The enemy’s real target

Scripture Read: Esther 3:13-15 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces to destroy, to kill and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to seize their possessions as plunder. ¹⁴ A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day. ¹⁵ The couriers went out impelled by the king’s command while the decree was issued at the citadel in Susa; and while the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in confusion.

Application: The damage that evil and hasty decisions make! An entire city sent into confusion because of one man’s hatred and another man’s sloppy stewardship of his authority. It is true that no man is an island; no one really lives to himself or herself. A Creator that will call for an account of the stewardship of the life He endowed that person with touches everyone. Right there we see that not one person is alone in life. What we do affects our Creator. Yet another reality is behind the scenes that is much more sinister and has wreaked havoc on humanity since the creation. There is another individual that always has an interest in every person – not because of them – but because God loves them. The enemy of man’s soul and his workers are always looking for individuals they can use to bring destruction. One single man’s hatred can be used to fuel a forest fire that destroys so much. Hitler is an example! One leader’s sloppy use of authority can allow great sorrow to fall on a whole land. Think of the ambassadors from the USA & England that tried to appease Hitler and failed to exercise the authority needed to stop him before he began. The enemy loves to grab one little individual and empower them to accomplish great evil. We need to keep that fact close to our heart when we feel hatred or when we are given authority. We are told to be angry but not sin. When anger escalates to hatred, God still desires to walk us through our hatred and produce mercy, forgiveness and love. He desires to teach us to use our authority to bring Him glory, others joy and bring ourselves to His peace and approval. Father thanks for this great story of Esther – there is so much to learn and grow from.

Meditation Questions: Have you ever seen someone used by the enemy? Have you ever felt the enemy used you? How? Have you ever hated someone? What did that feel like? How did it affect you? What can we learn from hate? How does God produce unconditional love in us?