IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:2b

First, Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman (3:1-6). King Xerxes elevated Haman to a high position. Haman was an Amalekite, ancient enemies of the Jews (1Sa 15:32-34; Dt 25:17-19). All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt and paid honor to Haman, but Mordecai refused to do so. He was faithful to God and to his people, and he would not compromise. When he was told of Mordecai's refusal to pay him honor, Haman was furious. When he found that Mordecai was a Jew, he decided that he would make this an opportunity to destroy all the Jews. He cast lots ("pur") to find the right time. (Later, the Jews celebrated the Feast of Purim, remembering Esther.) Behind Haman was the devil who was trying to destroy the Jews and stop God's Messianic work.

Second, a people who are different (7-15). Haman told the king that there were some people scattered throughout his empire who were different. They kept their own customs and did not obey his laws. He advised the king to have them destroyed and offered to make a large contribution of money to carry out this task. God's people are still persecuted if they do not follow the ways of the world or accommodate to culture. Haman issued a decree under the king's seal ordering the annihilation of the Jews. Like Haman, the devil tries his best to destroy us when we are faithful to God.

Prayer: Lord, raise up a people who love you and are willing to be different for your name's sake.

One Word: Dare to stand out for Christ