Esther 3:1 After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.
If you don't already know the story of Esther, Haman is not a good guy. His true nature will show shortly, but there is so much inside this one verse that to ignore it would be to miss the huge relevance that it shows. Let me tell you a story:
A long time ago, there was a man by the name of Moses. He was leading God's people through the wilderness. It was a hard time - people complained, they kept doubting God, even miracle after miracle. Then came a group of people called the Amalekites to destroy God's people (Exodus 17), He again performed another miracle and as long as Moses kept his hands in the air - the Israelites would win. At the end of this battle, God makes a promise that he will destroy the Amalekites. Now there's a nice promise, I will destroy the people who tried to destroy you. HMMMMMMM
Then, years pass and a man named Saul has been told that he will be king, and been told by God to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15) - Here we go - now they will be destroyed, promise fulfilled. God tells Saul to kill everyone but do not touch their stuff. However, Saul did not 'completely' obey - He killed everyone - BUT the king, King Agag, and kept just a few cows and sheep. What's the big deal, right?
Here's the deal - and we see it in Verse 1 of Chapter 3 of Esther: Haman - the Agagite - a descendent of King Agag - who was, by order of God, supposed to be killed by Saul years ago.
There is no choosing when it comes to being obedient to God. This is such a hard lesson to learn. If it's 'partial' obedience - then it is "TOTAL DISOBEDIENCE". Either we choose to follow God and do what He tells us, or we are not followers of God. We do not get the option to pick and choose which things we like and which ones we don't.
The question is, are we willing to do everything God tells us?
2 comments:
Dorothy,
You were such a great inspiring speaker at She Speaks. Your Bible study here on this blog is equally probing. Disobedience is the moment we hesitate to do what we know God is calling us to do. Yes, I needed this today. Keep writing, you are a blessing in God's Kingdom.
Kay,
You are truly a motivation! Just when I think that I'm not doing enough, or giving enough - you say the right things! Thank you!
Post a Comment