On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them. And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful. The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

Sin has consequences.

These haters, living around the Jews, sealed their fate in the hands of a righteous God. We see in the Old Testament and the New Testament that God judged evil doers severely. He also brought about redemption for his people here. They could defend themselves and plunder their enemies. With Mordecai in charge, they now had a great deal of power.

It makes me wonder what would have happened if, instead, the Jews tried to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting for Esther and God to come through? What if Esther either was too afraid to stand up for her people, or later, had decided to challenge Haman before God’s appointed time? What if Mordecai had not acted to thwart the assassination attempt on the king’s life, or what if he caved and bowed down to Haman? What if the people did not come together in unity to pray and fast, petitioning God to come to their aid?

I believe (just like Mordecai told Esther) the Lord would have found a way to save his people, but if they had not obeyed him there would have been consequences too.

What is God asking you to give up, sacrifice, or lay on the line to obey him and follow his plan today? True freedom comes when we lay down at the feet of the Savior all of the things we hold most dear, and we offer him complete access to use us as he pleases, no matter the trial or test.

Lord, I am looking forward to a heavenly kingdom where you reign and we dwell with you. I am a foreigner here, living on a short leash, and here to do the will of the God I serve. You want many to see your glory and follow you. This might mean I must confront deep darkness in order to shine a bright light. Lord, by your power I will do it!