Esther 3:5-6 “5 When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him who the people of Mordecai were; therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.”
JEALOUSY AND RAGE
Don’t you just love the story of Esther. It would really be a good movie, don’t you think? There’s intrigue, love, jealousy, revenge, danger and rescue. And of course, we have the villain, Haman. He hated the Jews. Why? Because of one Jew – Mordecai. Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman, and that burned Haman up.
Haman was a proud man who thought he deserved unquestioned admiration. Obviously, Mordecai recognized something in this scoundrel that did not deserve respect. So, he took a stand which could have cost him his life. Mordecai would bow to no man, only God. Haman would have none of that.
TEACHING MOMENT
Okay, so how do we apply this passage to our kids? Our children need to learn to respect those in authority. There is no doubt about that. But there may come a time in their lives when they are faced with a tyrant whom they must stand up against. Taking a stand could cost them their job. It is doubtful their life would be in danger, but the way this world is going, that could happen too.
Taking a stand and being true to your beliefs is never risky, in the eyes of God. Mordecai knew, as do we, that God had his back. He trusted that God would handle his enemies. Our children must learn that too. God will deliver His children, sometimes in very creative ways.
What are you facing today that threatens you? Are you facing a Haman in your life? Just trust the Lord. He will see you through. Be true to God’s Word and allow Him to work in and through you to glorify His name. Let Him direct your decisions. Let Him lead you through this trial. He promises He will.
A Moment In Time 