Some years passed since Esther became the queen (1:3, 2:12, 3:7). King Xerxes elevated a man named Haman to a position second only to the king. Haman was rewarded with the highest tribute, and everyone was to kneel and pay him honor. The action did not mean a simple show of respect. 'Paying honor' meant more like worshiping the object. The book of Esther does not explain the political background of such an extravagant decree, but Mordecai feared the Lord and chose to honor him above the king's command (Ex 20:3,4).

Mordecai's choice brought significant consequences. The enraged Haman wanted to kill all of Mordecai's people. He appealed to the king to issue a decree to commit genocide against Jews in every province to uphold the king's law and authority (8). The king agreed, and the date was selected for the annihilation (7,17). When the edict was issued, the city of Susa was bewildered (15).

Choosing to honor the Lord can be costly. However, when we choose to honor God, he will also honor us, and we will see his justice (1 Sam 2:30). What choices are you facing today? Are you willing to make a choice that honors the Lord?


Application: Father, please help me to have the courage to honor you before calculating the cost, trust that you are in control, and you are my reward.
One Word: Choose to honor the Lord.