Esther Chapter 5:Wicked Rage

Esther Chapter 5
Wicked Rage

9 On that day, Haman left the palace in high spirits and with a joyful heart. But as he passed by the palace gate, Mordecai, who was guarding the gate, neither stood up nor bowed in respect. Seeing this, Haman was filled with rage, yet

10 he restrained himself and went home...

◇ Esther, determined to "die if I must die" for her people, took action. She pleased the king and Haman, who had conspired in all things, by inviting them to a banquet. On his way home, Haman must have felt as if he was walking on clouds. He had immeasurable wealth (to the extent of offering 10,000 talents), and his family had grown to ten sons. Moreover, the queen had invited only him to a special banquet for the king. Haman felt second to none in the world.

However, there was one person who could bring his soaring spirit crashing down: Mordecai. Despite the king and queen holding him in high regard and the people bowing before him, Mordecai was the exception. He neither bowed nor even stood up in respect when he saw him.

Although Haman was pleased to receive recognition from the king and queen and admiration from the people, he could not contain his anger towards Mordecai. His wife and friends suggested a cruel solution to rid him of his anger: to have Mordecai killed publicly in a gruesome manner. It seems there was no one to temper Haman's anger or guide him towards a righteous path. Or perhaps his anger blinded him.

There are said to be three types of anger. One is "natural anger," an instinctive surge of emotion. It's a natural expression of feelings. Another is "righteous anger," which is anger at injustice that contradicts God's righteousness. Anger towards injustice and for the sake of good and justice is essential for us. Lastly, there is "wicked anger," which harms oneself and others. This kind of anger ultimately damages oneself.

God is slow to anger (Jonah 4:2). The Bible also tells us to be slow to anger (James 1:19). What kind of anger am I experiencing? What kind of anger should I have? Why does James tell us to be slow to anger?

♧ God, is being slow to anger a way of giving us a chance to turn back? Is it because of Your love? Make us slow to anger. Also, help us distinguish between righteous anger and wicked anger, and not to be stingy in our anger for the sake of Your righteousness. Holy Spirit, lead us in truth. Amen.