Is God mean? Are we wrong when we desire greatness

Scripture Read: Esther 9:1-4  Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them. ² The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. ³ Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. ⁴ Indeed, Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater.

Application: It is difficult Lord to read about the  bloodshed and violence that went on from Your Word. Yet, we lay the blame on You. If we were all in Your home, where no sin exists, there would be no violence. It is so unfair of men to blame You for the evil that our own sin has brought upon us. When You rise up to defend the innocent, because fallen men have such evil intentions and do not listen to reason, or repent of their premeditated evil plots, You use the only method they will listen to – violence. 

Would it be better to allow evil to triumph? No! A peace that is perpetuated by allowing evil men to continue in their evil is no peace at all. It just prolongs the agony and increases the loss of the innocent. Evil must be crushed and made example of so others will refuse to allow that seed of evil into their thoughts and actions. Notice, this does not say the Jews are going to attack anyone that is non-Jewish. It is clear they intend to defend themselves from any that would aggressively attack them. If those people would humble themselves and repent of their planned action, there would be no violence. You will oppose the one with evil intent in his heart Lord, just as You will lift up any that depend upon You. Mordecai, from the beginning, sought You in prayer and even informed Esther that if she did not step in, help would come from another place – because he had total faith in Your deliverance. What a lesson we all need Father! If we desire greatness – depend on You! You will lift up in the time and way You know is best! This scene is not an easy one – but it is real! We can try and live in a make believe world and let our fame or riches insolate us, but that does not change reality. Sin makes this world evil, we must depend on You Lord for deliverance, and accept that some will never listen to an offer of peace. We must continue to reach out in love, but understand that some will demand resolve through violence. This is especially true when it comes to the question of eternity. All can enter into peace through dependence on You and repentance of their sin, but many will choose the violent life of independence and final judgment. Their choice, not Yours Lord. You have given free choice as a stewardship.

Meditation Questions: Do you think is mean or heavy handed without reason? Is God wrong to use violence? What should He do to protect the innocent? What would you do? Is it wrong for us to desire greatness? Why? Why not? Is it possible that the desire is not wrong; maybe it is a different issue? What would that issue be? Does God desire to make people great? If so, what would be important to Him?