Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for today are provided by Pastor David Kwon of JCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Esther 5:9-14

And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. [10] Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. [11] And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. [12] Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. [13] Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” [14] Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”  ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

As we have been reading the story of Esther, one of the most pivotal characters in the story is Mordecai.  He was the one who raised Esther, and he was there for her to give advice in the face of evil.  There are many adjectives we can use to describe him, but one characteristic that stands out is—his humility. He was never impressed by the riches of royalty or desired to take any credit for Esther’s plan to expose Haman, but rather, we see a man who sincerely wanted to obey the Lord and to honor God by doing what was right.   He completely understood the providence of God and his potential role in it if he remained faithful.  Anyone in his position could have taken the glory for his plan to thwart Haman, but rather, he seemed to always respond in humble obedience.

Haman, on the other hand, was a man who was full of himself and consumed with pride. And he thought that he had won both the king and the queen to his side for his plan to annihilate the Jewish people.  Haman was right in his own eyes, and he also demanded respect from the people who were under him (v.9).

This is an important lesson for us because God always opposes the proud and exalts the humble.  The apostle Peter would also make note of this principle: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).  How are you doing in the area of humility?  C.S. Lewis says it best: “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you” (Mere Christianity).

One practical way we can grow in the area of humility is by fearing the Lord. Fearing is not an unhealthy emotion, like being scared; but rather it is being in a state of awe and wonder.  It starts with worship and seeing God for who He is.  So this morning, spend time in worship.  As we do, we will decrease and He will increase.

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be a person who walks in humility.  Help me to overcome areas of pride by being in awe of You.  You are the only one worthy of my worship and praise.

 Bible Reading for Today: John 7