Esther Chapter 3
Is Revenge Really An Option?
After King Ahaserus elected his new Queen, he promoted Haman as his number one man and all the king’s servants bowed down to Haman when he entered the king’s gate. But Mordecai, Queen Esther’s cousin, did not bow down to Haman. When the servants asked why he did not bow down to Haman, he replied because he was a Jew. And Jews only bow to God.
Haman was furious with Mordecai because he never bowed down and when he found out it was because he was a Jew his inner hatredness resulted into a plan to not just destroy Mordecai but destroy all the Jews in the Kingdom of the king.
So Haman had a plot against the Jews and went before the king saying that there’s a certain group of people in his kingdom who don’t follow his laws so it would be in his best interest to have them destroyed. The king gave Haman his approval with his signet ring which means it could not be undone.
So Haman had letters sent out to all 127 provinces stating that in 11 months Non-Jews were to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews and seize their possessions as plunder.
Haman had to be feeling pretty good with his plan to deal with his inner hatredness for Mordecai.
How do we deal with our inner feelings toward those who disrespect us? Do we talk about them to others? Do we treat them with disrespect? Do we pray for them? Is there something about us that needs to change first versus trying to change the other person? I suggest, in such situations, spend a lot of time praying to God for his wisdom and help, and a lot of time praying for the one disrespecting us. And don’t be surprised if God doesn’t change your heart and attitude first. Then trust him to give you a renewed love for the person and the wisdom to deal with the situation. Revenge should not be an option!
