READING: Esther 5-10, Acts 16:11-40
Pride is a frightening thing, indeed. It convinces us that we’re right, and it then convinces us to tell everyone we’re right. We see that pattern in Haman in today’s reading. He is enraged that Mordecai, sitting at the city gate, did not honor him, and he determined that he wanted Mordecai dead. Before he moved in that direction, though, he reminded his wife and his friends about those things that apparently mattered the most to him (Est 5:11-12):
- the splendor of his riches
- the number of his sons
- all the promotions the king had given him
- his stature above the other officials and servants of the king
- his personal invitation from Queen Esther to attend the feast she would prepare
Given his quick ability to list all these things, he had apparently thought about them a lot. And, one wonders if the order in which he lists them suggests his riches mattered more to him than his offspring. Either way, his pride was only magnified and illustrated when he wanted Mordecai dead for not fearing him.
I would hope that none of us would allow our pride to so control us, but I’m not naïve enough to assume otherwise. It’s as if pride sits on our lips, ever ready to list the good things about us. . . .
PRAYER: “God, I desperately need You today. I’m an arrogant follower of Christ.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 1-3, Acts 17