When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged (Esther 3:5).
Then...one of the eunuchs... said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king said, “Impale him on it!” (Esther 7:9).
Abba, Father, Faithful God, You watch over Your children. The psalmist says of Your sure defense, "You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked..." (Psalm 12:7).
We know Lord that though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does (2 Corinthians 10:3). But we know that our spiritual battles manifest through the natural events and interactions in this world.
You have not left us unaware of the threats, the attacks, and the assaults on Your plans and Your people, since the Garden or Eden and through the entire course of human history. Yet You reassured Your protected ones, no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you (Isaiah 54:17).
You have given us numerous accounts of the resounding defeat of those who in pride have risen up against Your people—powerful kings, mighty giants, scheming politicians. And the "Hamans" of this world, driven by greed, ambition, and hatred.
Father, we pray for the resolve of Daniel, the courage of David, the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the conviction of Mordecai—so that we do not kneel down or pay honor to the systems and the practices of this world. But guard our hearts from pride and deceit, from naïve notoriety and manipulative persuasions, from worldly agendas, and political deceptions. You desire truth in our inmost being (Psalm 51:6). Purify our thoughts and our motives.
You, O Lord, are the same God, yesterday, today, and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). Yet so often, we seek our own misguided remedies, even though You have told us, "Do not fret because of those who are evil..." (Psalm 37:1).
Turn our fret to faith. Quell our tendency to provoke anger, or to be quickly provoked (Ecclesiastes 7:9); to brandish swords, or to cut off ears (John 18:10). Help us to truly seek to live out the instruction You have given us, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
Lord, You promised Your people a heritage of vindication (Isaiah 54:17). Help us to trust You. When the arrogant dig pits to trap [us] (Psalm 119:85), remind us of Haman, and the promise of Your word, Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them (Proverbs 26:27).
Remind us of the Lord Jesus, the sinless, spotless, perfect Lamb of God who was hated... without reason (John 15:25). Remind us of the stone He rolled back—only, with forgiveness and redemption.
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