Esther

Proverbs 25:21-22
    I was reading the book of Esther recently and a concept kept ringing in my head. “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you” (Prov. 25:21-22). Paul references this Old Testament truth when writing to the church at Rome in Romans 12:14-21. In verse 21 of Romans 12 Paul concludes by saying, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Often we get overwhelmed by the world around us and either participate in their deeds, or do evil back to them. When I was reading Esther, I realized that she could have done this to Haman. Rather, what was her reaction? She morned the decision that Haman made to pay King Ahasuerus to kill all of the Jews in his land (Esther 4:4). She seeks wisdom from her uncle and his response was, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish” (Esther 4:14). So she plans a banquet and invites not only the king, but Haman, the would be murder of Mordecai, as well (Esther 5). During the time of waiting and not doing evil to Haman, the king remembers the good that Mordecai had previously done for him (Esther 6:2-3). He requires Haman to honor Mordecai around the city (Esther 6:10-13). Esther then asks King Ahasuerus to honor her and save her people. She never asks for the harm of Haman. But when asked she speaks the truth that it was Haman who wanted to kill the Jews. Haman is then hanged by the king, on the very same allow that Haman had constructed for Mordecai. Esther did not repay evil for evil. She also did not allow herself to be overcome by evil. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes and read through Esther and see the many lessons we can learn from her demeanor. I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley