Review of Esther 3

Review of Esther 3

by Pastor Temilolu Oluwasijuwomi

HANDLING PROMOTION

Est. 3:1 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.

Pride is a terrible emotional response to promotions, possessions and position. As much as possible whenever you experience any form of blessings don’t let it get into your head, because there is a tendency that we begin to feel like gods when we find ourselves having certain privileges or in positions that were only a dream few years ago.

Haman may have been a pagan, but the reality of Haman could be our reality as well. The position Haman was elevated to was equally the position Joseph was promoted to. Both were promoted to the position of a prime minister. So, while Haman may not particularly be a model, we can learn from Joseph who equally was promoted to an equal position for a world power at the time.

Examining the way they both conducted themselves being found in such exalted position, we should also conduct ourselves accordingly. Joseph used his position to preserve life, while Haman wanted to use His position to destroy lives.

WHEN PROMOTION COMES

JOSEPH SPOKE KINDLY AND SHOWED EMPATHY

Gen 40: 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were upset. 7 He asked them, “Why do you look so worried today?”

We may not be intending to destroy anybody’s life intentionally, but what about our words? Does your word bring healing, or it tears down?

Col. 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

When we are promoted or we find ourselves in a higher position than some people, we should show empathy as well as speak kindly to people who are of a lower rank to us. Your kindness may open bigger doors like it did for Joseph. One of the persons he was kind to was instrumental to his promotion, while the one whom Haman was ill mannered towards was responsible for his death.

JOSEPH DID NOT TAKE UNDUE ADVANTAGE OF HIS POSITION

A man like Joseph! A man like Mordecai! Many uncles or men couldn’t have been disciplined enough to be entrusted with a girl-child, like Mordecai and they will be able to train her up without defiling her. Or like Joseph who have to opportunity to have an affair and refrain from the sin.

Est. 2:5 – 7 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, … And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter

Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

When we find ourselves in high and lofty positions, we must not take undue advantage of the weak. Rather, we ought to use our position and promotion to empower the weak and downtrodden.

JOSEPH DID NOT SEEK REVENGE

Besides Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, Haman was a descendant of the Agagites, the people God commanded Saul to completely destroy, but Saul refused. Hence, Haman’s plot against the Jews may have been a plot to revenge.

Est. 3:6 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.

Joseph did not seek revenge on those who most deeply hurt him or seemingly didn’t contribute to his promotion. He had a sound spiritually rooted understanding of Gods ways which superseded any human evil plot

Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

I used the word seemingly because, sometimes we think some people are working against us when in fact, what they meant for evil God will turn it around for your good. I see God turning around some ugly situation for your Good in Jesus name. Only leave them to God, He knows how best to sought them out as Pastor Damilola once said in a recent Sunday broadcast.

Rom 8:28 So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.

May God always use the enemy’s plan against you to ultimately fulfil his purpose towards you in Jesus name.

JOSEPH USED HIS POSITION TO BRING ABOUT THE PROSPERITY OF HIS PEOPLE

Gen41:54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Our promotion must bring blessings of the gospel to our surroundings. Our promotion must draw many to the Lord and not push them away. Our promotion should in a way be a fulfilment of Gods promises to Abraham, that…thou shalt be a blessing: Gen 12:2

JOSEPH SORT FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

While Haman sought to be served, Joseph sort for opportunity to serve. Our position or privileges must bring benefit to those around us.

Gen40:4 and the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Rom 12:16 Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all. TPT

Do menial tasks at times, despite your position at home or at work or in your community. This has a way of helping our hearts to stay humble. As the husband, we can also wash plates, wash the toilet, sweep, clean the children up, do the laundry etc. As coheirs of Gods manifold grace, such task shouldn’t be left only for our wives.

Promotion comes from no other place than from God.

Psa75:6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another May the Lord Help us to always see ourselves as custodians of His promotion rather than think it is our making.

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