Morning Light – February 19th, 2016: When Satan Authorizes His Strategy Against You

Morning Light – February 19th, 2016: When Satan Authorizes His Strategy Against You
Today: [Esther Three] When Satan Authorizes His Strategy Against You. In this chapter we find Hamon the Agagite successfully implementing a strategy to destroy Mordecai and the Jews. What do you do when you discover the enemy is working against your life? Do you wring your hands or run in fear? Do you attempt to negotiate and clear up misunderstandings? God’s word reveals that when the enemy thinks he has the upper hand he is only setting himself up to be destroyed by the same strategy he is using against you.
[Est 3:1-15 KJV] 1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that [were] with him. 2 And all the king’s servants, that [were] in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did [him] reverence. 3 Then the king’s servants, which [were] in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment? 4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he [was] a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.
Now in the story of Esther we meet the antagonist Haman. Hamon is a figure who comes to favor in the court of Ahasuerus and receives great honor above all the princes in the realm. When he would travel from place to place everyone low born and high born would have to bow down and give obedience to Hamon because of the honor the king bestowed upon him. However Mordecai refuses to bow and therefore undue attention is paid to him and he is demanded by Hamon’s cohorts why he was not complying with the king’s command to honor Hamon. There is no indication that Mordecai knew anything good or bad about Hamon. He would not bow because he was a Jew and he apparently gave his ethnicity as the reason why he would bow to no other but the Lord God almighty.
In my own life I remember an employer who called me to his office and told me when I came to work I was expected to check my religion at the door. He went on to say that in his workplace he was “god” and I would bow to his theology when I was on the job. I just laughed and asked him is he wanted me to genuflect as well when I stepped into his office? He looked at me a moment and then laughed and told me to get out of his sight. Nothing further came of it. There will be times that people will try to intimidate you and threaten you but have no fear. God is on your side. Those that curse you will be cursed themselves. God will execrate from your life those who even attempt to trifle with you in the most casual way.
Hamon finds out that Mordecai will not bow simply because he is a Jew therefore Hamon hates ALL JEWS because he knows that NONE OF THEM will bow to him. So you see that Mordecai in standing up for God as an individual brought the whole of the Jewish population under the dread hatred of Hamon who had the power to destroy them at his whim. We will notice that the Jews didn’t accuse Mordecai – rather the stood by him. They may not have agreed with him or had his courage but neither did they look for ways to disassociate themselves with him because of a possible threat. That lesson would well be learned by believers who are quick to criticize anyone who rocks the boat or causes undue scrutiny or hardship. Learn to stand with those in your world who are standing up for God.
7 In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar. 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it [is] not for the king’s profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king’s treasuries. 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
In the Persian empire the people were known to consult soothesayers, casting of lots and astrology in many of their decisions. Hamon sought an occasion against the Jews and consulted the casting of lots to determine when best to strike against those he now considers his enemy. Make no mistake that your critics do not feel that God is on their side. They will seek God and pray and fast and wait upon God for the opportune time to do you hurt. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by such things. While Hamon was putting his plans together and getting the king’s permission – Mordecai and Esther and the Jews in Persia went about their business.
Many times teachers and ministers spend much energy discovering and teaching about what the enemy is doing. It is important not to be ignorant of the enemy’s devices but ultimately it doesn’t make much sense to be overly concerned about the plans of the losing team. God is on your side. You don’t need to contact all your friends to see what your enemies and those who do not bless you are planning or doing. The enemy’s great tactic is to get your eyes off the harvest. If you pause and begin to spend your energy to find out what people are saying and doing against you – you have already fallen into the enemy’s hands. Better to do this: keep seeking the kingdom. If you continue seeking the kingdom no matter what the enemy plans you are going to come out on the victory side.
12 Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that [were] over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and [to] every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
It is interesting the Hamon would not strike the Jews without the king’s permission. He waited until he felt he had LEGAL right to destroy the Jews. This is very common among those who feel it is their duty to destroy the lives of others. They are legalists. They move in legalistic religion. They are quick to find fault and cite scripture where someone has erred or fallen short of their perception of the standard of God. Some of these people may be very close to you. They may come to you with their criticism of others. Know this that those who criticize others to your face will criticize you behind your back. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. When accusation is forthcoming you have sat down in Satan’s seat. Make it your determination you will bless and not curse. Be resolute in choosing to love your enemies (though not on their own terms) and to look to God to protect you from every assault of hell.