Today’s Reading: ESTHER 5:3–4; 6:6–11, 14; 7:1–6, 9–10; 8:1–2; 9:1
So I have pieced together a bunch of highlights from the rest of the story of Esther.
* As for Haman, the point seems to be pretty clear: the same one who plans evil will suffer evil.
* Or, in the words of Prov. 26:27, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.”
* Ultimately, the justice of God will come, and all will be revealed.
Now Esther and Mordecai enjoy an entirely different biblical theme, right?
* Esther has already been given about the highest position she could get! the queen’s throne. And where did she come from? She has no royal claim or socio-economic status.
* Mordecai (with Esther’s help) offers service without seeking recognition and gets lavishly honored in the end, and with the honor desired by his enemy.
* Perhaps this all alludes to a principle like: “Humble yourselves… so that at the proper time [God] may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).
In the end, the whole book of Esther seems a fine illustration of the concept of the “last will be first, and the first last” (Mk 10:31 and elsewhere).
* And though God’s name is not to be found in the text, the reason these principles are true is because there is a God governing his universe.
* Those who selfishly seek their own power and glory have reason to fear the coming justice of God, even though he is hidden from view.
* Those who are humble and faithful can trust in God’s timing, even though he hasn’t shown his hand yet.
Clever Remarks 