Risking It All

    Esther had a hard decision.  She fasted and prayed for three days.  I hope it gave her peace and confidence to do what she had to do.  She was fully committed.  She was willing to die for her nation. Now she just had to put her decision into action.

    On the third day, she probably took a long bath to relax and feel fresh, got dressed in her best clothes, put on her makeup, and made her self look and smell nice as she did the unthinkable.  She went to her husband, the king, without being summoned.  She did it in a manner that was appealing.

    Xerxes was pleased to see her and pardoned her.  He was so pleased he would have given her anything.  Whew, the biggest hurdle was over.  Now she still had to confess her secret to him and find a way to get him to save her people.  

    Esther told him that she had prepared a private, but formal, dinner for him and Haman.  He and Haman were both pleased with this surprise.  She gave them good food and some wine to keep them in good spirits.  When it was over she told them that she wanted to do it again tomorrow.  

    When Haman left he was overjoyed until he ran into Mordecai.  Mordecai's existence put him in a bad mood instantly.  Have you noticed how bullies always seem to be angry and or demanding?   Haman ignored his self-imposed nemesis and continued home.  

    When he got home he sent for his friends.  When they arrived he bragged about his wealth, number of sons (the more sons a person had the more honor), and how he had the king's favor.  He even threw in how Queen Esther was honoring him.  However because of Mordecai, he could not appreciate any of it.  Zeresh (his wife) and his friends advised him to build huge gallows to hang Mordecai.  He loved that idea and his spirits were lifted.

    While Haman plotted for evil.  Esther was still building confidence to do what felt like the impossible. She may had lost her nerve with Haman at the dinner.  He probably came across scarier with her nerves on edge.  Or maybe this was a building process of gaining respect from her husband, so that he would hear her out.  After all, he thought all Jews were disrespecting him.  What better way to change his mind.

Esther 5