THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 7:5-10
“So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai.” (Esther 7:10)
This is not a pretty picture, impaled on a pole 75ft tall.
It was a visually disturbing and powerful image, for everyone to see.
Many people knew that this death was meant for Mordecai.
Haman ends up dying the very death that he wanted to for Mordecai.
Many times the bible warns about receiving the evil you intended for others.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.” (Proverbs 26:27)
This seems just and fair, and an encouragement to those who are victims of evil.
And yet this image of someone dying on a pole meant for another reminds us of something.
Another visually disturbing and powerful image, for everyone to see.
Jesus dying a sinner’s death for the curse that was meant for us.
But Jesus’ death is very different from Haman’s.
Haman was getting what he deserved, Jesus was not.
Haman was sent to the pole against his will, but Jesus chose to die for us.
We can see two poles, and stand between them both.
The one pole represents justice, the other mercy.
The one represents the death we deserve, the other the gift we don’t deserve.
Which pole do you prefer?
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, when I survey the wondrous cross on which You died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.