Esther 6 and 7 opens with the king having trouble sleeping.  He decides to read the book of record to help him sleep. He reads how Mordecai had helped him in the past by letting him know about an assassination plot. The king asks what was done to honor Mordecai. Nothing has been done. So the king wants to get advice from one of his advisors. Haman is in the outer court waiting to ask to kill Mordecai. The king calls him in and asks what should be done to honor someone. Haman, full of himself, thinks the king wants to honor him and suggests giving him one of the king’s robes and crowns and riding him on one of the king’s horses telling everyone this is what is done for someone the king honors. The king tells Haman to do this for Mordecai. Haman is humiliated as he walks Mordecai around honoring him.

Haman tells his wife and friends what happened. They know that Haman is in trouble. He is immediately taken to the banquet Queen Esther prepared. During the feast the king again asks Esther what she wants. She tells him that she wants her life and the lives of her people the Jews to be saved. She explains that Haman intends to kill them, including her. Haman pleads for his life with the Queen but the king decides to kill Haman as punishment for his plot. Haman had already constructed the gallows in order to kill Mordecai so the king hangs Haman on his own gallows.

You have to admit that this turn of events definitely sounds like the actions of God. Again, even though God is not mentioned it is clear that God is working His purpose out even as others are working against those He loves. In Luke 12 Jesus warns the disciples of the Pharisees intent, but he tells them not to fear them. The one they should fear is God who determines their eternal destiny. Jesus assures them that God loves each one of them, but if they are led to go against Jesus they will be punished by God.

Someone asks him about a family inheritance and Jesus teaches against greed. He tells them not to worry about what they have. God will give them what they need. Instead of gaining wealth he encourages them to give their wealth away. They will be storing their treasure in heaven where it is always safe.

Jesus encourages them always to be ready for the kingdom of God. We should live our lives as though Jesus is coming at any minute. We should be about doing the Lord’s work and not worrying about ourselves. Our priorities should be turned toward God and God’s works. Everything else will be taken care of. Our responsibility is to the Lord.