There are many ways to explain favorable outcomes in life. The confident will pass this off as hard work, preparation and flawless execution. The humble often give others credit, expressing gratitude and thanksgiving for their success. Meanwhile, there will be some who face a bleak future, with the odds stacked against them. For those who stave off death, endure hardship or witness divine intervention, God’s timing is perfect.
That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him, Esther 6:1.
In the Old Testament passage above, Mordecai’s future didn’t look good. If everything went as planned, Mordecai was scheduled to be hung the next day. An enemy of Haman, second in command to the king, hatred and jealousy of this outspoken Jew resulted in his sentence to death. Hours away from this fate, God’s providence kicked into action. The king couldn’t sleep, his subject selected a book to read, Mordecai was mentioned and it was discovered nothing was done to honor him for exposing a plot to assassinate the king.
It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. “What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked. “Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered, Esther 6:2-3.
When the queen, Esther threw a banquet for Haman and the king the next day, Mordecai received the honor that Haman desperately sought. This twist of fate altered the outcome of Mordecai’s life, changing places with Haman. Seizing the opportunity, queen Esther revealed Haman’s hidden plot to kill the Jews living in the kingdom. In twenty four hours, the tables were turned as good triumphed over evil, sending Haman to the gallows set up for Mordecai. In view of this historic event, don’t forget that when the future looks bleak, God can and will intervene.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 