Justice and the Prophets
God Promises a Just Kingdom
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Injustice Will Be Punished
Esther 3:7-11 The Message
7 In the first month, the month of Nisan, of the twelfth year of Xerxes, the pur—that is, the lot—was cast under Haman’s charge to determine the propitious day and month. The lot turned up the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
8-9 Haman then spoke with King Xerxes: “There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don’t fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king’s laws. They’re an affront; the king shouldn’t put up with them. If it pleases the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed. I’ll pay for it myself. I’ll deposit 375 tons of silver in the royal bank to finance the operation.”
10 The king slipped his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman son, of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the archenemy of the Jews.
11 “Go ahead,” the king said to Haman. “It’s your money—do whatever you want with those people.”
For Reflection
God's people have always established a culture that is distinctly different from the prevailing common culture. The Jews recognize the authority of their God first, then, if it does not run contrary to their religious practices, they recognize the civic power. To those leaders who jealously guard their power, the Jews' behavior was a threat to the King's ability to control and keep his dominance. Is it much different today for both Jews, Muslims, and Christians?
Pray
Pray for all those who fall under unfair civic regulation. Pray for all who suffer from discrimination. Pray for those who do not see the harm of their unjust practices.
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