Conflict arises
Day 310, Tuesday, June 17
Esther Chapters 3 – 5
Conflict develops between Mordecai and a senior official named Haman when Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman. It is not stated why he refused, but given Mordecai’s faithfulness it likely has something to do with refusing to be involved in pagan worship.
That would also explain why Haman wants to take revenge on all the Jews, not just on Mordecai.
Apparently Haman’s own faith required acting according to the will of his gods as determined by casting lots. Fortunately for Mordecai, the omens allowed some time before Haman was to put his plans into action.
Haman convinces King Xerxes to issue a decree to destroy all of the Jews.
Mordecai convinces Esther to risk her life by approaching the king to try to intervene. She asks him to lead the people in prayer and fasting to prepare the way for her.
Rather than asking outright to save her people, Esther invites both the king and Haman to a feast. In the meantime, Haman has a pole built to impale Mordecai.

Tuesday meditation

Proverbs 30:24-28
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.”

Prayer focus
When it is our time to act, God, let us not delay.

-Rev. Mark Fleming