with Jesus, basking in His love.  We may have been headed down a similar road as Haman, but no longer.  Read the rest of Esther and share your thoughts and feelings about it.  It reads like a suspense novel and you will not be disappointed.

Read Esther 3:10-15 here

Listen to Esther 3:10-15 here