chance

photo by retrotraveler, processing by me

My bible study group is going through Esther at the moment, and I learned something this morning that has me so thoroughly excited and blessed, that I must share...

Evil Haman (an Agagite, so descended from Agag whom Saul was supposed to kill but failed to do so (cf.1 Sam. 15). In short, Haman was descended from an ancient enemy of the Jews, hence his motivation for genocide...) is casting lots for an auspicious day to 'destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews' (Esther 3:13). It finally falls on the 12th month, and Haman manipulates King Xerxes into letting him have his wicked way.

This is where it gets truly exciting. Having settled on a lucky day to commit mass murder, the king's scribes were called together on the 13th day of the first month to issue the decree of destruction all over Xerxes' vast domain. In short, Jews would get the news on the 14th day of the first month. OK, so what? Well, check out Leviticus 23:5 for what else takes place on the 14th day of the first month. Exactly - the Passover. A coincidence? I think not. While Haman was cackling in gleeful anticipation at his cruel cunning, God was showing Himself sovereign and giving His people hope. He was tempering the blow of Haman's decree by reminding His people of a time long ago when He delivered them from death (cf. Exodus 12). If He could do it then...

So nothing, NOTHING happens by chance. God is looking out for you, and His grip on you is much stronger than it sometimes feels.

Want even more encouragement? Listen to the lyrics of this song.