31 Jul (Esther 3)

Esther 3

(v.1) Here we have the villain of the story...Haman. If we look back, we see that other people's actions help create this situation about to unfold:

In 2 Samuel 16 we learn of a descendant of King Saul, that was angry at David, and threw stones at David, as David fled Jerusalem. David's nerves and feelings were undoubtedly at a high point, and it would've been understandable if David had this man, Shimei. Mordecai is a descendant of Shimei! Here, God was working, for if David had killed Shimei, then Mordecai would never have been born!

Also, Saul disobeyed God, and didn't kill Agag...Haman is a descendant of Agag! 1 Samuel 15

So, by David's obedience, Mordecai was able to be used to encourage Esther and save God's people. And by Saul's disobedience, Haman was born to torment and try to kill all the Jews.

God wants obedience...sacrifices and rituals don't impress Him. Our obedience to Him makes a difference in the lives of others. 1 Sam 15:22

(v.2) Like Daniel and his friends before him, Mordecai would not bow to a man. Only God deserves this type of homage. Rom 14:11

(v.6) This is a good time to remind you kids that ever since Satan knew that God was going to redeem mankind through a Messiah, he persecuted and tried to kill off the possible chain of descendants. He tried with Moses, with the time of Esther, and we will see him try again with Herod during the time of Jesus' youth.

(v.13) This is a type of what will happen in the Day of the LORD...the world will try to wipe out Israel and Jerusalem in one day. But God Himself will come down and save Israel, like Mordecai and Esther do here.