Esther 6

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Esther 6:1-3, That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.  It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

 “What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked.

“Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.

The king couldn’t sleep so she has the record of his reign read aloud to him.  This is a man who likes to hear about his own exploits.  Regardless, he finally learns about the incident in which Mordecai uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate the king.  The king realizes that Mordecai was never rewarded for this and so he asks Haman what should be done to a man who greatly pleases the king.  Haman, totally self-obsessed, thinks the king is referring to him so he chooses a grand reward:  wearing the a royal robe and being paraded around the city on one of the king’s horses.

Things are beginning to be turned upside down.  While Haman was originally planning on killing Mordecai that day, he ends up being the one who parades him around the city. 

Let’s pray…Lord, Thank you for being a God who turns the things of the world upside down.  Help us remember that we are also to turn things on their head: living differently, treating people with love, and putting you first.  We love you, Lord.  Amen.