What Pleases Him

S-O-A-P Bible Study Method

Bible Passage: Esther 3

SCRIPTURE: What verse did God highlight to me today?

All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. (Esther 3:2‭, ‬5 NLT)

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. When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. (Esther 3:2‭, ‬5 NKJV)

OBSERVATION: What is the author saying? What eternal truth that God is communicating?

a. Mordecai would not bow or pay homage (v.2): 

There does not seem to be a Biblical command against bowing or paying homage to a political leader as a sign of respect (Genesis 18:2; 23:7; 43:26; Exodus 18:7; 2 Samuel 16:4). Rather, Mordecai must have known something about this man Haman, which persuaded him that Haman was unworthy of such honor.

i. “No self-respecting Benjaminite would bow before a descendant of the ancient Amalekite enemy of the Jews.” (Huey)

ii. "Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew forbade him to give honours to any mortal man which savoured of idolatry, especially to so wicked a man as Haman." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)

b. Haman was filled with wrath (v.5) :

i. His device was inspired by that wicked spirit, who has been a murderer from the beginning; whose enmity to Christ and his church, governs all his children." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)

ii. Haman was an extremely proud and insecure man; he could only consider himself a success if everyone else thought he was a success.

APPLICATION: What is God is saying to me through this scripture today? What is going to change in me because of this?

"We can apply this passage to ourselves today by identifying modern day "idols" and refusing to exalt them, refusing to bow our hearts to sin and sinful ways, especially things that tend to vie for our affection and dull our love for God." (ebible.com)

For me, I should be secure of my identity regardless of my social status, educational background, physical appearance, personality and abilities.

My true identity is not based on how people define me because in reality I believe every person has their own biases.

"Personal bias refers to learned beliefs, opinions or attitudes that people are unaware of and often reinforce stereotypes. These personal biases are unintentional, automatic, and inbuilt, leading to incorrect judgments." (getimpactly.com)

As a Christian, I believe that my true identity is I am a child of God. God has redeemed me by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus loves me more than anybody could. He gave His life for me so I can live eternally. He accepts me totally despite my imperfections and weaknesses.

Since Jesus came to my heart, He is always with me guiding me, protecting me, strengthening me, rebuking me, and helping me to grow more in His likeness.

How I define success is hearing God says,

"Well done, my good and faithful servant!" 

and also telling me,

"This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased!"

I still have a lot to learn in my Christian walk, and there are still some more things I should apply in my life according to God's word and His will. And it's my great desire to obey God because I want to please Him.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, teach me to trust and obey You, day by day.

I want to make You happy because You are my true joy and I want to share Your joy to others as You also desire.

Your greatness humbles me and your goodness reminds me to not be too hard on myself and others.

I choose to love and obey You all the days of my life through reading Your word with delight and obeying Your commands with eagerness - not because I'm forced to do so but because I love you.

You are always at work in me to make me willing and able to obey your own purpose. (Philippians 2:13 GNT)

Credits: 

S.O.A.P. Method Worksheet

by Melody Alisa

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

Ebible.com

YouVersion 

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