The king honored Haman more than all his other counselors. He even passed a law requiring everyone to bow before Haman—and everyone did. Except Mordecai, servant of the One true God; he would not bow to a man.
It made Haman crazy.
“The entire royal staff bowed down and paid homage, but Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage….When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, HE WAS FILLED WITH RAGE” Esther 3:2-5.
Later, Haman was summoned for a banquet with Queen Esther and the king. He was thrilled—until he passed Mordecai.
“Haman left full of joy and in good spirits. But when Haman saw Mordecai and Mordecai did not rise or tremble in fear, HAMAN WAS FILLED WITH RAGE” Esther 5:9-10.
Imagine this from Haman’s perspective. Have you ever been refused an honor that you deserved? Has someone beneath you failed to respect you? Has a superior failed to recognize your talents? Are you being treated as an equal by those who are not your equals?
If so, beware. This humbling moment is a test—a test for YOU, not for them. YOU are being tested. Will you be filled with rage? Or will you forgive the slight and let it go? After all, EVERYONE ELSE was bowing to Haman. Why did he let the one holdout upset him, and upset him so much he planned the genocide of ALL JEWS, a plan resulting in Haman’s death on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.
Maybe it’s the same for you—you have ALMOST everything you deserve. ALMOST everyone recognizes your talents and experience. ALMOST everyone gives you great respect. Does that one holdout really matter? Must that one detail be considered an insult? Is RAGE really the appropriate response?
Remember Philippians 2—Jesus was GOD, but set that aside. You can do the same: humble yourself. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” James 4:10.
God, You see the disrespect we endure. Give us humility and patience. Make us more like You.
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Household Words: 