Nothing of This World is Eternal

11 Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. (Esther 5:11 NIV)

5 The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. (Esther 9:5-10 NIV)


As I was reading the book of Esther today, I noticed that passage 9:7-9 listed a bunch of men by name that were killed by the Jews during their defense of themselves against the attack of Haman. Haman was once a trusted advisor to King Xerxes, but plotted to destroy the entire Jewish nation. He was also very rich and bragged about his worldly riches.

When I think about his 10 sons, I also see them as the typical spoiled rich kids who are very confident in themselves because they have material superiority over others. I imagine that they walked around town and knew that they were well known and famous. Girls sought them out and people wanted to be their friends because they have tremendous influence. After all, they were noteworthy enough to have been written down by name in the Scriptures.

However, regardless of whether they lived to an old age, or died, they aren't remembered for anything today. They are less than ignored because they actually died in shame and dishonor.

What a contrast to the believer who will always sit before the throne of God in eternity. They will never be forgotten because they will never cease existing!

We are truly blessed to have the gift of salvation bestowed to us via the death of Christ on the cross. We did not deserve it or earn it, but now we know that whatever our station in life, we are all equal in the sight of God. Wealth is meaningless to Him -- it is only the quality of our hearts that He measures. And all that He asks is that we believe, and because of that belief, follow Him through the rest of our lives with our whole hearts.


Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that we are all equal before the cross. There is no rich or poor or no social class. Instead, we are simply ourselves before You -- and You love and accept us just as we are. No pretensions, no fronting is necessary. We just need to humble ourselve before You, and allow You to change our lives accordingly.

Help me to drop every false front, and clean it all out - every last bit. Help me to simply be Your servant in whatever way You ask. In Your eternal name, Amen.