Lately, we have often been treated to news about abuse of power, corruption, and criminal acts rooted in personal interests or the interests of a handful of people. This phenomenon is not new. Esther 3:1-11 provides a clear picture of how personal ambition, arrogance, and revenge can lead to destruction.
After the previous events, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, an Agagite, to become a royal official. He was a descendant of the Amalekites, Israel’s sworn enemies. Mordecai refused to submit to Haman, he did so not because of blind defiance, but because of his awareness of the integrity and history of his people. This refusal hurt Haman’s pride. Instead of resolving the problem wisely, Haman let his arrogance and anger take control, leading to a plan to exterminate the entire Jewish nation. He tried to determine the “right time” for his action by casting lots (Pur), as if the fate of the Jewish nation depended on luck. What is more surprising is that King Ahasuerus handed over full authority to Haman without investigation. This action shows the insensitivity of a leader who is easily influenced. As a result, the situation got worse. Haman manipulated information, hiding the identity of Mordecai, who had previously saved the king from a conspiracy attempt (Esther 2: 22-23).
Bible friends, humans are creatures who are very clever at trying anything as long as their goals are achieved. That is what happened to Haman. He did anything to achieve his goals. Manipulation, lies, and other intrigues are means to achieve goals. We actually still find a lot of mentalities like Haman. People are willing to oppress others and do wrong as long as their goals are achieved, as a result other people who do not know also become victims. As God's people, we are invited to take alternative actions against this tendency. Honesty, humility, and self-control are the virtues that we must practice in our daily lives. We must hold on to values that are based on the truth of God's Word, so as not to be swept away by the current of the times that tend to relativize everything. What is right can be wrong, and what is wrong can be right, depending on whose interests are being fought for.
