Be honest. Don’t you just LOVE it when hateful people get what’s coming to them? Of COURSE you do! Me too. This is the part of the Esther story that almost makes me laugh out loud. We see in verses 10 and 11 that Haman is utterly humiliated –publicly! Can you imagine what that must have been like for Haman to dress Mordecai in the King’s robe and crown, and then have to parade him around town proclaiming “This is what is done for the man the King delights to honor!” (verse 11). Haman (the man who, no doubt, made sure to tell anyone who would listen how much he hated Mordecai ) not only had to do this in front of his peers and subjects, Haman obviously was not the man the King delighted to honor! In the chapter to come we will see the full extent of his downfall. Take that, you jerk!
But even as I read the scriptures this morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my attitude and asked me a couple questions. Is this how you really are supposed to think, Robin? Did I delight in Haman’s punishment?
Whoa. I just got checked by the Holy Spirit. Time to take that thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let’s answer the second question first…just so we’re on the same page. The answer is NO. Evil will be punished, because God is a just and holy God, and therefore cannot (and will not) tolerate sin. He does not, however, delight in it. 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Do you see what the Scripture says –He wants EVERYONE to come to repentance. Even hateful Haman. You know those people in your mind that are the worst scum of the Earth, ever? He wants them, too. Which brings me back to the first question the Holy Spirit is using to correct me (and perhaps you, too…).
Is this really how I am supposed to think? Well, sisters, the answer is… no, not really. To know that evil will eventually be no more and that God will even out the score brings a great amount of comfort! But let’s get back to the focus of this study, shall we? Submission. If I want to truly be more like Christ, if I want my will to decrease so that His will can increase in me (John 3:30), then I MUST submit my will, in all things. That includes wanting to get even or to get revenge.
Haven’t we all had a “Haman” in our lives, at some time or another? Maybe not so drastic that they wanted us dead – but haven’t we all had someone who “got one over on us?” Perhaps there is someone who makes your life miserable at work. A “friend” who insists on outdoing everything you do, and rubbing your nose in it. Maybe you have a neighbor that HATES you. Or maybe someone just cheated you out of something you worked hard for. It could be something as simple as getting cut off in traffic! But it could be more heinous – you or your family has been victim of harm or abuse. The bottom line is, we all have at one time or another wanted to get revenge for an offense made against us. We definitely haven’t prayed for God’s favor on that person!
But we should.
Romans 12:17-21 presents a challenging passage about love:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Wow – is that some heavy lifting, or what? Give your enemy a drink if he’s thirsty? I know sometimes I would rather hit someone upside the head with a full bucket of water than give that person a drink out of love. But as I am called to be more like Christ, and as God keeps trying to skim out the garbage in my life to make me more pure, then I MUST think of any offending person as someone that God desperately wants to reach for his Kingdom. He doesn’t want ANYONE to perish, remember? All people are created by God – in His image – and He wants all people to come to Him. This is not going to be an easy one to master. But forgiving someone an offense and PRAYING for those who persecute us brings us to such an incredible place of submission and humility that God can work miracles – in our hearts AND in our enemies!
*****
Let’s pray:
God, thank You for being a just AND loving God! Thank You for Your forgiveness of my offenses and help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Lord, help me when I want to seek revenge for wrongs done to me and when I would rather wish harm on someone than good. Pour me out so that YOU can increase in me. Help me to rest assured that my life rests in the palm of Your hand and know that You will avenge any wrong done to me – the daughter of the King! May my words, thoughts and actions reflect Your love in my life – help me to be more like Your beautiful Son every day. In His name we pray.
Amen.
