Haman the Agagite is an arrogant, prejudiced, hateful, bold-faced liar. He was given a position of honor by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), but that wasn’t enough for him – he had to be worshipped, as well. And when Haman wasn’t worshipped by Mordecai, he leveled a false charge of disobedience or insubordination against an entire race of people, wrapped it up in an ingratiating package that looked like loyalty and served it up to the king. Deceived, the king obliged him.
Does Haman sound like anyone else you know?? May I speak Southern, ladies? Haman is the devil. (We call all manner of things “the devil” in the south that seek to do us harm – that nosey neighbor, preparing your taxes, cupcakes…. You get the picture.) Now Haman is not LITERALLY the devil, but he has so many of Satan’s characteristics – elevated to a high place, yet wanting the worship due the King (God); arrogant; hate filled; a definite prejudice against God’s people and a liar. In this book, Darlene reminds us of Job’s story, where Satan has an exchange with God about Job, and she calls him a tattletale of sorts; “… who puts God’s people in the worst possible light to discredit our faith as he seeks to tempt and destroy all believers” (page 39). I do agree, but let’s call things as they are – Satan is known in the Bible as the accuser.
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down” (Revelation 12:10 NIV).
To accuse, per the dictionary, is to charge with a shortcoming or error, or charge with a wrongdoing, fault, offense or crime. Sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it? Satan, per Revelation, stands before God day and night charging you and me with wrongdoings, with crimes against God, with faults. What did Haman say in verse 8? “They do not obey the King’s laws; it is not in the King’s best interest to tolerate them.” (Esther 2:8, NIV) Furthermore, he suggests that he be allowed to destroy them (verse 9). Unlike the King, God is not deceived! The blood of his son, Jesus, was willingly shed for you to save your life and make you a brand new person! In Psalm 103:12, it says: “He (God) has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.” (NLT) Not perfect? No problem! In 1 John 1:9, John says that “If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
Now hear me, sisters. If Satan is working day and night to accuse us before God, and God’s not listening to him, who do you think believes Satan’s lying garbage? We do. What does Satan’s accusations look like? Stop me when this sounds familiar: “You don’t obey God’s commands.” You think God can love you with your past?” “You’ll never be good enough.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “You aren’t a very good Christian.” “You’ve never finished anything you’ve started. Why even try?” “Do you really think you’re equipped to lead a small group/start a ministry/teach a class/make a difference?” “God doesn’t care about you. Why bother?” Lies, lies, LIES!!! Satan is going to be punished for all eternity, and he’s trying to take everybody with him. If he can’t get God to sign off on you (never happen!), then he’ll try to get you to give up on God.
That’s why Ephesians 6:10-18 is so important . It tells us how to shield ourselves “…against the devil’s schemes” (verse11). This passage tells us about putting on “the armor of God.” There are many ways that we can protect ourselves from Satan’s schemes, but only one way to fight back – with the Word of God, which is called the “sword of the Spirit” (verse 17). When Satan whispers some lie in your ear, tell him (and remind yourself!) what ALMIGHTY GOD says about you! You are LOVED (John 3:16) ! You are REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13, Psalm 107:2). You are PERFECT (Psalms 139:13-14)! You are a CHILD OF THE KING (1 John 3:1)!!
Enough, sisters! Have you allowed Satan to accuse you of things that God refuses to hold against you, or even think about you? No more! If you see yourself as “less than,” let’s ask God to help you see the truth; you are royalty! You are a child of the King!
Let’s pray:
Holy God, I thank You that You love me! Thank you that You willingly sacrificed the life of Your son so that I can live eternally with You! God, I’ll be honest, sometimes it’s hard to see myself as You see me. I see my faults, my failures, my attempts and where I don’t measure up. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever make a difference for Your kingdom, or if I’ll ever be good enough to be used by You. And Satan is constantly attempting to drag me down! Help me, Lord! Help me to see my beauty given to me by You!
Help me to see the talents, giftings, and unique abilities that You have provided me by Your Holy Spirit. Remind me, Lord, in ways that only You can, that I am Your child and am incredibly special. Thank You for Your invaluable Word, Your infinite grace, wisdom and strength! Thank You for every good and perfect gift that comes from You.
Shine Your light of love on me, Lord, so much that it pours out and strengthens others. Help me to remember that through the blood of Your Son Jesus, Satan has NO POWER OVER ME! Praise You, Lord! Let my life be Your glory! In Your Son’s name.
Amen
About Robin Caddell
Excellent study this morning, Robin! I’m writing down several of your statements in my book so I don’t forget. 🙂
I love the reminder that Satan can accuse us before God all he wants but God doesn’t believe a word of it! It’s our turn to shield ourselves against his attacks, and defend our position with God’s Word on our lips and in our hearts and minds! Thank you for all of the good Scripture references!
I join you in your prayer. Amen!
Thanks, Clella! I need that reminder, too, because Satan is all the time telling me I am not good enough! (Like he does most people, I am sure.) We shouldn’t live in defeat, because we are conquerors through Jesus! Thanks for joining me in prayer, my friend! 🙂
Wonderful blog this morning! What a great reminder that we have all we need to defeat the lies of the enemy, and that we have such a compassionate loving merciful Father & Savior. I pray each day for His armor to surround me. Tahnk you Robin for laying out these wonderful truths & your prayer.
Thank you, Paula! How crucial is the armor – it is such a protection and a weapon! God bless you!
God has not only made us to be just exactly who He wants us to be but, as you have so kindly enumerated for us, has placed His promises and declarations in The Scriptures so that we have that ARMOR to put on! thanks for putting these reminders before us, robin! may we also encourage one another to think the TRUTH about ourselves…not any more but never any less <3
It is so important, Coleen, that Jesus gives us constant reminders to encourage each other! We have too many sources in the world that want us to feel “less than” – we’ve got to remind each other of the truth – you’re so right!
Awesome study this morning. And one I truly needed a reminder of… Haman reminded me of Hitler or the anti Christ in his desires. It reminded me that if we listen to the whispers and fall prey to the schemes, we will be just as deceived as Haman and Hitler and can do great harm to others around us. Focus on who we are and WHOSE we are keeps us living in victory and freedom. I AM a Child of the ONE, TRUE KING!!!!!
Preach it, Teresa! You ARE a child of the ONE, TRUE KING!!! 🙂 Man, you have SUCH an incredible point – when we listen and believe the wrong thing – we can do great harm to others. How often have we acted (incorrectly) on something we heard or were told and hurt someone else deeply? We must be on guard – and take all thoughts captive to Jesus! Thanks, Teresa!
Very good. (love that song too!)
Thanks Sandy! That song is one of my FAVORITES right now! Can’t get enough of it! 🙂
Awesome, awesome! Thank you, Robin, for this empowering blog today.
So many of us need this reminder. No matter how grounded we are in Christ, we are all susceptible to the lies of the enemy. You’ve helped us remember today how much we are loved!
You are so welcome, Sherrie! I love that you use the word “empowering” – it’s so true! Although it’s not my blog – it’s the Holy Spirit that is speaking to you when you read it, reminding you of the power you have because HE resides in you! You are incredibly loved, blessed, gifted and highly favored! 😀
satan has no power over me, I am a Child of the One True King! What a powerful reminder! Thank you Robin! God bless!
Amen, sister! You ARE a child of the One True King, and since he lives in you – you tell satan to get back! He has no claim, hold or power over you! God bless you, sister! 🙂
Amen Robin! Tell it like it is! <3 this
Thank you, my sister!! Now you go tell that good news to someone you know that needs encouragement today! <3 Spread the love!
Robin, what a beautiful gift of prayer for us today. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Sharon! May God bless you!
Great blog Robin. Your right. Everyday Satan reminds me of everything I’ve done in the past. I have to tell myself and him, I’m not that person anymore. He has no power over me. I am s child of the one true King. I have been redeemed. I have been set free. Love that song. Thanks for letting us share in your prayer
Thanks Gloria! 🙂 I know you proclaim over yourself that through the blood of Jesus , Satan has no place in you and no power over you! That song is an awesome reminder during random times of the day to remember who I am and who I belong to! 🙂