3/23
((from Bri))

God’s heart for the people that others have counted out has always resonated with me. I think it’s partly because I know what it feels like and partly because I love how against the status quo that is. We don’t typically elevate the lowly because we can’t guarantee anything in return, but God doesn’t care about any of that. He’s always been about seeing people.

That is good news. That’s why I’ve got to worship. And that’s why I’ve devoted my life to telling others about the love of Jesus.

This theme. This gospel. This truth is all over the book of Esther.

The more I read and study Esther, the more I’m compelled to believe that this story is really about how God sees us.

Today we pick up in chapters 6 and 7. As a review, Esther finds favor with King Ahasuerus because she is gorgeous. Mordecai, her cousin, overhears that some folks are trying to kill the King and tells Esther to warn him. The King offers Esther what she wants, up to half the kingdom. She decides to invite the King and Haman, the nobleman, to a banquet. Now Mordecai and Haman don’t get along because Mordecai refused to bow down to him.

In chapter six, the King can’t sleep so he requests the ‘book of memorable deeds’ be read to him. I liken this to you having your journal read to you. As he’s listening, he realizes that he never honored Mordecai for saving his life. “And the king said, ‘What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?’ The king’s young men who attended him said, ‘Nothing has been done for him.'” Esther 6:3 

So in the wee hours of the morning, the King calls for someone in his court to arrange a celebration. What the King didn’t know was that Haman was also awake plotting Mordecai’s death. 

This could preach all by itself. While your enemies are plotting your demise, God is plotting your triumph. Really! Think about that. How might we face trials differently if we believed this to be true about the character and nature of God? He’s always looking to celebrate us!

And this is my favorite part of the whole story: “So Haman came in, and the king said to him, ‘What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?’ And Haman said to himself, ‘Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?’” Esther 6:6

I literally laughed aloud when I read this. Haman gives this elaborate answer that involves robes and horse and the King responds: “Then the king said to Haman, ‘Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.’” Esther 6:10 

Now that’s funny! Can you picture it? Haman was feeling pretty good about himself only for the King to favor the man he wants to kill. Haman realizes what he’s done but it’s too late. Esther uses the banquet as an opportunity to expose Haman and plead for her people, the Jews.

I think this comment from Haman’s wife and wise men is extremely telling: “’If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.’” Esther 6:13 

When God’s hand is on your life even your enemies will stand in awe. 

Over the last six months or so, God has made me so aware that I am seen by Him, even when others don’t. He doesn’t only see me, He infuses purpose and identity. He is a God that always goes above and beyond. He doesn’t just send His Son to die on a cross, but He made sure He got up on day three with all power and authority. And He didn’t stop there, He seated us in heavenly places with Him. He’s working all things out for my good.

Be encouraged today friends! God’s plans are for you and not against you!