Practicing Emotional Intelligence & The Work of Wholeness

May is Mental Health Month, and I typically try to find a few minutes and reflect on all things mental health with the organization I lead, and also on the blog. For too long, the Church has separated, ignored, glossed over, or awkwardly addressed mental health. I’m deeply disappointed in this and am still wrestling through it all to find truth via God’s instruction, wisdom, and discernment. None of us are problems to be fixed; we are people to be understood. Our Father knows this, desires this, and calls us into this knowing so that we can fully embody Christ — in our whole heart, in our whole self, and in our whole intelligence (Matthew 22:37).

“Being known. Our Western world has long emphasized knowledge—factual information and “proof”—over the process of being known by God and others. No wonder, then, that despite all our technological advancements and the proliferation of social media, we are more intra- and interpersonal isolated than ever. Yet it is only when we are known that we are positioned to become conduits of love. And it is love that transforms our minds, makes forgiveness possible, and weaves a community of disparate people into the tapestry of God’s family.”

—Anatomy of the Soul, Curt Thompson

I have done a few interviews and podcasts recently, and one of the questions I typically receive is about what disciplines or practices I adhere to or the wisdom I would give others. My responses vary depending on the audience, but I wanted to share one practice I learned and regularly integrate into my morning coffee time. 

I am an early riser. I slept until 6 a.m. this morning (school is officially out, and Mama is tired and sleeping in now!), but typically, my husband and I are up by no later than 4:30 a.m., pulling our espresso shots. I journal quite a bit (because words to speak are sometimes hard to find as an introvert), and at least once a week (and sometimes daily if I'm going through a hard season), I go through a series of reflective questions to anchor and regulate my often hyper-paced and dysregulated life. This approach isn't the only tool; it's one tool (of many) that I have found helpful and ties nicely to Mental Health Month. I'll share with you the questions I ask myself and statements I make along the way, and as I do this, I write them down in my journal.

Aware: Something is going on inside my body. Am I stressed, upset, concerned, overwhelmed, etc.? What am I feeling? I name the emotion and give myself space to care. 

Accept: If my heart is wounded, it is my job to own and care for it. Feelings are not meant to control you, they are there to inform you. I accept the feeling as accurate and honest, and then courageously look at the cause.

Allow: I remind myself that I am loved and that it is okay to invite others into my feelings and express them in a safe place. Sometimes, that is in prayer, sometimes with my husband, sometimes in my Tuesday morning confessional community, sometimes with a trusted friend, etc. I also tell myself that God is for me and desires to be invited into what I am feeling. He wants to do life with me.

Attend: I ask myself questions like: 

• “God, what is your truth?”

• "Lord, what am I not seeing?" 

• "What else might be true about this situation?" 

• "Is this feeling familiar?" 

• "Am I amplifying or distorting what I'm feeling?"

I set my perceived truths aside in order to take ownership for my part in what I’m feeling, and then I take steps to be more resilient (act).

Act: After I've walked through those 4 A's (Aware, Accept, Allow, and Attend), I ask, "What does taking care of myself look like?" And, "What actions can I take that give me the character I desire?"

I write all five "A's" down and complete each step—if you cut yourself off halfway through, you don't get the full power of learning emotional intelligence and building resiliency. Some mornings, it takes me just a few minutes; others, it feels like it takes an eternity. That is true of life, and of the seasons we experience...so have grace with yourself as you practice. 

Transformation is a journey, and it's hard work. But it's also a joy when you learn to love the work and begin to partner with Christ in His transformative work. There's no right or wrong way to create space and care for yourself; the secret is consistently creating space for yourself and owning your part with Christ. When we create margin to tend to ourselves, we grow in our capacity to love and care for others. 

I am an imperfect example of going through this practice. But make no mistake: I practice this a lot. My past and present experiences and actions overflow with upheavals, dysregulation, and dysfunction. But, in the end, we are all in this together. And, together, we will practice living from the transformative Seed deposited in us. Amen.

The Conclusion: John 4

As we've learned throughout the study of John 4, the story of Jesus has universal appeal. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus reveals that true worship is not a matter of geography but spirit. The woman admits she believes the Messiah, Israel's king, is coming to reveal all things, and in a stunning revelation, Jesus declares, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26). Wow. I pray that this slow stroll to Samaria has provided a few stunning revelations to you as you've listened to the conversation between the woman and Jesus. We're in our final week and will conclude our study of John 4:1-42 this week by reintroducing the disciples into the story and listening to some adjacent conversations and learnings. 

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

• Interestingly, the disciples knew it to be odd (culturally) for Jesus to speak to a Samaritan, especially a woman. Even though the author did not record the entire conversation, the disciples sensed Jesus' conversation was for good reason. They chose not to question him openly and ask the woman or Jesus what was happening. Maybe their trust was growing, knowing Jesus would reveal truths in time. I pray that is true of my own heart. 

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

• I've been spending time each week praying through a psalm. I'll read a verse or two aloud, then relate it to my life and reshape the words. When I read verse 29, which says, "Come, see a man..." I thought of Psalm 34:8, which says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." The woman didn't just regurgitate the conversation to others; she invited them to "taste and see" for themselves and come to their own personal conclusions about whether or not Jesus was a prophet and the Messiah. 

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."

32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

• While the woman was absent, Jesus had a conversation with his disciples. Jesus does such an exceptional job stewarding time. He didn't just sit there and wait for the crowds to return; he used it to instruct them. What an example of how we should be wise stewards and redeem the time—not in a hurried, productive motion but in a well-tempered, natural, and instructive manner. I'm tucking this instruction into my heart and mind to ponder and chew on. 

• Jesus taught the disciples about His work and how He delighted in it. When He came to the well, He was weary. Then, the opportunity to speak into a soul came into play, and that became His primary focus. Have you ever noticed when you're busy at work, you don't always recognize the time and don't think of eating? I certainly do (with earthly work), and it's interesting how Jesus thought so much about doing the work of His Father that physical hunger became secondary. Yet, Jesus' disciples -- in an act of love -- encouraged Him to eat and take in nourishment. I love how God places people around us to help nudge and tend to our needs. Be that person for others this week! 

• Lastly, Jesus showed the disciples how the gospel truth would be planted in the Jewish and Samaritan fields! He invites them to do the harvesting work with Him. It is beautiful how our Savior desires to co-create beauty and abundance with us, and we can approach each day with this life-anchoring purpose, too. 

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.

42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

• In verse 39, it says, "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony..." The "believed in him" terminology refers to the idea that they took him as a prophet and desired to know the mind of God from Him (Matthew Henry). 

• This story has been a beautiful reminder of how God uses the weak and the unlikely to spread His gospel message. These verses (1-42) show us how He has engaged with people in the past, which clarifies how He relates to us in the present. 

"CHRIST SECURED HIMSELF, NOT BY A MIRACLE, BUT IN A WAY COMMON TO MEN, FOR THE DIRECTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF HIS SUFFERING PEOPLE."

• This Matthew Henry quote—the same one used in the first blog post of John 4—speaks of how Christ chooses to engage with us: in an ordinary way. He meets us where we are (in this story, it's at a well) and gently guides us into freedom. He is not hurried or preoccupied but is completely engaged and ready to gaze upon us and remind us what a delight we are to Him. Amen. 

Reflective Learnings of Divinely Interrupted

In John 4:1-10, Jesus traveled to initiate a conversation with the woman at the well. As they began to converse back and forth. Jesus talked to the woman about "the gift of God" and knowing it, and we spent time dissecting what that meant in the last post. 

This week, I want to take one step back and read the story contextually. I should have done this to begin with, but God always has His own timing at play. Once we’re done reading, I’ll share a few general truths that have been important in my redemptive journey and also sets us up for verses 11 and 12, which we'll experience in the coming weeks. 

But for now, let's take a slow breath and read from the NIV (or you can listen to it here):

1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?" 13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."

The Disciples Rejoin Jesus

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?" 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33 Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Many Samaritans Believe

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.

42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

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Awesome. I hope you made it through all 42 verses of John’s account of this divine interruption. Divinely Interrupted was founded on the basis of studying Scripture, verse by verse, and traversing God's Word together. I started this many years ago and the first verse by verse study I wrote was Isaiah 6 and I emailed it to a small group of ladies at church (on New Years’ Eve if my memory serves me…which is questionable). I only recount this because my youngest son (he’s 6) came home from school the other day and asked me if I had ever read Isaiah 6. He was so excited to tell me how the train of the Lord’s robe filled the temple and while I smiled, I fought back a few tears because I immediately recalled penning that study over a dozen years ago and being in awe of that same visual. He gets so animated in retelling what he’s learned in his Sunday class or at school in relation to the Word, and I’m on the edge of my seat to watch what God does with that energy He’s seeded in hm.

As I grow older (and slowly wiser), I recognize how the divine has often been left out of my studies. Too frequently, I have treated Scripture as an object and not as a subject. I have thought of it as a knowledge to be known through traditional scholarly methods of studying verse by verse instead of a force to set my gaze upon. If you knew me well and all my stories, this would not surprise you (just as it doesn’t surprise God). Many of my experiences and wounds over the years have told me (lied to me) that you should be wary of what closeness costs you. When that lie takes root, care never really feels like care and so you learn to “stay safe” by only needing what you can give yourself.

Our sinful bodies tell the story of our harm and trauma, and they need intimate and attuned care. We all need a Savior. Not just to “be saved” so we “go to heaven,” but to experience the ongoing, redemptive restorative process of our wounds. Jesus knew this of the woman at the well. He didn't speak with her about self-care (although necessary), but He wanted her to be seen, known, and held in relational safety by Him. And, I’m still learning that, too.

I recognize now how more balance needs to occur as I write and share truth with you. While studying Word upon Word is essential, it is not exclusive. I am an avid student and reader. Growing up, I was the kid who stayed home to study for tomorrow's test instead of going out with friends. But, then again, it was easier to study by myself than connect my heart to others. I am learning — especially spiritually — the joy it brings to experience Scripture with Christ. and with others. That is truly what the woman at the well experienced that day — being with Someone who could fully make her feel that she is seen, soothed, and safe.

Intimacy with God requires me to trust that the One who knows me well will not betray or use my vulnerability against me.  —Dan Allender, Redeeming Heartache

When I read this story in John 4, I usually ask the Lord to recreate it with me. “Lord, sit with me because I audibly want to hear what I need to do next. Face-to-face, please.” Our Lord is gracious to intercede for us, even when we don’t ask quite right.

But, what is fascinating about these verses is that she doesn't have an immediate revelation and understanding. Does she get there? Yes. Is it impactful? Absolutely. But it took conversation and time. There is a redemptive process that was birthed at the well, and we only get to see a little past it. Yes, this woman brings many people to the Messiah (verse 39) — but that doesn’t mean her old wounds and heartache aren't still at work in chapters 5 and 6 (where she's not mentioned). Scripturally, we are shown how Jesus draws out the deep wounds, offers the Healer's touch, and then uses a broken, Christ-aware person to point others to the Healer. He provides the same to us as we become aware of the brokenness and aware of the Healer. We have a new life, yet one that is still in need of a Savior. 

This story is not about a miraculous meeting with Jesus at the well that magically reprograms someone's heart and mind. It is about an ordinary, everyday moment in a human who experiences Jesus and walks away having encountered the Living Word. Ironically, I wrote about this years ago when I started Divinely Interrupted. It’s amazing how God brings things full circle:

This blog is designed to encourage, sharpen, and inspire women (but men are always welcome) who have devoted their ordinary, everyday life into the hands of God.

Did this woman at the well have an incredible impact on the Kingdom? Unquestionably. Was she miraculously transformed with no desire for her old ways or no struggle with the wounds that were so familiar? It never says that. Maybe so, but let’s not extend Scripture further than what is provided. The long-term “after” story, is left open. And, maybe it’s left open because we each are like this woman and we have a redemptive story that is left open for Him to pen as He sees fit. Your story will be unquestionably impactful for the Kingdom, beloved. You are seen. You are soothed. You are safe.

Jesus showed the woman that day The Way, and she chose to walk in it. Redemption is both an event and a process. It is an experience and the hard work of traveling a new path (neurologically, physically, emotionally, spiritually), but now we do it with Him.

As we study the next several verses in coming weeks, I'm going to introduce to you the Lectio Divina, which is a method of Scripture reading that helps foster intimacy and closeness with God (which I often fail to integrate here). Is Lectio Divina a "formula" for the Christian walk? Absolutely not. Is it a tool we can use, just as we use tools to study Scripture? Yes. It has helped me to open my heart to the care of Christ and the vulnerability of being in a close relationship with Him. My prayer is that it will bless you as it has me. 

Please tune in next week as we practice Lectio Divina together. 

John 4: The Gift of God

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:7-10

The dialogue now begins between Jesus and the Samaritan. While the woman came to draw water, Jesus came to draw her into curiosity and conversation with Him (not condemnation).

In verse 10, it says, "If you knew the gift of God..." The word knew in Greek means understand. We need to understand the gift of God, and this passage helps us understand. This week, we'll examine two elements of what we need to know or understand about God's gift:

1. The gift of God is a surprise. 

1. Jesus is reaching out across religious (Jew and Samaritan), social (male and female), and societal (righteous teacher and moral and social outcast) boundaries. He blows through those prominent, deeply entrenched blockades and says, "Let's know each other." To the Jews, Samaritans were scum. To males, females were property. To the righteous, the social outcasts could not be mingled with. And Christ surprisingly crossed over each barrier with divine ease.  

2. The highest purpose of the Samaritan woman's heart that day was to get physical water. She wasn't praying in her closet. She wasn't chastising her heart to be more pure. She wasn't purposing in herself to "do better." She was surprised because a Man met her in the most unlikely place and unexpected way, and she wasn't even looking. 

3. Christianity is a matter of grace, not performance, pedigree, attainment, status, or distinction. She was the last likely person for Jesus to speak with, and the conversation was a complete surprise to her and divinely appointed by the Father. 

2. The gift of God is the ultimate satisfaction. 

1. Living water comes by grace, but what is it? We need to understand this concept of "living water" and study it more because we have easy access to water, so the analogy seems less potent in Western culture. But our bodies are made of water. Our bodies need water more than they need food. We can live roughly three weeks without food but only three days without water. Jesus is communicating He has living water that our soul needs more than our physical bodies need water. Consider that for a moment. Of all the desires, yearnings, urges, appetites, and cravings, He has something that satisfies you more.
   
   Listen, friends, I have blatantly and unabashedly contested this "ultimate satisfaction" truth with God recently (because I still hold unbelief in my heart, and I have pretty intense desires in life!). However, I have found when I question and doubt Him the most, He is not shaken. My fears and doubts don't scare Him. Time and again, He ascends over my unbelief to show me that He is more than enough. 

Living Water

Now that we've outlined these verses' surprise and satisfaction aspects (which we'll discuss in future posts) let's know or understand more about this concept of living water, which is the gift of God. Living water isn't a subject we can unload in one blog post, but I will share some meaningful quotes and analogies that have spoken to me recently.  

My boys love The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. In the book, there's a quote that reminds me so much of what Jesus was speaking of when He spoke of living water (apologies if you're not a LOTR nerd, Ringer fan, or Tolkienite):

"Pippin glanced in some wonder at the face now close beside his own, for the sound of that laugh had been gay and merry. Yet in the wizard's face he saw at first only lines of care and sorrow; though as he looked more intently he perceived that under all there was a great joy: a fountain of mirth enough to set a kingdom laughing, were it to gush forth."

The part I bolded is an (imperfect) picture of what it means to have "living water" in you. It's not just a well you draw out of; it's a fountain that bubbles up no matter the junk you throw on top of it. Whether you try to toss on the mess of family, heave on the dark path you're traveling, or push on the sin you've hidden...the joy bubbles flow on through. When you've chosen to follow Christ, including all your past, present, and future failings, you will undoubtedly have moments where Christ wells up within you, even in dark nights of the soul. And it will both surprise you and satisfy you. 

We now understand more about the surprise, the satisfaction, and the living water, but you're still a messed-up woman at the well (and so am I). Let's step back and think about Jesus and the Samaritan woman again. We know Jesus is resting from a journey around lunchtime (it's hot), and we see this woman came to draw water. Every other "socially included" woman draws water early morning or evening when it's cooler, and the women go together. So, this woman is clearly alone. 

Essentially, Jesus gets the woman alone. How did He get her alone? Well, she got herself alone. How? By screwing up her life. That's why she's alone. That's why she's isolated. But you see what He's done? He's used her screw-ups to get her alone. He has redeemed her mistakes so she can be divinely interrupted by Him. 

When you screw up, it gets you alone with Jesus. It makes you ask, "Is this the path I want to travel?" It's hard to hear when we're busy with friends, high on life, or drinking from the world's fountain of success. But when we're alone—when our screw-ups and unwise decisions have brought us to a place of isolation—Christ can speak to us in whispers of grace.

Father, I thank you that none of my hang-ups, bang-ups, or blunders can undo your grace. Speak to me when the silence steals my voice. When my soul feels like a cold, dark night. Surprise me. Satisfy me. Meet me where I am and show me this gracious living water. Amen. 

John 4: Weary Traveler

So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

John 5:5-6

I don't usually incorporate videos into Divinely Interrupted (you're stuck reading). However, as we read about Jacob's well this week, it's a profound opportunity to learn about its location and see (thanks to Expedition Bible and Joel Kramer, a biblical archeologist) exactly where Jesus sat with the woman at the well.

So, with that, please take 15 minutes to watch this video embedded below to understand precisely where Jesus was in these verses and why His Words were so profoundly significant given the surroundings. 

Post-video:

That was incredible, yes?! Like the 100+ ft. well depth, we will go deep into these Scripture verses. I'm so thankful we serve the Good Shepherd, who waters and cares for us as His sheep. 

Jesus, the Messiah, sat upon the well you saw in the video. But think about that further: wells aren't comfy. They are a far cry from a soft couch. He sat in an uneasy posture, not simply to rest but also to remind us that the uncomfortable things in life are okay to endure. 

These verses underscore Christ's full humanity because He was weak and tired at times, too. We all have seasons where we are weary travelers (by the way, I love the song, Weary Traveler by Jordan St. Cye), and I love that we not only serve the Good Shepherd but also the God who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:5). 

Let's choose to stay beside the well. Just as those sheep need to be watered and cannot draw a drink themselves, neither can we. We need Christ. We need Him to meet us in our weariness and battles and sit with us. We need to allow Him to be Matthew 11:28 to us at this moment (AMPC version): 

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.” [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

Father, thank you for being the Good Shepherd in whom we have confidence and know that Your character is one of care and provision. At this moment, we sit with you. Recognizing that we are overburdened and have repeatedly tried to carry the load ourselves. Let us cast the worries upon Your strong shoulders. Let us believe that what You have to offer will satisfy our deepest longings, oh Christ. Restore us now because we are weak, but You are enough. Amen. 

For Such A Time As This: A New Edict

The turning point chapter for the Jewish people! Let’s learn how we can apply this Old Covenant reading to our New Covenant lives in Christ.

1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. 2 So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, 5 and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?”

• Haman’s evil scheme was trumped by the providential hand of God. Furthermore, Mordecai was promoted and “appointed over the house of Haman.” All that Haman had acquired in this world was given over to Mordecai for keeping! A small repayment for all the turmoil he and his people underwent.

• In the last chapter, we see the end of Haman’s wickedness. But even though Haman was dead, the edict of killing all the Jews was not. In this Medo-Persian period, when a decree was made, it was irrevocable. So Esther had to approach the throne of grace again and intercede for her people. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” What a peace it brings to know that Christ has an unchangeable priesthood and has once and for all sealed the covenant of holiness through His blood!

7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews.8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke.”

• Since the edict could not be revoked, the king had to authorize a new decree to protect the Jews. So he gave Esther the right to declare peace and protection over the Jews, sealed with his signet ring (which represents power), and was irrevocable. Speaking of irrevocable, Romans 11:29 holds a great truth: “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” This means that regardless of how God’s people act or whether or not they receive His gifts – they still stand. For if they did not stand, God would be found a liar (Numbers 23:19). No matter how you choose to live your life, God is true to His promises, beloved. It’s never too late.

9 So the king’s scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king’s signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds. 11 By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives—to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions, 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel. 15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Several points to note in this passage of scripture:

• The letter went out to all. No one could claim ignorance in knowing the truth about the Jewish people. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20).

• The edict gave God’s people the right to defend themselves. It did not say they could violently rally, angerly picket, or start riots. It decreed that if their enemies pursued them, they had the right to protect their lives. That’s a great reminder, particularly in this day and age. 

• Think with me for a bit, and consider this scenario: What if the edict Haman wrote was given, and then later, the people learned of the new directive? Yet, they still chose to live as if the first edict (covenant) was in place. What do you think their life would’ve looked like? Friends, sometimes we can find ourselves still living under the old covenant – trying to earn the favor of God through efforts and religious to-do lists. But Christ came so we might live in freedom, with the spiritual ability to destroy, kill, and annihilate bondage and sin from our life. Let’s not live as if the new covenant was never established, for Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).

• Finally, note how the Jewish people lived: light and gladness, joy and honor. Words to live by, yes? Their joy and gladness were a Light to a dark Medo-Persian world, and people became followers of God because of their character. 

Lord God, may we live each day lightly. Not saddled with the to-dos and noise of this world, but with gladness in our hearts, joy in our steps, and our lips proclaiming the honor of You. Amen.

For Such A Time As This: Twisted Promotion

The plot thickens this week as Haman becomes more prominent. Nevertheless, we continue to see God’s providential work in motion, even as the Jews receive the news of their forthcoming death sentence.

1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?" 4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

• Chapter 3 begins with, "After these things…" What are "these things" referring to? Look at the latter part of chapter 2: 

"In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king."

• Mordecai heard of the king's life in danger and informed Esther; she told the king and referenced Mordecai. Once the plot was confirmed, death was the consequence for the eunuchs. Done deal. But what happened after Mordecai tipped off Esther about the deathly plot? Haman was promoted. Think about how you would feel if you saved someone's life and then a "hideous Haman" was promoted instead of you. Oy. What a reminder to us that the world's twisted promotional system is false. Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way." When the scoundrels of the world pass you up, beloved, trust that the Lord knows the best path for you. 

• I reread the book of Daniel a month or so ago, and the first chapter talks about how Daniel "purposed in his heart not to defile himself…." Daniel had resolved or "decided firmly on a course of action," and we see Mordecai with a similar fierce spirit. He was unwilling to bow down to Haman, even when people (the world) spoke with him daily about compromising. What an encouragement to us when the Lord prompts us to be resolute in our hearts and stand firm (read Ephesians 6). He will meet you there to equip and enable you, great warrior.

7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries." 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you."

• This king isn't the wisest guy. He is easily persuaded (just as he was when instructed to dispose of Queen Vashti) and, again, at the demise of others. It's incredible how Mordecai (whose name means "little man") has become a ginormous thorn for Haman. He has the entire kingdom bowing to him except one, which is all-consuming. 

• Here's an interesting bit of history for you. See how verse 10 refers to Haman as "the son of Hammedatha the Agagite"? This genealogical reference could mean he's from the Agag empire or he is a decedent of King Agag of the Amalekites. If the latter is true, then it's important to note the Amalekites were perpetual enemies of the Jewish people. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul makes a crucial error: 

"7 And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed." 

• By the end of the book, we'll find out that the Lord finished what Saul didn't. When God tells us to "utterly destroy" something, He will see it through Himself. Harboring just a portion of it – even a cute little lamb – will create a generational burden. Sin is never private, but our God can heal the underlying motivation and remove the sin if we're willing to process it with Him in the Light.

12 Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded—to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

• Signed, sealed, and delivered – the Jews had demise ahead. Can you imagine being on the streets and hearing this random decree? The "death date" was almost a year away, and I'm sure that brought no peace to the people. Fortunately, God had orchestrated Mordecai and Esther for such a time as this. Amen.