MARCH 23

Esther 6:12-7:1

PRIDE AND SELF-PITY

What is the difference between Haman’s mourning and that of Mordecai and the Jews? The Jews mourned out of grief that their lives were decreed to be destroyed; Haman mourned out of embarrassment and self-pity. It was as though he might as well die after suffering this humiliation! After walking through the city with Mordecai, Haman hurried back to his house and cried, covering his head to mourn in self-pity. His pride was terribly bruised and he felt very sorry for himself.

Haman told his wife and his friends what had happened.Their plan to hang Mordecai on the gallows failed. Instead, Haman had to honour him in public! Just the night before, Haman was boasting about how great he was. Now,he bemoaned how the events had turned against him.Truly,God was the one who made all this happen to punish wicked Haman!

Haman’s wife and friends told Haman that if Mordecai was of the Jews, and he had to pay him honour, then Haman would not prevail but surely fall before Mordecai. While they were still talking, the king’s chamberlains came to rush Haman to part 2 of queen Esther’s banquet. Surely they didn’t expect this foreboding comment to be fulfilled that very day!

Can you think of an example when things turn out with totally opposite results from what you planned? Write it below.

What was your response? You could either acknowledge that God is sovereign and it happened for a reason. Or you could be like Haman, indulging in self-pity. Haman was proud. He just couldn’t see beyond himself. Dear reader, when things don’t happen the way you planned it to, see beyond yourself and the situation. Trust in God’s higher purpose.

Thought: If all you care about is yourself, you’d tend to indulge in self-pity.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, when things don’t go as expected, help me not to indulge in self-pity. Instead, grant me the ability to surrender and submit to Your higher purposes. I know that the thoughts that You have for me, are of peace, and not of evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.