THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:11-15
“Give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.” (Esther 9:13)
Yesterday I spoke of winning back, not paying back.
This sounds like payback, especially the part about Haman’s sons.
That the Jews only defended themselves when attacked shows they had many enemies in Susa.
But In Susa, the people knew Haman, and knew the rivalry between Haman and Mordecai.
And each of Haman’s ten sons had friends and connections, and they were angry.
It’s more likely that Haman’s sons were leading the fight, not innocently minding their own business.
So we can make a case for this extra day thing, and Haman’s sons impaled, as self-defense.
BUT… we should not use this story as a way of justifying self-defense.
As followers of Jesus, we have moved beyond the Jewish wisdom of ‘eye for an eye’ (Exodus 21:24).
We follow the wisdom of Jesus, the way of grace, mercy and peace.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
The story of Esther tells us about how God preserves the messianic line of the Jews.
It leads us to Jesus, Who takes us beyond the politics of worldly peace to the way of God’s peace.
As Ghandi stated, ‘an eye for eye’ will only make the whole world blind.
We are called to follow God’s way, not the world’s way… the way of extreme grace and mercy.
This is radical, this is difficult, but it is also the only way to lasting peace.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this story directs me to see the importance of Jesus, and what He said, and did. Thank You for Your mercy to me, may I have an opportunity today to share it with someone.