Week Sixteen - Perplexed

Esther 3:15 reads, "the city Shushan was perplexed." Haman has just convinced the king to send out an order (the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be rescinded) for the annihilation of all Jews. There had been no Jewish uprising against the king. The Jews were assimilated into Persian society, and the only thorn in the flesh was Haman's hatred toward Mordecai, who would not bow to him.

Haman's need for vengeance went far beyond a personal conflict, and his action left the city bewildered as to why this was happening.

Pride and vengeance produce evil; evil that loses all sense of reality and common sense. It reaches out without regard for who is in the crosshairs, concerned only with nailing its point to the wall and eliminating anything or anyone that restricts or inhibits its continued pride and evil desires.

Taking time to judge our motives, especially when it comes to pride, is important. And God knows we need to take stock. James 3:13-18 is a great place to start. 

The passage could be paraphrased as such.  

So you think you are right? You think you are wise? Then show your wisdom by how you live. If you have bitterness, jealousy, and anger in your heart, you need to recognize that this is not from God. It is earthly, self-motivated, and influenced by the enemy. You'll know it is wrong because it produces confusion and evil. But wisdom from God is entirely different. It is pure, peaceful, gentle, welcoming, merciful, and is shown in good works. It creates peace.

When we focus on revenge or getting our way, we are not using Godly wisdom. We are not producing peace. And when we act in irrational ways, we confuse or perplex those around us. 

You see, we are often good at hiding our true motives. But God sees right through us. God saw right through Haman, and his attempt at annihilation backfired big time. That law of sowing and reaping is eternal and consistent in every era.

So today, before you strike out in vengeance, take time to think about your motives. Are they earthly? Are they self-motivated, self-serving, or self-promoting? Are they spurred on by evil intentions and thoughts? The result reveals the motivation. Bad wisdom produces confusion and leaves our family and friends perplexed. Good wisdom produces peace.

What are you producing?

On a Side Note: We may be feeling perplexed by our current world situation, wondering what is happening, why, and what the outcome will be. But let's remember Esther's instruction - fast and pray. There is a God in heaven, and He is not perplexed. He knows exactly every moment of man, the intent of the heart, and how He uses men to accomplish His will. God showed Himself able to save in the Persian Empire during the time of Esther. He is no less able to save in our time. Don't let perplexity become your normal state. Let it be one of faith and courage in the face of evil. You can trust the Lord!