There is not much debate about who the villain of the book of Esther is: Haman. On no level is he admirable or even remotely likable. He’s full of himself and obsessed with the power his position and relationship with the king gave him. Plus, he is so arrogant and insecure that he is irked by one insignificant man refusing to bow to him. We are not told exactly why Mordecai refused to give Haman honor, but we can guess. It is probable that Mordecai simply rejected the idea that power and position could make Haman into someone deserving of honor. Mordecai wasn’t about to call something bad, or good, just because of popular opinion. Haman’s new status didn’t change his essence, and Mordecai knew that and was not about to submit to him for political gain.

This integrity on Mordecai’s part was not without repercussions. When Haman learned of Mordecai’s response, “Haman was filled with rage.” But, instead of just acting against Mordecai, he decided “to destroy all the Jews,” Mordecai’s people. He gained the king’s approval for this evil plan, arguing that these people were “different.” They would not conform and “do not observe the king’s laws.” For the good of the kingdom, Haman argued, they all had to be eliminated. This was serious stuff. Wouldn’t it just have been better for Mordecai to go along?

Isn’t this the kind of reasoning we use when we are afraid to make choices that cause us to stand out or that threaten our reputation in the eyes of others? Yet, if Mordecai had compromised his integrity, the rest of the story would have turned out dramatically different. Although we applaud Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, Mordecai is not the hero of this story. God is. God is the protector of his people – He is your protector. He is mine. It isn’t up to us to control all outcomes, but it is up to us to act in accordance with our beliefs, not to waiver every time we are afraid of what standing up for righteousness will cost us.

Throughout history, many have been like Haman. Obsessed with pride and power, hating God’s people and His word, desiring to eliminate anyone who believes in Him, irritated by the proclamation that there is just one God, one Truth, and one Way to salvation (John 14:6). Does that mean we stop proclaiming the truth? Not every situation turns out like Mordecai and Esther’s. But they are a strong reminder that the outcome of any situation belongs to God, and that is where our focus should be.

Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Suggestion: Today, ask God to help you stand firm and resist any pressure to conform. Pray for boldness and not to compromise the truth as you face situations at work, school, home, or with friends. Be bold in your faith and confident that Jesus is with you. He is the hero of all our stories!