Observation: Haman is so full of hate toward Mordecai that he cannot enjoy a single element of his life. Haman is the most powerful man in the kingdom. Haman even boasts that the queen honors him (not yet knowing why). And Haman is so exceedingly rich that the amount he pledged for the right to kill the Jews is more than $280 million. Yet here he sits, his daily life ruined because one man doesn't treat him with respect.
This hate is generational. Haman is said to be an Agagite. While not exactly clear, it is likely this means Haman is an Amalekite - a nation that has long hated the Jews - and Haman may be a descendent of the kings of the Amalekites. These were a people who have hated the Jews almost before they were Jews. They are a branch of the descendants of Esau, and their king was the one who hired Balaam to curse the Jews as they were about the enter the promised land.
Once again, we see the leader of the Amalekites paying money to destroy the Jews ... and it will fail. We see that individual's daily life ruined - in this case, over his hate of one individual - despite everything else in his life. That hate will cost him ... his family fortune, his honor, his family, and his life.
Application: I do still find that there are thoughts in my daily life that rob me of the joy I should have. I should be pleased with the career I have, and not lament a different one I might have had. I have no reason to ever think ill of anyone, despite what they have said about me or done toward me. Any amount of anger can only rob me and deny me of the happiness found in the blessings I have.
I know I do not hate, and especially have no hatred like Haman did. Yet certainly there is no reason to even let thoughts of anyone ruin my day. That is the most noted item of this one verse today ... Haman just had a truly GREAT day, and all he can think about is negative thoughts because one person didn't honor him (not dishonored him, just didn't honor him) during his walk home.
How often to I allow negative thoughts and memories of others to rob me of joy? How often do I allow a good day to be ruined because of something trivial someone does ... maybe done to me, or just done in a general way?
I would like more joy in my life. That can happen simply by rejecting the negative thoughts and memories I have toward others.
Prayer: Lord, may I be more and more open to your joy every day, by rejecting hate and negative thoughts of others. They are of no consequence to me, and of no bearing on the great life you have provided. I choose joy. Amen.
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