Let’s return to the Book of Esther for another reminder. Last week, I shared the reminder that, we too, may be be called to take bold steps of faith in this post.

Continuing on in Esther, there was another lesson brought to life – egos and the use of our words.

Haman was a man with a big ego and deep seated hatred for the Jews. A most toxic combination.

After putting an edict in place by which people would need to bow in honor when in his presence, he becomes angered when Mordecai does not comply.

While it was a long and historical hatred that lived in Haman, he obviously forgot how God had protected His people, the Jews, in the past. His search for importance blinded him.

And that is it even for us.

Our search will blind us if we are not first and foremost searching for God. We will experience significance and fulfillment in life only through Christ.

The writer of Esther is drawing our attention to the stark difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is circumstance based while joy is in Jesus.

Haman experienced happiness as long as he was being honored and patronized. But as soon as the least bit of homage was removed, he was angered.

“… true significance, lasting joy, and eternal peace come only from Jesus.”

 

(from Esther, by The Daily Grace Co., page 64)

Haman was surely sowing to his flesh – his hatred and resentment towards Mordecai and the Jews had given way to a full blown scheme to eradicate the Jews. He used his anger, position, and his words, to write the evil edict.

Esther, on the other hand, was humble and chose her words carefully and wisely. Esther was sowing to the Spirit.

Giving a first banquet to honor the king and Haman, she refrains from letting her request be fully known to the king. Esther knows that once an edict had been signed, it would not be reversed or revoked. Instead she holds a second banquet

It is at this second banquet, when asked again for her request, that Esther states her request which reveals the evil edict.

Esther used her words for the good of the Jewish people and in the plan of God to save His people.

We are truly living in a time when our words matter. There are so many platforms where we can share our words, combined with the numerous happenings and topics by which opinions are shared, we must be wise in what we say.

Only when the words we speak are according to God’s will, and led by the Holy Spirit, will they then bear fruit.

We need to ask ourselves:

• Are the words we sharing according to His will?
• Are the words we share bearing good fruit?

Those two questions brought this verse to mind:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NASB)

May we be wise stewards of our words.
May we speak words of truth and love, bringing hope and peace to those around us.
May they be life-giving fruit.

Image by Ina Hoekstra from Pixabay
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