17 Aug, 2021

Be Happy!

Esther 5:9-14

READ –  “Haman was a happy man as he left the banquet! But when he saw Mordecai sitting at the palace gate, not standing up or trembling nervously before him, Haman became furious.” — Esther 5:9 NLT

EXAMINE – Even though he was angry, Haman restrained himself and went home. He called his friends and wife together to boast about his wealth, many sons and all the ways he had been honored by the king  (v.10-11). He also talked about how Queen Esther had only invited him to accompany the king to her banquet. (v.12). With all this, Haman was still not satisfied as long as Mordecai was sitting outside the king’s gate (v.13). Then his wife and friends suggested he have a pole set up, reaching to a height of 50 cubits, and that he should ask the king to have Mordecai impaled on it. Afterwards he would go to the banquet with the king and enjoy himself (v.14).

APPLY –  Although Haman had been elevated above all the other nobleman in the kingdom, he was still jealous of Mordecai’s position. He had great wealth, friends and family; but because of his hard heart he could not enjoy his life. His jealousy led him to make many bad decisions that would ultimately ruin his own life. As Christians, the scriptures tell us in the ten commandments we are not to covet or desire what belongs to our neighbors, Exodus 20:12. Do you ever find yourself feeling jealous over someone else’s success? What God has for you is for you and what He has for me is for me. God doesn’t have to take something from one person in order to bless another. Everything in this world belongs to God.  He allows us to be stewards over a few things on earth. Matthew 25:23 tells us if you are faithful over a few things, He will make you ruler over many things. Therefore, be grateful for everything God has given you, and be happy for friends and loved ones when they too are blessed. Every day you are alive should be a day of thanksgiving. God wants us to set our eyes and hearts toward the kingdom of heaven because one day this earth and everything in it shall pass away and only the word of God shall last.

PRAY – Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful for all the things You have given me; great and small. I know the earth is the Lord’s and all that dwells within. Bless me to love others and count it all joy whatever state I find myself. Lord, I know You will keep those in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on You.  This I pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Thank God and Amen!