Haman’s end is about to take place. Even though the Lord is not mentioned in this book, His presence is very evident. Be blessed as you read.
Esther 6: The King Honours Mordecai
1 On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.
2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.
3 And the king said, "What honour or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" The king's young men who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him."
4 And the king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 And the king's young men told him, "Haman is there, standing in the court." And the king said, "Let him come in."
6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, "What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honour?" And Haman said to himself, "Whom would the king delight to honour more than me?"
7 And Haman said to the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honour,
8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set.
9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honour, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: 'Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honour.'"
10 Then the king said to Haman, "Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned."
11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honour."
12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.
13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him."
Esther Reveals Haman's Plot
14 While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared.
Things to think about…
1. Isn’t God great! Look at this…all of a sudden the king can’t sleep Est 6:1. Even though God is not mentioned, He is clearly behind the scenes. Ahasuerus asks for something boring to be read to him to put him to sleep. What is there more boring than the reading of the chronicles? The passage about Mordecai’s faithfulness in saving the king from assassination is read. Coincidence? Ahasuerus was actually listening and asks what has been done for this man. “Nothing”, was the answer. The king wants to set it right and asks for Haman’s advice. Haman thinks - Surely the king wants to honour him. No…Mordecai! What! You can see here that Haman’s fate is beginning to be revealed. Have you ever been so caught up in your own self-interest that you missed what God was doing around you? We often say “It’s not about us”, but how often do we actually acknowledge this truth in the way we live? This is the turning point in this incredible story. The humiliation of Haman begins.
2. Even though Mordecai had been honoured by the king, Esth 6:12, the work was not yet done. Rather than return home Mordecai returns to the king’s gate. The date has been set for the annihilation of his people. What is temporary honour when a great tragedy was about to occur. This is where some believers are made impotent. They are acknowledged greatly in the world. So much so that using their gifts for the advancement of the gospel seems far less appealing. As a result their effectiveness for the spreading of the gospel is neutered.
3. Haman’s wife Zeresh, even though she has received the blessings of Haman actually sees the writing on the wall, Est 6:13 and accurately assesses the situation. She would ultimately suffer horribly for her husband’s plotting. God loves the Jews! He still does. Some of the Old Testament prophecies still have not been fulfilled concerning this nation. Continue praying for our Lord Jesus Christ to pour out His Spirit upon Israel that they would see and acknowledge their true Saviour – Yeshua (Jesus).
4. Haman goes off to the feast, Est 6:14. Did he have any options at this point to make things right? His heart – like Judas who would come after him, was already set on destruction. When we still have the opportunity to repent, often we don’t have the ability. We have hardened ourselves to too much truth and the Lord has no other option but to judge. Such folk are dead while they yet live.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Solomon Islands and once a month evening service starting next Sunday night – 5pm with a meal
2. Andrew Otte’s ministry over the next 3 months
3. New families as they settle into CBC
4. A Worship Coordinator. Ashley Lui and the Solomon Islanders start on Sunday morning.
5. One for Israel ministry.
6. Conflict zones
7. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
8. Reform and Revival over our city.
9. Finances to cover our needs
10. Pray for ministries as they start back - PlayPatch, Kids church, Creche and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Ashley and the Solomon Islanders worship ministry on Sunday
2. The birth of Eva Winchester – well done Ursula and AJ
3. Return of new families and other new arrivals
4. Conversion of Ayden – pray for his discipleship journey.
5. Worship leader may be close to being called to CBC. Pray for the leadership as we confirm the position.
6. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
7. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
8. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Evening service starting back up – 5pm meal. 6pm evening worship starting – Pastor Roy Funu to preach.
2. Andrew Otte to begin at CBC for 3 months from the start of August.
3. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church starts this week
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for July...
Q. 34. What is righteousness? A. It is God’s goodness.