Esther 1-5: Tripped up by Ego

For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest, who were in the citadel of Susa. The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. - Est. 1: 4-7 NIV

Having great wealth does not make a ruler wise or even successful.  It only gives them power.  Despite all of his wealth, Xerxes' own wife refused to obey his command and he was not wise enough to see who was for or against him.  His life was spared by Mordecai, but Haman ended up being the one promoted and with that promotion, Haman decided to get even with Mordecai, because he would not bow before him, by destroying not only Mordecai, but the entire Jewish citizenry which included Esther who had become Xerxes beloved wife.  Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods....Spurred on by the king’s command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. - Est. 3: 13 & 15 NIV

The king and Haman went on their merry way as if nothing had happened, but the ordinary citizens wondered what was happening.  What silly, silly games we play when we have power and authority thrust upon us.  Egos get so big that we would destroy anything good, even those we love most.  All for a respect that we have done nothing to deserve.  Lest we think this is just a curse that befalls kings and rulers, we need to look carefully at our own lives.  What things are so obvious to those around us that we refuse to see?  Where does an ego trip, trip us up? 

2010 Post - Esther 1-5:  For Such a Time as This