The great thing about the book of Esther is that the intrigue and storyline builds with the main characters. Today we are introduced to the evil Haman. This is the guy that will clearly need to be dealt with. Be blessed.
Esther 3: Haman Plots Against the Jews
1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him.
2 And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage.
3 Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?"
4 And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.
6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them.
9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries."
10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews.
11 And the king said to Haman, "The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you."
12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.
13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day.
15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.
Things to think about…
1. Haman the Agagite is promoted to Mordecai’s disbelief. Remember King Agag and the Agagites who were destroyed by Saul and Samuel in 1 Sam 15. How did Haman’s family escape? Satan is never fully eradicated, only in eternity. Mordecai knew that Haman’s people group were supposed to be destroyed and yet here this man is promoted to the highest echelons of power within Persia. Mordecai will not bow down. Why doesn’t Mordecai move on here? Why not bow down, he bows to Ahasuerus, a pagan, why not Haman? The issue is that we should acknowledge those who are appointed to rule for good, Rom 13:1-8 and give honour to those who are worthy of honour. But imposters or those actively against our Lord’s decrees should be withstood, Acts 4:17-20.
2. Haman knew the history of his own people group of course and here is this arrogant Jew, Mordecai, showing defiance. Haman plots to do to Mordecai’s people group, the Jews, what the Israelites purposed for his people group under King Saul, Est 3:6. Even though the Lord’s name is not mentioned in this book, His providence behind the scenes is clearly being shown. Can you see any similarities here between Mordecai and Haman with the church and the world? While we don’t always see or acknowledge a war, there are definitely spiritual battles going on around us.
3. There is a date stamp in Esth 3:7, “the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus”. This 474BC. In Nisan, the Jewish first month they cast Pur – lots, to determine the best date to kill the Jews. It was determined that in the last month of Adar that they be destroyed. The 13th Adar Jews celebrate Esther’s fast and the Jewish celebrate Purim on the 14th Adar – Feb/Mar Gregorian calendar. Haman cast the lot, but the Lord cast the result, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord”, Prov. 16:33. This was the date Haman determined, but the Lord had other plans for the outcome, hence the Jewish festival.
4. The city of Susa was thrown into turmoil. Clearly the common residents of Susa did not rejoice in this decree, Est 3:15. When the government makes decisions that are clearly against the will of the people, confusion and turmoil ensue. This even happens in our day when it effects the resident Christian population. When Australia implemented the ‘Safe Schools’ program that promoted an overt LGBT+ agenda on our children there was a backlash. ACL and others continue to fight against a radical anti-Christ agenda. We are now well through a gender transitioning ideology that keeps secrtes from parents. Radical sexualised social grooming is also happening. These programs are anti-Christ and actively slander Christ-centred prayer, counselling and the reading of scripture. The Israel Falau saga years ago confirmed such hatred in the media, politics and corporate Australia.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Christ in the Community” from Numbers 35
1. The 12 tribes of Israel were about to inherit the Land of Canaan. The land was divided up among the tribes. One tribe did not receive a land portion. Which one and why not?
2. 48 cities were dispersed among the land of Canaan for the Levites. 6 of those cites were called the Cities of Refuge. What was a City of Refuge and why were they important?
3. Describe how the Cities of Refuge reflect Christ in their position, function and role. What relevance did the death of the High Priest have?
4. Levites were to give the Law of the Lord and be a witness for Him among the tribes of Israel. How is this the case for us as Christians in the community. Why is just being a good person not enough?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the 2 families we will be giving money to this week to help with flood relief in Queensborough parade in Karalee.
2. Our new Albanese government. That the Lord would be merciful. We need it with the spiritual change that has been happening in Australia.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. New tarp over the café area – Thankyou Steve Hawkins and Richard Gauntlett for helping out.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Fiona, Josh, Ben, Doug.
3. Café helpers for Fiona on Sunday – thanks Kayla
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for June...
Q. 4. What becomes of men when they die? A. The body returns to dust, and the soul goes back to God to be judged.
