Esther 5

Esther 5. Foolish pride

Esther 5:1-14

SUMMARYFoolish pride

OVERVIEWHaman feels good about life and his position in it, but he is incensed that Mordecai does not fear him. He builds gallows to kill Mordecai, yet it becomes the very tool by which he dies.

BIG IDEAPride comes before the fall.

KEY VERSEEsther 5:13 (Haman complains to his wife and friends)
Then he added, “But this is all worth nothing as long as I see Mordecai the Jew just sitting there at the palace gate.”

IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER 
I love to bless you, and I want you to be joy-filled. But don’t confuse my lasting joy with temporary happiness. My joy and peace go together. It’s an overwhelming sense of calm, satisfaction, and contentment throughout your mind, body, and soul. Happiness is fun. Enjoy it! It is usually short-lived and does not always come from me. So be wary of basing your decisions on happiness as that emotion can lead you astray.

When I bless you, it is not often for your sole enjoyment and pleasure. I want you to enjoy your blessings, but I am also positioning you to bless and encourage others. Seek me and allow me to provide things that will satisfy you and bless others. Do not let your emotions or selfishness propel you to pursue a goal outside of my will. That is foolish pride. Seek me and surrender to my will.

NEXT STEP
Humbly seek God and wise counsel from trusted friends who are not emotionally involved in whatever concerns you. Don’t only seek counsel from those who will say what you want to hear.

VIDEO CLIP
“Decent and gifted” from Steve Jobs

BONUS Lyric Video