Esther 3:11

New International Version (NIV)

“Keep the money,” the king said to Haman, “and do with the people as you please.”

For meditation

The Babylon exile was over. A combined force of the Medes and Persians had swept over Babylon under Darius (Dan. 5:31). The seventy years ordained by God for the Jews in exile had finally come. Interestingly, the Persians showed kindness to the Jews. A proclamation went out from King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4), and the Jews returned to their homeland in three batches. But some loved their life in exile and decided for it. Why go back when they had settled in well and feeling comfortable. However, their bubble was going to be busted in an evil and crude way they did not know.

Haman, the Agagite, was honored by King Xerxes (Esther (3:1), and moving on his hatred for the Jews, he lobbied for a royal decree to exterminate the Jews (10). A date was set; and Haman and the king sat down to drink (15). What the two men did not know was that before those events took place, the providential hand of God had set in place the people and events to thwart their evil plan against His people.

Esther became queen in a theatrical way and the “Divine Rescue” show debuted. When the final curtain was drawn, the tables had turned. Haman had been hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai (7:10). A counter decree against the enemies of the Jews had been signed by King Xerxes (8:9-10), and the Jews had triumphed over their detractors (9:1-17). God had showed His Providential Card in the chess game played in the Citadel of Susa and established His sovereign rule over the affairs of the nations. Heaven had triumphed and God’s people were safe, even in a foreign land.

1. So, what is your problem, child of God?
2. Why are you afraid because somebody has showed their evil face and raised their wicked hand against you?
3. What plot have they set against you that make you think the end has come for you?
4. Can you trust Jesus to deliver you? Is He not your Lord? Are you not called by His name?
5. Have you taken the time to know Him through His dealings in the affairs of His people? Does His death and resurrection hold any clue for you?

I pray you will stop worrying and trust God to turn the tables on your behalf (Phil. 4:6-7). For before your troubles started, God’s providential hand had put in place everything to put you ahead of the game in the end.

So: May you trust God, as you walk with Him by faith (2 Cor. 5:7); and may the resurrection power of Christ triumph in your situation for His glory.

If the script of God’s providence has not been revealed, remember that God never forsakes His people.

Shalom