Haman is one of the most villainous characters in scripture. As we read through the story of Esther, we rightly marvel at God’s poetic justice, bringing down upon Haman in the end the evil he had planned to do against Mordecai and the Jews.
But in our celebration of God’s justice, we must not forget the warning: each of us has the potential to become a Haman. Notice what prompted Haman’s hatred of Mordecai: he had been promoted to a powerful position. Everyone else bowed down before him. But Mordecai did not. Haman could not stand this reminder that, although his power was great, he was not omnipotent. He was a man, not God. He had fallen into the sin of pride.
Do you ever find yourself irritated that others don’t seem to recognize your importance, your status, your talents, your intelligence, or even your dedication to God? Use that irritation as a red flag that pride may be creeping up in your heart. Surrender afresh your will to God. Recommit to living only for His glory, not your own. Instead of being angry at your Mordecai, thank God for the people he sends to keep you from becoming a Haman.
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