The Gallows

I was encouraged this week after being reminded of Mordecai's story from the book of Esther. Just like many of us modern-day folk, Mordecai had enemies. Like our Old Testament friend, we are surrounded by forces that, for whatever reason, would have us fail. In the spiritual sense, we as Christians have an enemy who goes back to the Garden of Eden, and even farther back to the beginning of time. Satan would have us fail as Christ followers; he would thwart our success because we are God's creation, and therefore, an arch enemy to his evil purposes. As humans, we are surrounded by natural enmities such as health problems, relational difficulties, financial challenges, and the like. Sometimes it seems as if we are being led to the gallows like Mordecai--and many times it's so easy to resign to that fate. But Mordecai's story takes a positive turn. It's one of my favorite redemption stories in the Bible.

In the first several chapters of Esther, King Xerxes promotes an evil man. Haman was a self-seeking traitor who, for his own glory, attempted to clear his supposed "pathway to greatness" of the likes of any Jew, especially Mordecai. Mordecai, an attendant in the king's court, was also the adoptive father of Esther, for whom King Xerxes had a special liking and granted the honor of queen. Even as Mordecai's adoptive daughter rose to her high position in the kingdom, Haman also rose to high standing. But Mordecai refused to bow to him. Haman knew Mordecai's heritage and convinced the king that the Jews would not obey any law other than those decreed of God. So Haman plotted to kill Mordecai and every Jew, for that matter. Even Haman's family and friends got involved in the plot to have Mordecai eradicated. From Esther 5:14, the text reads:

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built. (NIV)

Then, even as everything seemed hopeless and without recourse, King Xerxes had trouble sleeping on the eve of Mordecai's supposed demise. The king ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. There was written an account of Mordecai and how he spoiled a plot to assassinate the king--one that went into the history books but quietly faded over time. The king asked his servants if there was any appreciation shown to Mordecai for his deed; there was none. Later, Haman came in to see the king and ask for the gallows to be prepared for Mordecai. The king hypothetically asked what should be done for a man in whom the king delighted. Haman, probably thinking the man in question was himself, suggested royal clothes, a big horse and a crown. The king therefore ordered this to be bestowed upon Mordecai. Haman was mortified (or Mordecai'd!).

Concurrently, Esther had been planning a big banquet for the king. At the feast, Xerxes would grant any wish Esther proposed. She revealed to the king that she herself was a Jew and that Haman was at the cusp of this genocidal plot against the Jewish people; her wish was to stop this evil plan. Even with much pleading by Haman himself, the king moved on his beloved Esther's behalf. Esther 7:10 describes the aftermath:

So Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. And the king's hot anger cooled. (NIV)

God rescued Mordecai, Esther and the Jews because He loved them. He loves us, too, and has the ability to step-in on our behalf to thwart any evil intent of the enemy. I am encouraged to know that the story doesn't always end how we think it will. God is full of miracles and can turn a situation around for our benefit--but mostly His. Our job is to honor God, do His will, and to love His people. God can handle the other details of our lives if we allow Him.

Has God rescued you out of an impossible situation? Can He do for you what He did for Mordecai and Esther. The answer is a resounding, YES! The gallows meant for our destruction can be those upon which our enemy is hanged and brought to justice.

The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead. Proverbs 11:8 (NIV)