Hi Friends,

When is the last time you read the Book of Esther? We tend to hear mostly about Esther’s courage and the principle that there are moments in life where we are called to a specific task. For such a time as this.

But when I read Esther last week as part of my Bible reading plan I was struck by how humiliating the course of events proved for Haman. One day he was a powerful advisor to the king, plotting to kill Jews throughout the kingdom, and the next thing you know he is having to lead Mordecai (the Jewish man Haman hated the most) through the streets for the people to honor Mordecai. Talk about a stunning turn of events. Haman hoped to discredit Mordecai and have him killed. Then the tables turned in the most surprising and poetic way possible. When Mordecai was led through the square in royal robes, at the King’s direction, Haman was forced to call out: “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” Esther 6:11b (ESV).

Such poetic justice can even happen today: the fact that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is headed to lead NIH is downright Mordecai-esque. The Wall Street Journal had a lovely piece on him this weekend that is worth your time. Bhattacharya credits his Christian faith for being able to endure the onslaught of attacks, but the stress of it all was still very disruptive. For example, he lost a lot of sleep and thirty pounds. I am just thrilled that he is tasked with bringing credibility and objectivity back to NIH. I’ll certainly be praying for his success. I have not met the man but, like many others, so valued his voice of reason during the pandemic.

Maybe you have something in your life where you just feel like there’s no way out. Perhaps there’s something discouraging you to the point of hopelessness. Can I suggest you read through the book of Esther today? Put yourself in Mordecai’s shoes. Imagine facing not only your demise but the elimination of your entire family. But God found a way. His resolution was gripping and dramatic, and instead of being killed, Mordecai was greatly honored and elevated to power. It’s a great story. It’s hard not to smile as you read it.

Of course Mordecai’s story doesn’t hold a candle to the greatest story. The greatest story is that the Person the Hamans of the world came to kill actually died, even though He was innocent. Mordecai beat death, temporarily, but Jesus willingly died on the cross. By paying the price for our sins and rising again, He beat death forever! You may have a Mordecai story in this life and witness justice on a grand scale. But even if you don’t, the perfect and eternal justice bought by Jesus is offered to you. Have you accepted His robe of righteousness? Unlike Mordecai’s royal robe, you won’t ever have to take it off.

Blessings,

Kristie