Betrayed预览

The book of Esther is one of the best books in the Bible in my opinion. With only ten chapters, the love story, betrayal, and suspense are sure to keep you tuned in and praying for a triumphal end for the Jews in which God delivers. The book of Esther begins with the removal of queen Vashti and the search for a new queen. The process is tedious and takes months, but God has a perfect candidate in mind. A young woman named Esther was raised by her uncle Mordecai. Mordecai has an essential job at the palace and role in the book of Esther. God strategically gave him his position and Esther to the King as queen as He planned to use both of them in saving the Jews from Haman's evil plans. 

Haman was upset that Mordecai would not bow when he entered the gate. When Haman learned that he was a Jew, he spoke with King Ahasuerus about them not keeping their laws. He summoned the king to sign an edict to have them destroyed. Haman had no idea that the queen, Esther, was a Jew. After Mordecai learned of the plot against the Jews, he immediately went into mourning and prayer. I believe most take this position after they have learned of some news that would forever change their lives if what they heard is indeed true. A partner in a marriage who knows of infidelity mourns deeply. A family member or friend that understands that someone they trusted wholeheartedly has slandered their name or went behind their back to plot, mourns. When you know that someone has violated your child or family member through sexual or physical abuse, you lament this sudden news and immediately try to process how to navigate the situation. Prayers are uttered but the reality weighs so heavily that seeking God feels more of a task. So, most mourn. 

This is what makes betrayal one of the worst pains to heal from. Not only do you have to process it, but you also must deal with what has occurred. In these crucial moments, one can either take the initiative to seek vengeance on their own or choose to seek God for direction, move in obedience by faith, and trust Him with revenge. Mordecai chose the latter. 

Although Haman and Mordecai had no connection apart from the King, still this was a form of betrayal of an entire nation. Esther called for a fast and God gave her the wisdom and favor to meet with the King, expose Haman's evil plan, and watch as the gallows he built for Mordecai be used for his death. I wholeheartedly believe that Esther's dependence on the wisdom of God saved an entire nation from genocide.

Learning of a plot from the enemy can be devastating. But just as Esther did, you can rise to the occasion and fight in prayer. God will always expose in the light what the enemy plotted in the dark. Isaiah 54:17 KJV says “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” You see, the weapons will form but we have a promise that they will not prosper. Be Encouraged.