“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7, NKJV)
Two men. Two very different motivations. They lived in the same city and crossed paths often. We find their stories in the Book of Esther. The time is around 480 BC, and the place is Shushan, a royal city in Persia.
Haman’s Story
Haman was an Agagite who held a position of prominence under King Ahasuerus, the Persian king. Haman had wealth, status, and power. People bowed as he walked by. But none of that was enough. One man, Mordecai the Jew, refused to bow to anyone other than Almighty God. This infuriated Haman.
Haman devised an evil scheme that would destroy not just Mordecai but every Jew throughout the provinces. But power and influence are of little help if God is not on your side. Haman was defeated because of his pride, hatred, and bitterness.
(Read I Samuel 15 for historical background on Haman’s possible ancestor, Agag, king of the Amalekites. Agag also held a bitter hatred toward the Jews.)
Mordecai’s Story
Mordecai was a devout Jew, observant of the Law. He was a descendant of the family of Kish, King Saul’s father. Mordecai and Esther (Hadassah), the young cousin he had adopted, lived in Shushan, one of four royal Persian cities.
Refusing to bow to Haman, which would compromise his integrity and devotion to God, took courage and character. Yet Mordecai was willing to risk it because it was the right thing to do. Unlike Haman, Mordecai did not actively seek status and power. He lived honesty and uprightly but allowed any advancement to come from God, not selfish ambition. As we continue reading the Book of Esther, we find that Mordecai attained a high position in the kingdom.
“For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent.” (Esther 9:4, NKJV)
Choose Humility and Integrity
Whatever our position in life, the principles are the same. Character counts. Matthew 23:12 tells us:
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (NKJV)
God blesses those who choose humility and integrity over self-advancement and manipulation. Haman thought he could have it all. He enjoyed wealth, power, and recognition by others. But his life was flawed in so many ways. He lacked integrity. He schemed and used his power for harm instead of good. Ultimately, pride destroyed him. He lost everything, including his life.
It may look like others are achieving it all and living the good life. But if that life is not built on honesty, integrity, and humility, it may suddenly crumble. Let God lift you up.
- “. . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (I Peter 5:5-6, NKJV)
- “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10, NKJV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
