JULY 17 - REVELATIONS AND PLOTS
READ Esther 5
Esther plans a banquet to set the stage for the revelation of the death plot.
INSIGHT
“Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). One of the supreme examples of this truth in all of the Bible is Haman. His ego is on a feeding frenzy. He has power, wealth, position, family, friends, and honor. Yet all of this fails to satisfy his ego. Mordecai´s unwillingness to bow down to him sticks like a bone in Haman´s throat. Haman´s wife reveals her character by suggesting a flamboyant display of vengeance: “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high [75 feet], and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it,” she counsels (v. 14). The same shadow is darkening both hearts. When pride is taken to this extreme, we see how exceedingly ugly it is. Beware of pride!
PRAYER
Our pride is mellowed when we see how Jesus humbled Himself for us. Praise Him for His love:
How countless are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the Lord
(Psalm 104:24, 33-34).
As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
I know, Lord,
That a person’s way of life is not his own;
No one who walks determines his own steps.
Discipline me, Lord, but with justice —
Not in your anger,
Or you will reduce me to nothing
(Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I will remember the Lord’s works;
Yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.
I will reflect on all you have done
And meditate on your actions
(Psalm 77:11-12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able
To do above and beyond
All that we ask or think
According to the power
That works in us —
To him be glory in the church
And in Christ Jesus to all generations,
Forever and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21).
Esther plans a banquet to set the stage for the revelation of the death plot.
INSIGHT
“Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). One of the supreme examples of this truth in all of the Bible is Haman. His ego is on a feeding frenzy. He has power, wealth, position, family, friends, and honor. Yet all of this fails to satisfy his ego. Mordecai´s unwillingness to bow down to him sticks like a bone in Haman´s throat. Haman´s wife reveals her character by suggesting a flamboyant display of vengeance: “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high [75 feet], and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it,” she counsels (v. 14). The same shadow is darkening both hearts. When pride is taken to this extreme, we see how exceedingly ugly it is. Beware of pride!
PRAYER
Our pride is mellowed when we see how Jesus humbled Himself for us. Praise Him for His love:
How countless are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in the Lord
(Psalm 104:24, 33-34).
As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
I know, Lord,
That a person’s way of life is not his own;
No one who walks determines his own steps.
Discipline me, Lord, but with justice —
Not in your anger,
Or you will reduce me to nothing
(Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I will remember the Lord’s works;
Yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.
I will reflect on all you have done
And meditate on your actions
(Psalm 77:11-12).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Faithfulness with your talents
- State and local leaders
- Your activities for the day
- Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able
To do above and beyond
All that we ask or think
According to the power
That works in us —
To him be glory in the church
And in Christ Jesus to all generations,
Forever and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:20-21).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2023.