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The King's approval for Haman's murderous plan being given, the King's scribes were assembled to write to all the King's lieutenants, governors and rulers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom, informing them of the massacre details.
The Jews were to be destroyed.
Killed.
Annihilated.
Young and old.
Little children and women.
It was to take place over one day, the 13th day of the 12th month. Their possessions were to be taken as spoil. All were to prepare for this day, and the king's seal was put on all the letters to show it was his decree.
Whilst the letters were being rushed out throughout his kingdom, the king and Haman sat down to drink. But the palatial city, Shushan was perplexed (or as my Study Bible suggests, in confusion).
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
My thoughts were drawn to the last clause of this chapter, 'but the city Shushan was perplexed' - or in confusion.
We can imagine the fear and the consternation in those Jewish households, and perhaps in the houses of those who knew and respected and maybe employed Jewish people - that they were to now kill.
Imagine the hushed voices, the whispers, the wails, the tears, the talk as news travelled across the city from the rulers downwards of what was to happen. Perhaps some would have talked of escape but others would have hopelessly told them there was no escape.
And then I thought, what about me? - what about you? - if a law was suddenly made with no warning that all Christians were to be killed on a forthcoming date. What would I do, how would I react? Would I try to escape, hide, get some form of defence? How would I be? Would I be in a state of terror and uncontrollable anxiety? Or, would my first thought be heavenward and clinging to my Heavenly Father in prayer?
I like to think that I would be calm and trusting that God was in control and could overrule it all, but my experience at the beginning of Covid showed me that I am a weak human - I was terrified of dying - terrified of the experience of it and terrified of the unknown. (And it was made worse by feeling guilty that I, a believer, was feeling like that).
In places such as Afghanistan this has become a reality - with Christians in hiding, fearing for their lives. How we must pray for them that their faith be upheld and that they might be spared suffering and if the Lord's will helped to escape.
But the thoughts continue, dear reader, that although we aren't in the situation of the Jews in Esther's time, and mercifully we may not be in a country where Christians are persecuted, that there is a date set for our death. Both I and you have a date on God's calendar when we will die. And we cannot escape it.
How does this make us feel? It is a thought which we might prefer to push away to the back of our minds. It is not a very nice subject. It presents the question, 'Am I - are you - ready to die?' What if it were to be this very day? How can we come before God and answer for how we have lived here on earth?
My fear, already mentioned, was of the experience of death and of the unknown. But how kind the Lord is. Since praying about this, for forgiveness for my fear, and for preparation and that fear to be taken away I have heard sermons of encouragement and comfort:
- a minister spoke of the Valley of the Shadow of Death that we will go through - it only being a shadow because the Lord has endured death for his people and is with us as we fall asleep, to wake in heaven.
- Another sermon bringing out the Jewish custom of betrothal was likened to the time that the Lord's people have on earth - a time in which they 'get to know' and are prepared for their bridegroom.
- And yet another minister frankly shared thoughts I have also had and been too ashamed to tell anybody - thoughts of not understanding the mystery of heaven - how we won't need sleep in contrast to on earth and the pleasure there actually is in being tired, sleeping and awaking refreshed.
- A further minister spoke of the comfort we have in thinking of the preparation the Lord has made for his people - not just rooms in heaven, but mansions - as we consider how we may lovingly prepare a room for a special guest to stay in, how much more our Saviour for his people.
When we reflect on the little tastes that we have of the Lord's love here on earth, and then to think of being in that constantly and forever! What encouragements these are that the Lord does go before and prepare his people for that date when they will be with him.
But, I cannot finish there. As I look around and think of my neighbours, people I know, people I love and wonder where they will spend eternity, my heart aches. Are you ready to die? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour? Our time here may be much shorter than we might imagine, and for all of us that date comes closer every minute.
Pray - pray - pray until you know and believe that when you come to die the Lord will speak for you...
What voice is that which speaks for me
In heaven's high court for good
And from the curse has set me free?
Tis Jesus' precious blood.*
*Hymn 1156 by J Irons in Gadsby's Hymns
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