relationships (Job 2:1-13) What to Say and Not Say

(Job 2:1-13)  Again, there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 3 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds firm to his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” 4 Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has, he will give for his life. 5 However, reach out with Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face!” 6 So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”

7 Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with severe boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. 8 And Job took a piece of pottery to scrape himself while he was sitting in the ashes.

9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You are speaking as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” Despite all this, Job did not sin with his lips.

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, they came, each one from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they looked from a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe, and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. 13 Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

This time, God allowed Satan to take Job's health away.  Again, a trial and temptation without cause... Job had done nothing  wrong.  There are times when God will discipline His children, but there are times that we struggle even when we haven't done anything wrong.  These are tests for us to keep worshiping and depending on God, so we can see God's faithfulness and strength in our lives.

Job's wife had the very worst suggestion.  Like a lot of people, she blamed God.  And then, discouraged her husband by telling him to curse God.  To walk away from the Lord is the very opposite of what we should do!  The right thing for her to do would have been to make him as comfortable as possible, with encouragements to continue trusting in the Lord, and prayer!!! 

Now, Job's three friends were wise and compassionate in the beginning.  They went to sympathize and comfort Job, and did not speak one word.  For one week, all they did was be there with him.  

It is interesting how most people, even though they feel awkward and don't know WHAT to say, think that they HAVE to say something.  Some people try to find the right words that will fix everything, but this usually doesn't go over very well.  And even worse, something I struggle with myself is, in trying to relate, I share personal experiences, or stories of others... Well, this usually doesn't go over very well because it sounds like we're trying to compete and compare hardships.

After my mom had passed away, a couple had invited me and my husband over for supper.  After a bit of an awkward moment, the gentleman said to me, "I don't really know what to say to you.  What would you prefer to talk about?"  I really appreciated this approach.  Honesty and thoughtfulness!  I let them know that I was fine talking about it, or not talking about it, but mourning the passing of my mom was something I had to go through, and there wasn't anything anyone could say or do to make me feel better.  This is only a temporary loss.  I will see her again one day.  And she would want me to continue living my life for God, as I should, with joy!

Now I feel like I need to share some of the craziest things I heard at my mom's funeral, as well as the thoughts that ran through my head as I graciously smiled and listened.  "Your mom is now in a better place."  Yes!  I already know that.  "You now have big shoes to fill."  No!  I have my own shoes, and my own path to walk.  "Now that your mom is gone, live a life that would make your mom proud."  Actually, I try to live to please the Lord.  "Your mom is now in heaven looking down on you and watching over you."  NOOO!!!  Nope.  She is in a heavenly sleep - asleep in Christ (as per 1 Thessalonians 4:13).  God, who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, is looking after me!  

Also note, if there's a young boy present - any son to a parent who just passed away - please - NEVER say to him that he is now the man of the house.  No.  He isn't.  He's not a parent.  He's not an equipped adult to handle adult matters.  He's still a child.  That's a lot of guilt and pressure to put on a kid!

Therefore, something we can remember is:  we do not have to always say anything!  At a funeral, it can be as simple as, "I'm so sorry for your loss."  Or to someone who is sick, "I'm sorry that you have to go through this.  How can I pray more effectively for you?"  Just our presence and prayers can be a huge help and blessing to anyone who is suffering!  And if we do say anything, it should be to encourage a person to draw close to the Lord, because He cares, and He will help!

relationships (Job 1:1-22) Why Is There Suffering?

(Job 1:1-22)  There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send word and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send word to them and consecrate them, getting up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

13 Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the female donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three units and made a raid on the camels and took them, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

20 Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said,

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Satan is no dummy.  Besides focusing on Israel and the Israelites (God's chosen), Satan will attack where outreach is strong and will attack Christians (God's children) who are living in God's will.  He and his demons are determined to do whatever they can to keep people from God, as well as stop people from following God.  Notice, in this passage, Satan was even trying to taunt and tempt God, Himself, saying that He should reach out His hand and do evil.

God is holy and cannot sin, and cannot have a relationship with sin.  God is also sovereign, therefore nothing is done without the Lord allowing it to happen.  Understand, God is also caring and loving, and therefore He created mankind, because He wanted someone to love.  Because love does not force anyone to love back, He created us all with a free will.  And what is free will without options?  And what are options without leeway to act upon our choices?  Circling back to just how loving and caring the Lord is - just imagine how bad things would be without the Lord restraining evil to the extent that He does!!!

Regarding those who have chosen to become HIs children, the Lord protects.  Although, as we see in this passage, God will allow struggles to still come our way.  Sometimes they are consequences of our own sinful actions.  And sometimes they are consequences of other people's sinful actions.  And sometimes, like here with Job, it is because we live in a fallen, broken world.  And let's not forget that there is a spiritual warfare.  

All temptations, trials and tribulations should be considered as tests.  As we remain steadfast in worshipping and following God, God is faithful and will use these events, experiences and times to do amazing things in us, and through us, and around us.

(James 1:13)  No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

(1 Corinthians 10:13)  No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

(James 1:2-4) Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

(Romans 8:28)  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

relationships (Esther 8:1-10:3) Don't Overburden

(Esther 8:1-17)  On that day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther; and Mordecai came before the king, because Esther had disclosed what he was to her. 2 Then the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king, fell at his feet, wept, and pleaded for his compassion to avert the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite and his plot which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king extended the golden scepter to Esther. So Esther got up and stood before the king. 5 Then she said, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him, and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to eliminate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the disaster which will happen to my people, and how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 So King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given the house of Haman to Esther, and they have hanged him on the wooden gallows because he had reached out with his hand against the Jews.

8 Now you write to the Jews as you see fit, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s signet ring may not be revoked.”

9 So the king’s scribes were summoned at that time in the third month (that is, the month Sivan), on the twenty-third day; and it was written in accordance with everything that Mordecai commanded the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the officials of the provinces which extended from India to Cush, 127 provinces, to every province according to its script, and to every people according to their language, as well as to the Jews according to their script and their language. 10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horses, riding on royal relay horses, offspring of racing mares. 11 In the letters the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and to defend their lives, to destroy, kill, and eliminate the entire army of any people or province which was going to attack them, including children and women, and to plunder their spoils, 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar). 13 A copy of the edict to be issued as law in each and every province was published to all the peoples, so that the Jews would be ready for this day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers, hurrying and speeded by the king’s command, left, riding on the royal relay horses; and the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa.

15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in a royal robe of violet and white, with a large crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 For the Jews there was light, joy, jubilation, and honor. 17 In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was joy and jubilation for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, because the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.

(Esther 9:1-32) Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day, when the king’s command and edict were to be put into effect, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it turned out to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained mastery over those who hated them. 2 The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to harm them; and no one could stand against them, because the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. 3 Even all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s business were supporting the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and the news about him spread throughout the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater. 5 So the Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying; and they did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 At the citadel in Susa the Jews killed and eliminated five hundred men, 7 and they killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jews’ enemy; but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

11 On that day the number of those who were killed at the citadel in Susa was reported to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and eliminated five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman at the citadel in Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your request? It shall also be granted you. And what is your further wish? It shall also be done.” 13 Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let tomorrow also be granted to the Jews who are in Susa to do according to the edict of today; and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the wooden gallows.” 14 So the king commanded that it was to be done so; and an edict was issued in Susa, and Haman’s ten sons were hanged. 15 The Jews who were in Susa assembled also on the fourteenth day of the month Adar and killed three hundred men in Susa, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces assembled, to defend their lives and rid themselves of their enemies, and to kill seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they did not lay their hands on the plunder. 17 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing.

18 But the Jews who were in Susa assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth of the same month, and they rested on the fifteenth day and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing. 19 Therefore the Jews of the rural areas, who live in the rural towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a holiday for rejoicing and feasting and sending portions of food to one another.

20 Then Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 obliging them to celebrate the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same month, annually, 22 because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from grief into joy, and from mourning into a holiday; that they were to make them days of feasting and rejoicing, and sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor.

23 So the Jews undertook what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the adversary of all the Jews, had schemed against the Jews to eliminate them, and had cast Pur, that is the lot, to disturb them and eliminate them. 25 But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews was to return on his own head, and that he and his sons were to be hanged on the wooden gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. And because of the instructions in this letter, both what they had seen in this regard and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews established and made a custom for themselves, their descendants, and for all those who allied themselves with them, so that they would not fail to celebrate these two days according to their regulation and according to their appointed time annually. 28 So these days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and these days of Purim were not to be neglected by the Jews, or their memory fade from their descendants.

29 Then Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. 30 He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth, 31 to establish these days of Purim at their appointed times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established for them, and just as they had established for themselves and for their descendants, with instructions for their times of fasting and their mourning. 32 The command of Esther established these customs for Purim, and it was written in the book. 

(Esther 10:1-3)  Now King Ahasuerus imposed a tax on the land and the coastlands of the sea. 2 And every accomplishment of his authority and power, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai with which the king honored him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his entire nation.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

I have to remind myself of what happened in the previous chapter, which said...

(Esther 7:3-4) Then Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my request, and my people as my wish; 4 for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, and eliminated. Now if we had only been sold as slaves, men and women, I would have kept silent, because the distress would not be sufficient reason to burden the king.”

Queen Esther could have said or requested anything, but she was respectful and considerate of the king.  ha ha ha, I'm sorry, I have to laugh.  How many times do we overburden someone with issues that we are struggling with?  Yes, we are to share one another's burdens, but not with the purpose to burden them incessantly in excess.  Instead, we can say something like, "Hey, I just want to let you know, I'm struggling with something.  As you remember, could you please pray for me?"  And if you are on the receiving side of this, we can let people know that, "I care, and want to help you, but let's find a time which works for both of us..."  

Now, definitely there will be times when we do need a shoulder to cry on, or someone we can speak with in order to process and maybe glean some wisdom and direction.  But, let's also remember that we can TOTALLY lay it ALL on the Lord!!!  Over and over and over... He asks us to do that!!!  And we could never overwhelm Him!!!  Nothing is impossible for the Lord to manage!!!  

We definitely will suffer through things.  Sometimes because there are consequences from our own actions.  Sometimes because there are consequences from other people's actions.  And sometimes just because we live in a fallen, broken world.  When we are going through these various tests and trials, the answer is always to go to the Lord! 

(Romans 8:28)  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

relationships (Esther 7:1-10) Don't Make Decisions Based on Feelings

(Esther 7:1-10)  Now the king and Haman came to drink wine with Esther the queen. 2 And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your wish? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be done.” 3 Then Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my request, and my people as my wish; 4 for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, and eliminated. Now if we had only been sold as slaves, men and women, I would have kept silent, because the distress would not be sufficient reason to burden the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do such a thing?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and an enemy is this wicked Haman!” Then Haman became terrified before the king and queen.

7 The king then got up in his anger from drinking wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm had been determined against him by the king. 8 Now when the king returned from the palace garden into the place where they had been drinking wine, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, “Will he even assault the queen with me in the house?” As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who stood before the king, said, “Indeed, behold, the wooden gallows standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good in behalf of the king!” And the king said, “Hang him on it.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the wooden gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Here is a very poignant example of how pride goes before the fall.  Haman had been given quite a position of honor and power;  but when selfish pride and hate got in his way, he had the means to devise and plot against the people who irked him the most.  Without compassion or care for justice, his actions only went from bad to worse.  Because of his unchecked feelings and rash decisions, he was greatly humiliated, and his death was poetic justice.

Feelings are something that come as a result of an event or an experience, and therefore, they should never really be used to direct us in decision making.  Feelings are not truth.  Feelings can be fickle.  They come and they go and they change.  And sometimes they are even misdirected, because of some misunderstanding.  Because of that, it is wise not to react and/or act as soon as we feel something.

For example, when someone makes you angry, if you fly off the handle in rage, this is unacceptable, no matter how bad something is.  Good measures to take is to pray about the issue immediately.  Then, talk to the person to find out the facts, because you might have misinterpreted something.  If it was bad, pray and think through the next steps to reconcile the matter.  If it was nothing, you have saved yourself some embarrassment, and saved the other person from being hurt.

Another example is, when you are single and you meet someone, and there are strong feelings (chemistry, sparks, butterflies, whatever you want to call this), stop to pray and think.  Ask yourself if this is the person God would want for you?  And if so, learn who the person is and if your lives are going in the same direction.  Fall in love using your brain, and then enjoy with your heart.  

Back when I was single, I had feelings for someone - who was definitely NOT the guy for me.  And once I found the guy who was right for me, I told myself that my feelings for him were NOT going to go away.  Well, after the honeymoon, I realized that those feelings weren't there anymore.  But the feelings had been replaced with comfort and peace, like this was how it had always been and how it will always be.  And hey, there were times, I didn't like him... until we sorted out whatever disagreement we had going.  Feelings can be all over the place!

When I started singing solos in church, and it was my turn to go up to sing, I suddenly got really nervous.  And it struck me - THAT - was the exact same feeling I had when I was dating my husband!!!  Soooo... those tingly feelings are actually nerves!  In those kind of situations, we can be nervous because we really want to impress someone, or as with the other guy, we can be nervous because we actually sense danger and we should run away.  

There is so much I could say on this topic, but to keep this brief, as we can see, we should not rely on feelings.  But when we do feel something, assess those feelings to understand why.  And when those good ones come out of amazing experiences, like when God works in our heart to change us to be more like Him, enjoy!  Remember and cherish those feelings - which are more real than reality!  And understand that God's love is not a feeling - but an action!  To love people unconditionally - is to decide to love.

relationships (Esther 5:1-6:14) Dealing With Pride, Greed and Hate

(Esther 5:1-14)  Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the courtyard, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. 3 Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” 4 Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly so that we may do as Esther desires.” So the king and Haman came to the banquet which Esther had prepared. 6 As they drank their wine at the banquet, the king said to Esther, “What is your request, for it shall be granted to you. And what is your wish? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be done.” 7 So Esther replied, “My request and my wish is: 8 if I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request and do what I wish, may the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king says.”

9 Then Haman went out that day joyful and pleased of heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and that he did not stand up or tremble before him, Haman was filled with anger against Mordecai. 10 Haman controlled himself, however, and went to his house. But he sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 Then Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and his many sons, and every occasion on which the king had honored him and how he had promoted him above the officials and servants of the king. 12 Haman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one except me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king. 13 Yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” 14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Have a wooden gallows fifty cubits high made, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go joyfully with the king to the banquet.” And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the wooden gallows made.

(Esther 6:1-14)   During that night the king could not sleep, so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written what Mordecai had reported about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, that they had sought to attack King Ahasuerus. 3 Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 So the king said, “Who is in the courtyard?” Now Haman had just entered the outer courtyard of the king’s palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the wooden gallows which he had prepared for him. 5 So the king’s servants said to him, “Behold, Haman is standing in the courtyard.” And the king said, “Have him come in.” 6 Haman then came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?” 7 Therefore Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king desires to honor, 8 have them bring a royal robe which the king has worn, and the horse on which the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal turban has been placed; 9 then order them to hand the robe and the horse over to one of the king’s noble officials, and have them dress the man whom the king desires to honor, and lead him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him, ‘So it shall be done for the man whom the king desires to honor.’”

10 Then the king said to Haman, “Quickly, take the robe and the horse just as you have said, and do so for Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate; do not fail to do anything of all that you have said.” 11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, and dressed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, “So it shall be done for the man whom the king desires to honor.”

12 Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, while Haman hurried home, mourning, with his head covered. 13 And Haman informed Zeresh his wife and all his friends of everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and Zeresh his wife said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish origin, you will not prevail over him, but will certainly fall before him.”

14 While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and quickly brought Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

These two chapters really focus in on Haman's struggles with pride, greed and hate.  Although he goes to an extreme, we have all been there to some degree.  Each one on its own will play havoc in our lives and in our relationships, but when it's a combination of all three, we are going to get ourselves into bigger trouble.

Obviously, God wants us to remain humble, graciously serving and giving, all with the motive of unconditional love - for everyone.  And while it is easy to suggest that we confess our sins and ask for the Lord's help - there are a few other things to keep in mind which will help equip us.

Regarding hate, when someone gets in the way of us getting what we want, it is extra easy to start hating those people.  And if we don't forgive them (even if it is just in our hearts), we can start plotting against them, or simply wishing the worst on them.  We are told to love and pray for our enemies.  God loves everyone - including those people who commit horrendous sins.  He loves them, so much so, that He came in flesh to suffer and die to pay the price for all sin, of all time, for all people - whether they accept Him as their Lord and Savior - or reject Him.  

The very definition of unconditional love does not incorporate approval.  According to God's word, we are to hate sin and love the sinner.  Now, one of my friends, who is not a believer, hates this phrase.  All she hears, when Christians say this to her, is that Christians are considering and calling her a sinner.  Even though - yes - this is true!  We ALL are sinners - maybe we should approach unbelievers in a gentler, more understanding way.  

As believers, though, do hear that message very loudly and clearly.  When we look at someone who is not a Christian, do not look at or judge them according to their sins - look at them as people who are lost and need the Lord.  Always with love!  If we attach the sin to a person, we will struggle to love them - because in doing this - our love will be conditional.  So, I do try to pray before meeting up with any unbelievers, asking God to help me love them more, and to give me the right words to say.  Consider how you would prefer to be approached in such a situation.

Regarding greed (and selfishness and self-centeredness) - it's all about ourselves and what we can get.  And when we reach a certain point or when we get a certain amount, we want more, so why stop there.  But God not only tells us to be content with what we have, we are to serve God and serve one another, tithe, as well as give generously to the poor.  The big question we can ask ourselves is: do we love God more than money, riches, power and fame?  Which relationship is more important to you?  You know the saying, "Put your money where your mouth is."  Well, if we say we love and trust God above all else, this will be evident in how we manage all those other things.

Now regarding pride.  If and when we are given any sort of position over anyone, the Bible tells us not to lord our position over anyone.  Another way to look at that is to not let the "power" go to your head.  Pride can also take over when everything is going our way and we think it's all because of our own efforts, or, when things aren't going our way but we feel like we can pick ourselves up, find a clever plan and start implementing that, all in our own efforts.  

The easier said than done answer is to humble ourselves before God, understanding that He is sovereign, and humbly strive to do His will.  Being humble is not to self-deprecate, it is not about being humiliated, or appearing to be defeated.  Not at all.  It is to put God first in our lives, and to consider others more important than ourselves.  Something to ask ourselves is:  NOT what can a person do for me, but what can I do for that person?  But also keep in mind that in everything, even while we are to humbly submit to all authority, if it goes against God's will, then we are to respectfully not do that, like how Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman!

Another very helpful thing to keep in mind is to only set goals for ourselves that are within our control.  For example, we cannot make it our goal that our loved ones will greet us warmly with a hug.  That is a desire.  But we can make it our goal that we greet them warmly with a hug!  Another goal that we cannot set is for all people to respect us.  That is a desire.  But our goal can be - to be the kind of person that will earn people's respect.  Of course, as a believer, our primary goal should be to seek God's approval, not the approval of people.

Haman's goal was for all people to honor him.  Mordecai did not comply.  And Haman felt very offended, then angry, and then hateful.  Listen, this can happen in any church, when someone has a preference they want practiced or not practiced.  But if something clearly is not a sin or a commandment, one should not expect others to agree and comply.  For example, if we don't like a certain style of music, we cannot declare that it is a sin to sing or listen to that style.  Especially if the lyrics are honoring the Lord!!!  But, we've seen it happen!  People get self-righteous about their preferences, totally believing that they are right (in their own eyes), and will even find Bible verses (out of context) to support their desire/s.

When this happens, if and when we feel "offended", we should do a self-check to understand why.  As with Haman, we might actually be to blame!  If we have a personal preference or desire (spoken or unspoken), and someone somehow doesn't cooperate with that - I may get angry because I am not getting my way.  That is MY issue which I need to confess and change!!!  

Personally, I don't like it when people use the phrase, "You have OFFENDED me!"  It is a very aggressive term used to imply a criminal or legal offence.  So I do try to say something like, "When you did this, I felt hurt..."  Another good thing to avoid saying is something like, "You just did this BECAUSE..."  Let's not assume people's motives.  We cannot know what is in their heart and mind.  We might not even fully know exactly what they did or said.

For instance, a friend was once avoiding me.  I finally managed to get her attention and ask if I had done anything to hurt her.  Well, she had waved to me, and I had completely ignored her, so she assumed I no longer liked her.  "Ahhh... on which day?  Ohhh... well, that was the day my contact lens had ripped, and I was without my glasses.  I couldn't see.  I'm so sorry that this caused you to feel that way."  So many issues are typically caused by miscommunication and/or assumptions.

If and when anyone should hurt us in any way, we should not take it personally, but try to reconcile the situation as soon and as best possible, while remaining humble, fair and graciously forgiving.  Once again, approach people in the way that we would like to be approached.  In forgiving those who hurt us (whether face to face or in our hearts) this is NOT to say that what they did was okay.  It means that we are not going to allow their actions to control and/or constrict our lives.  In forgiveness, we let go of those chains - that we hold - to be free of what has been done to us, without harboring any desires of retaliation or bitterness.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people (Romans 12:18).