Haman was chosen to serve as “second-in-command” under Ahasuerus (Est. 3:1-2). This was a position of honor and respect, but Haman allowed this power to go to his head. When surrounded by the servants and others who bowed (3:2), he seemed content. However, to witness just one man at the gate who refused to bow, he became “full of wrath” (3:5). His wrath set off a “chain reaction” of events that would finally end with his death (7:10). (Ironically, his death satisfied another’s wrath, but this will be covered in a future writing.)

Why did this occur? When Haman had so many that bowed to him, why did it bother him that only one didn’t? It seems that the presence of the servants and “yes-men” served as too much of a temptation for Haman. He would have 100% allegiance from the people, or he was going to know why not! Mordecai’s reasons for refusing to bow are not stated here, though. Regardless, Haman demanded obeisance from every person, and to refuse would be met with harsh punishment. In this case, Mordecai’s refusal to bow was Haman’s excuse to commit genocide! This attitude exists in the man who has allowed his power to corrupt him.

Contrast Haman’s attitude with the attitude of men like Joseph, Daniel, even King David! These, and many more, did not allow earthly power to corrupt them. They knew they were serving a God who was higher than them. In contrast, Haman acted as if he were his own god!

Let us remember that regardless of what position we hold on earth, we are just servants of God. We are still God’s creation (Gen. 1:26-27; Jas. 3:9b). We still have a Master to please (I Thess. 4:1; Col. 1:10). We will all fit in the same six-foot hole, and we will all stand before the same Judge (Heb. 9:27; II Cor. 5:10)! Don’t let power, position, or prestige on earth go to your head! Stay humble (I Pet. 5:5-6; Jas. 4:6)!

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

After Haman got his law passed that called for the extinction of the Jews, the Bible tells us that he and Ahasuerus “sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed” (Est. 3:15). The word “perplexed” in that verse means to be confused (Brown, Driver, Briggs). In simple terms, those in Shushan stood in confusion at this law that was now in effect.

In addition to what we learned yesterday from Esther 3:15, let’s also understand the simple truth that others, including strangers, often feel the consequences of our decisions! One of the most significant lies told to man is that he can do something, and “no one else” will be affected. Nothing could be further from the truth (Rom. 14:7). When Haman made a law against the Jews, even Shushan was affected - they were “perplexed”!

Our decisions affect others in deep and profound ways. Haman’s ruling was yet another object lesson. Think about it: Every prisoner has a mother! He has family members who love him and are embarrassed that he has brought shame to the family like this. This lesson also works in a positive way. For example, every soldier has a mother. He has family members that are grateful and appreciate his sacrifice for our freedom.

Make no mistake, the decisions we make affect others. At times, they will affect strangers! For example, think how observing or not observing the rules of the road affects others when we drive. Others feel the consequences of our decisions daily. Study Genesis 3 and see how the decisions of Adam and Eve affected and continue to affect mankind (Gen. 3:16-19). What they did touched Heaven itself (Gen. 3:15)!

No man is an “island” to himself. Therefore, remember to “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

After Haman got his law passed that called for the extinction of the Jews, the Bible tells us that he and Ahasuerus “sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed” (Est. 3:15). The word “perplexed” in that verse means to be confused (Brown, Driver, Briggs). In simple terms, those in Shushan stood in confusion at this law that was now in effect.

Though his name isn’t mentioned in this book, this is the work of Satan. He tempted Haman, and now, because of his anger and jealousy, Haman bribed the king to write a law that would destroy a nation of people (3:9-12). Indeed, Satan tried his best to stir confusion and mayhem throughout the kingdom of Persia. He succeeded! In contrast, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (I Cor. 14:33). God doesn’t stir up strife and hardship. He wants us to be at peace, love one another, and be united. Satan wants confusion. He’s our adversary and looks for souls to devour (I Pet. 5:8). He certainly had a great opportunity in Shushan!

Understanding, peace, impartiality, mercy, and wisdom are the attributes of God and the “wisdom from above” (Jas. 3:17-18). Conversely, “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (Jas. 3:16). Haman’s actions reflect the wisdom from below, not from above. As a result, Shushan’s population was confused.

Which do you prefer, confusion, or a peaceful life? Do we need to ask? Man’s confusion comes from sin. Clarity comes from God’s word (Jn. 8:31-32). For this reason, let’s follow the example of the Lord, not Haman (I Pet. 2:21-22).

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

The Bible Touches Men’s Lives

Jarrod Jacobs

            I continue to be amazed at how “up-to-date” the Bible is. Though it was completed some 2000 years ago, it is still as relevant as ever! Please consider a few examples in the Bible that touch our lives to this day.

            First, consider the fact that sin has been with man since Genesis 3. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned against God (v. 6), sin has been in this world and harming men and women, physically and spiritually. The Bible addresses the problem of sin as well as its remedy. The Bible describes sin as a transgression, or an omission of God’s law (I Jn. 3:4; Jas. 4:17). James reminds us that sin occurs as a result of man yielding to temptation (Jas. 1:14-15). John adds another “layer” to our study when he reminds us that a person who yields to temptations through the lusts of the flesh or eyes, or the pride of life has succumbed to sin, just as Adam and Eve did (Gen. 3:6). This sin then leads to spiritual death (separation from God, Rom. 3:23).

            Therefore, does sin still exist today? And if so, is there a remedy for sin? If we answer “Yes”, then we must admit to the relevancy of the Bible because the Bible describes both sin and its remedy in great detail (Rom. 6:23, 6:3-6, 16-18).

            It is the Bible that describes God’s plan for salvation in sending His Son to this earth for the remission of sins (Jn. 3:16; Matt. 20:28; Lk. 19:10). Not only this, but God also describes how one can meet the requirements for accepting Christ’s salvation. This is done through faith in Christ, repentance of sins, confession of Christ as the Son of God, and being baptized for the remission of sins (Heb. 11:6; Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30; Rom. 10:10; I Pet. 3:21; Acts 2:36-38). Then, as a child of God, we need to be faithful (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10), avoid temptation and the pitfalls of sin (I Cor. 10:13; Jas. 4:7-8), and pray for forgiveness when we fall (Acts 8:22; I Jn. 1:9), so that we can have a home in Heaven one day.

            It is high time we were honest and admitted the true place the Bible has in the lives of men in the 21^st century. It touches us. It is relevant and furnishes us completely for every good work (II Tim. 3:17).

            Long ago, God made a promise to Abraham. He called Abraham to be the father of many nations, and that his seed would be like the sand of the sea and the stars of heaven (Gen. 13:16, 15:5, 22:17). As we study the life of Abraham, there is no question that God fulfilled His promise to Abraham physically. Yet, in our study, we see something else. Namely, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham spiritually!

            What do we mean? Let the Bible answer. In Galatians 3:26-27, it says that baptism makes us children of God by faith. Paul also says, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29). Did you see that? In addition to being Christ’s when baptized, the Bible also connects us with Abraham when we are baptized!

            Every time someone becomes a Christian, the promise God made to Abraham that his seed would be like the “sand,” and “stars” in multitude is fulfilled. Abraham has a family that increases daily because of God’s promise. Yes, the Bible touches our lives because Christians are recipients of a blessing that God had promised in the days of Abraham! How amazing is that? Yes, the Bible touches our lives daily!!

The Old And New Testaments

Jarrod Jacobs

                   One of the most basic divisions found within the Bible is the division between the Old and New Testaments (Covenants). Yet, this division is something unknown to many. Unfortunately, many do not respect Biblical context, and this has produced many false doctrines. There is a difference between the Old and New Testaments. Today we live under the New Testament, rather than the Old.

                   Since we are under the New Testament today, some may ask, “What purpose does the Old Testament serve?” The apostle Paul answered this question when he wrote, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

                   At times, we in the church of Christ have been accused of not believing in the Old Testament because we teach that we are subject to the New Testament today. To say that we don’t believe in the Old Testament is not true. In fact, when we teach that we are under the New Testament (Covenant) and not the Old, we are teaching what the Old Testament teaches! Please read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and see that Jeremiah prophesied of a day coming when God will “make a new covenant”. Several centuries later, Hebrews 8 records that this prophecy was fulfilled! Thus, we are under a New Testament today, just as the Old Testament said would happen!

                   When we read the New Testament, the end of the Old is a consistent theme. II Corinthians 3:7-16 speaks of the Old Testament, telling us that it has been “done away.” “Taken away” and “abolished” are other terms used in this text to let us know that we are not subject to the terms and conditions of the Old Testament today.

                   Galatians chapter 3 states in very clear terms that the Old Testament was a “schoolmaster” (tutor, trainer, guardian, servant) to bring folks in Old Testament days to Christ (Gal. 3:24). This is another purpose the Old Testament served. The term “schoolmaster” paints a word-picture of a servant that faithfully brings a student to his teacher. In this case, the Old Testament was “added” to the promises God made to Abraham “till the seed (Christ) should come” (Gal. 3:16-19, 24)! It led the Jews to Christ. The Old Testament has served its purpose, and we are subject to the New Testament today!

                   Another passage we can study is Colossians 2:14. In this passage, we see that the Old Law was nailed to the cross with Christ! If we wondered about the place of the Old Testament in our lives today, let us not wonder anymore. Its place is at the cross. At the death of Christ, His covenant came into effect (Heb. 9:15-17), and the Old was “done away.” It passed away (Heb. 8:13)! Can there be any question as to what God’s thoughts are concerning the Old Testament? Knowing this is true, who are we to say that the Old Testament is still binding upon men? To say such is to contradict the very Scriptures that were inspired of God (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21).

                   In light of the passages we have studied, why would someone want to teach that the Old Covenant is still binding? Excluding those who are genuinely ignorant of the differences between the Old and New Covenants, the only reason I can think of is because there are folks trying to justify their “pet” doctrines. When they cannot justify them from the New Testament, they turn to the Old Testament. For example: Instrumental Music in worship, Observance of the Sabbath Day, and justifying divorces and remarriages for reasons other than fornication (Matt. 5:32, 19:9) are just a few reasons why folks try to say the Old Testament is still in force today.

                   Let us respect the Lord’s will, handle it accurately (II Tim. 2:15), and obey it completely. When we do, we will respect the fact that the Old Testament, while needed at one time, has been done away through the crucifixion of Christ. We now live under the New Testament and need to follow what Christ has said.