When All Seems Lost

O. T. #1096 "When All Seems Lost"
Nov. 10, 2017
Esther 6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.  Hebrews13:6

LET IT GLOW

I can't sleep. Bring me a history book. What? Are you kidding me? Well, that's how it went with King Xerxes. (Probably not our choice.) After Esther's first banquet for the king and Haman, the king could not sleep that night. Was he thinking about his queen? Did he overeat? Did he drink too much wine? Hmm. No, I tend to think God kept the king awake.  The Lord was working on his heart. A series of events were about to take place that would change the history of the Jews. God was continuing to fulfill His promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David.

In the historical records, the king discovered that Mordecai, who exposed an assassination plot to kill  the king. The king asked his attendant what reward of recognition had been given Mordecai. Nothing had been done, though. Shall we peek in on the situation?

• Haman was in he outer court during that time, so the king had him brought inside.
• Haman was there to ask the king to put Mordecai on the 75 foot pole as punishment for not honoring Haman.
• Instead, the king asked Haman,, "What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?"
• Haman suggested the honored man be paraded through the streets, riding upon the king's horse, dressed in the king's robe and crown. The official shouts, "This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!"
• The king approved of Haman's idea. He instructed Haman to do so to Mordecai the Jew. Can you see Haman's jaw drop, struggling to breathe?
• Haman did as the king ordered him to do.
• But afterwards, Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated. (verses 1-13)

Although Mordecai refused to honor Haman, Haman had to honor Mordecai. What goes around comes around. Things are seldom what they seem. When things go wrong, it may seem like they cannot possible get any worse, but they often do. Probably that was the way Mordecai felt before he was rewarded.
Anyone feeling that way today? Continue reading.

You know this reminds me of Revelation when it says Jesus will be riding a white horse, the King of kings, Faithful and True. All will pay Him homage and honor then.

LET IT GROW

Swindoll gives  us 4 principles from this:

1. When all seems lost, it isn't.
2. When no one seems to notice, they do.
3. When everything seems great, it's not.
4. When nothing seems just, it is.

Although Haman was having gallows built for Mordecai, the Jew wasn't licking his wounds, having a pity party. Mordecai was trusting in God.
Time had passed since Mordecai's great act. He received no reward, appreciation, notice, until one night. He never was a revengeful person. When no one else seems to notice, God does notice.
Haman's suggestion as to how the king should reward a person was what he wanted. However, the tables turned on Haman. He as forced to carry out the king's wishes, even with a tight lip and sour attitude. Who can keep from smiling here?

God was invisible, but not out of touch or passive, friends. He had not forgotten His people nor the promises made to them and to their enemies. He would bless those who bless the Jews and curse those who curse them. When God seems absent, He is present. He is in charge. Humbly on our knees, let's yield to His will.  God never turns His back on anyone who comes to Him by the way of the cross.

Will we strut around like peacock Haman or humbly sit at the gate like Mordecai?

LET IT GO
God is just and notices us. He knows our heart. Wait on God. Trust His timing and methods. Honor Him when He comes through for us.