The Jewish feast of Purim recognizes the role of Esther in preserving the Jewish nation in exile. But purim is a word meaning"lots" - as in casting lots. Essentially throwing the dice.
When one gambles on a throw of the dice, it can become deadly. Haman gambled on his position as an elevated noble. He lost.
He lost because he did not possess "a superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals." His ambitions arose from pride and arrogance. He presumed on the generosity of the king. His goal was wealth and self-aggrandizement. This is a setup designed to find one hoist with his own petard.
When your ambitions are totally selfish, they are almost always destined for destruction. You see, the world will work against you. It has no illusions about your worth. God knows your worth. He bought you at the price of the blood of Jesus Christ. He will not aid you in demeaning yourself.
Our lives have significance only as they can be of service to the body of Christ. We are most important when we are acting merely as an instrument of God's love.
Esther knew that her life was forfeit if the king did not extend his scepter to her. But she committed to a course of action designed to save her people, whether it cost her life or not. Greater love has no man or woman.
So how about us. Do we love God? If we love Him and have "cast our lot" with Him, we have a clear directive - straight from the mouth of Jesus the Lord. Let us be about feeding the sheep.
Father, God,
You set examples before us - what to do and what not to do. Grant us the wisdom to move our lives in the direction You indicate. Help us to feed Your sheep.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
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