In extra pitiful mode.

When Bullies Are Pleading

When Bullies Are Pleading By Kirk Hunt

Then the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stood before Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king.

Esther 7:7 NKJV

That morning, Haman mercilessly plotted genocide against the Jews because of Mordecai’s offense.  That evening he was pleading for understanding, mercy and forgiveness for his own conspiracy.  A typical bully, Haman could not feel for others until he faced his own reckoning.

All too often, men and women, like bullies, withhold mercy or consideration for others.  Yet, when they or theirs encounter (even a little) difficulty, they expect everyone to rally to their aid and defense.  They shamelessly ask, or demand, that exceptions be made to the rules they themselves set.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Jesus’ commandment to us, often called the “golden rule,” is not difficult to understand or follow.  The problem is our inner bully; the all-too-human lust for power over others.  Haman should have considered such things before he started bullying Mordecai and the Jews of Persia.

Knowing Ahasuerus’ rage, Haman cast about desperately for a protector and advocate.  His best chance lay with Esther, a Jew and Mordecai’s adoptive daughter.  The math is clearly not in Haman’s favor.

Haman’s murderous plot had reversed on him.  His cruel, merciless conspiracy against the Jews had been exposed.  Revealed as a bully, Haman begged like a wind for his life.  Would you need to plead for mercy if your circumstances were reversed?

Think:        Do I extend God’s kindness and mercy to others? 

Pray:           “Lord, help me extend Your grace and mercy to everyone around me.”

 

Copyright © July 2017, Kirk Hunt

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