Esther Chapter 6: A Servant in Their Place

Esther Chapter 6
A Servant in Their Place

6. When Haman entered, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" Now Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?"

7. So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor,

8. have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head.

9. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

◇ Indeed, God's workings are beyond our expectations. Through the king's insomnia and reading the record of the assassination plot, God brings Mordecai to remembrance. Is it natural to read chronicles due to unexpected insomnia? There's a joke that if you can't sleep, you should read the Bible, so perhaps the king had a habit of reading the chronicles when he couldn't sleep?

It's also incomprehensible that the event of saving the king from an assassination plot was concluded without any reward. While punishing the conspirators is important, rewarding the person who saved a life by preventing the assassination seems even more crucial. Yet, that significant act went unrewarded, which is hard to understand. We cannot fully grasp the workings of God.

Now the king is aware of the event and intends to reward it. As he pondered what to do, he asked Haman. Haman, in his pride and delusion, thought the reward would be for himself. He imagines the highest honor, not material wealth or a position of power, but something only the king could enjoy. To be dressed in the king's robe, crowned with the king's diadem, mounted on the king's horse, and to be proclaimed by the most noble as such. Haman's pride and greed knew no bounds, filled with the arrogance of wanting to enjoy the king's authority. It seems like Haman, who had wealth and power, coveted the king's position. There seems to be no end to a proud heart.

Those who work for God, especially those who receive applause and glory in front of many, must be cautious. Always be on guard against coveting God's position. Do not forget your place. Remember that seeking glory in this world could result in the fate of the rich man in the story of Lazarus in God's kingdom.

♧ God, keep me humble and not proud. Prevent me from trying to take the master's place. Let me trust in Your work and be bold. Holy Spirit, lead me in truth. Amen.