As we continue to read the events of this story we see that Haman’s sinister plan was coming together! King Xerxes was just “along for the ride.” I’m not sure that he had even thought through the potential consequences of such an order. He let Haman take full control. Haman dictated the order to the scribes, and then sealed it with the king’s signet ring. This seal guaranteed the death and destruction of God’s people.
When we come to Christ for salvation we are given a seal too. Ephesians 1:13 says that when we believe and are saved, “you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” So the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is our seal, the evidence of our salvation, and the guarantee of our future inheritance, which is eternal life with Christ.
One king’s seal sealed the death sentence of God’s people. The King of kings’ seal seals the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe in God’s Son, Jesus.
Another opposing comparison that I see is this: Esther 3:12-15 tells us that Haman made sure everyone, everywhere knew that this order was given to destroy all the Jews everywhere. Satan wants all God’s creation destroyed. John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy….” God, on the other hand, wants all His creation saved. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,…Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere,….” (Mark 16:15-20.) In Isaiah 45:23 God says, “turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other…Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear (confess allegiance).” Again in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
All of the Jews were “perplexed” (Esther 3:15) and hopelessly dreaded that coming day of doom and destruction. All believers are looking forward with great hope to the day when every knee will bow before our King and we will live!
In this story, Haman and Mordecai represent the struggle of death and life. Haman is trying to kill off the Jews and Esther, whereas, Mordecai is determined to the best of his ability to protect Esther and save their people.
In our individual lives, our flesh, that is our fallen nature, is constantly struggling against our redeemed spirit–that same struggle of death and life. As our author says, “As long as we’re still in the flesh we will continue to struggle with this until the return of our Lord when Satan is destroyed for once and for all.”
Romans 7:18, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” Is it your temper, a bad habit, telling “white lies,” rebellion, envy, selfishness, or you name it? We are all tempted on every side or have some area of our life that needs cleaning up.
You might be thinking, “But we have the Law (Ten Commandments and other Old Testament ordinances) to show us how to live right.” God’s Word addresses that in Romans 3:19-20, “Obviously, the Law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the Law commands. The Law simply shows us how sinful we are.”
Haman’s orders singled out the Jews and condemned them to death. The Jews couldn’t stop Haman’s death sentence on their own. They needed someone to intervene for them. They needed a savior.
The Law singles us out by pointing out our sins and condemns us to death, which is separation from God. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.” Like the Jews, we can’t stop the death sentence of the Law on us. We too need a Savior.
Let’s pray over what we have learned today, and then look forward to “the rest of the story.”
Dear Lord, we thank You that as Christians we have the seal of Your Holy Spirit on our lives, and with that the guarantee of our inheritance of eternal life with You. We are looking forward to the day when we will all bow our knees before You as You sit on Your Heavenly Throne. In our own flesh we are tempted and can never do enough good deeds or obey enough of The Law to redeem ourselves. We thank You, Lord, that Your plan of redemption covers us as we submit our lives to You. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name.
Amen.
About Clella Fox
Clella. Amazing post today!! So many good points I can’t decide which is the best! So much symbolism in this book of the Bible. God loves us so much He gave us words to live by and to guide us through.
Thank you, Kim. I agree–so many good points, so much symbolism! I’ve read this story many times, but never in the depth that we are covering it now. Jesus loves all of us so much that He is patient for our (eternal) sake. 2 Peter 3:9. Praise God!
I love how you displayed the struggle between Haman and Mordecai and how it mirrors the struggle between life and death, and flesh and spirit. Good job!
Yes Tonya, whether we are consciously aware of it or not that struggle will go on until we are eternally with Jesus. That’s why it is so important to not just know the ‘law’ but to have His seal, His Holy Spirit, to guide us and teach us daily.
so needful to be reminded of our need for THE Savior!!! thank you, clella, for these words today…words of admonition, words of encouragement, words that lead us to gratitude and praise. oh, and do you not just love romans 3:19 and 20!?! wow! <3
You’re welcome, Coleen! It’s amazing what God showed us out of four verses. It’s also exciting to see how His Word is connected and consistent from beginning to end. No excuses–we need The Savior. 🙂
Thank you, Clella, for these words of wisdom!!! Great comments, too! I agree, I am learning so much from this short book! Short in words, but definitely not short in spiritual reach. Also, the words God is pouring into these blogs just leaves me in awe!
I agree, CG, (by the way, those were my initials before I added the F, CGF). 🙂 God’s Words and everyone’s insights has so much to offer us. I believe, that’s because no matter how “old” this story is, it’s God’s Word which is alive and fresh every day for us to personally ‘feed on’ and grow in. Lamentations 3:22-24.
Thank you for this post. Right now i feel a struggle going on. The enemy has really been pushing me per say the last couple days, its been hard for me to want to read, so yep ole burger head won there, but now its so good to know that yes!! Jesus has called me as his own, yes there are alot of things i need to work on and get right in my life and knowing that I’m “sealed” with Christ i know He has won and so will i!!
Patricia, I’m so thankful that the study encouraged you today. All of us, like you, have things we need to work on and times when the enemy is really pushing us, but that’s not the end. We are sealed with Christ and victors with Him! Put on His full armor, my sister, and stand firm! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Clella, I, too, loved all the symbolism you brought out on these pages. It makes the word come alive in our everyday life. Great points.
Thank you, Martha, I agree. Some people say that the Bible is hard to read and understand, and some passages are. But the more I read it the more I understand it. I’m a very ‘visual’ person so the symbolism really helps me understand the Word better, and you’re right it “comes alive in our everyday life.”
I am so grateful that God wants ALL of us to have LIFE in Him, and when we accept Him we are SEALED with His Holy Spirit. Praise God!
I’m just loving how every time I study a book in the Bible (no matter how many times I’ve looked at it before) I learn something new. I LOVE the thought of the Holy Spirit being the “seal” for us.
I agree, Megan! It is so exciting to learn something new from His Word, and yet His Word hasn’t changed. It is us who changes and the eyes of our heart become more open to what He wants us to learn and grow in. Yes, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit in our lives! Hallelujah!