who to trust?

Throughout Esther, we see the king give his trust to three people; Haman, Mordecai and Esther. Yet, how do these people gain this position and influence in the king’s life?

Haman won favour by being a good, ruthless warrior. He was a successful soldier. A king doesn't notice everyone in his army, so there must of been something about Haman that stood out. He must of achieved fantastic feats in order for the king to even know his name let alone put him into a position of honour and trust. Haman’s succession to second-in-command seems to be purely based on his strategic advances and battlefield skills. The king probably considered that as this Haman is fighting so hard for the kingdom, he must really care about it and it’s leader - a logical summation. Haman was championed and rewarded for his success, so he gained greater favour and greater trust with the king, until he became the right-hand man. Haman then had the king’s ear and could influence decisions that effected the whole kingdom. Haman, to the king seemed trustworthy, he worked and fought hard, why would he do that unless he was really invested? He grew in confidence and in favour with the king as he worked his way up, and he worked his way into the king's trust.

Then there’s Mordecai. Once overlooked, he gradually becomes noticed when his previous deeds are suddenly recalled. It is then that the true status of the man as a loyal defender of the throne is revealed. He has, for years, continued living in obscurity as a loyal scribe. All the while he has maintained his character and continued to faithfully live and work, unknown by name to the majority within the palace. Then he is propelled into centre-stage of palace life! Suddenly he is remembered from some past effort, and accelerated into the place of greatest trust with the king. The king comes to recognise that this man has demonstrated confidence, loyalty and patience in his kingdom. He has faithfully served the kingdom without a murmur of discontent, even though he’s been overlooked. The king comes to understand that this is man worthy of great trust. Haman had worked hard for years obtain it, yet Mordecai had just worked faithfully for years, unseen and unknown by many, when suddenly the king discovers the commitment of this very man to his kingdom, and his very life. The king turns from not knowing his name, to propelling Mordecai into second-in-command, the position of greatest trust in the kingdom. Mordecai was a faithful fellow, minding his own business, doing his best in life to do the right things although often overlooked, he was respected by the people (so don't be afraid if your acts of kindness or faithfulness are overlooked, the King above sees them all.)

Lastly, we consider Esther. She gained her position of trust with the king through a type of beauty contest. She had to compete with many women to satisfy the king and be noticed by him. It was then she was chosen as a wife, a position of some trust, but she had to depend on the king’s desire to see her before she could even speak to him. She had to depend on his satisfaction in her in order to win any opportunity to even approach him. We may think the value and position of a wife is one of great trust, but Esther had to use all her feminine wiles in order to even get to speak to the king. She had to prepare feasts and wine, entertainment and conversation in order to even be heard. Yet, at the time of Haman’s deception becoming revealed, she too is propelled into a position of trust, just like Mordecai. The king realises his own regard for her, his desire to protect her, and she gains trust to equally share the task of protecting the Jews alongside Mordecai. She is moved from merely existing in the palace to a place of prominence. She gains the king’s trust, because she is wise in how she approaches the king. She worked towards his interests and worked to win his favour. She put the desires of the king before she presented her own.

So, how does the king determine whom he trusts? It must be hard to decipher who is genuine when you’re royalty. Many will just ‘suck up’ because they want the power, influence and gifts of being in your favour. It must of been hard for Ahasuerus. How could he determine if Haman or Mordecai, or even Esther weren’t after their own agendas rather than his interest? He must of  been swamped with do-gooders, with those that seemed keen to please him, but many probably did it out of fear, or for their own promotion. Who is genuinely interested in the king?

I would imagine many reading this would wonder about the relevance to their own lives, as how many of you are kings and queens?!
Yet, it does challenge unto look at those we place in positions of trust in our lives. Who occupies your time and who do you speak to about the condition of your heart and circumstances? Who are you in relationship with that you can trust?Are there unseen, faithful people that you overlook? Are their Mordecai's that you barely pay attention to but are always there for you? who have stood the test of time and have shown their faithfulness time and again? Maybe this year is a time to start to show your appreciation of them. Are there any Haman's that are about their own thing that maybe you need to draw away from? Do you have any Esther's that show genuine friendship by really knowing how to put a smile on your face? Maybe this New Year is a time to reflect on your relationships. Who are those you should be appreciating? Who is worthy of your trust?

Banish the Haman's, Appreiate the Mordecais and enjoy the Esthers.

The little things

I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 
Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Find reasons to be cheerful.

This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we  should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?

We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to.  With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.

We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them  more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.

Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?

If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.

‘eat and drink and be joyful’ 
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?

Another translation of this verse is;  ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).

Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.