Poor Little Rich Man

Esther 2:1 “Later when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her.”

This verse is a little misleading, in that word, later. As we read that, we might think that later that day, or week, or month Xerxes remembered his queen. But history tells us that shortly after Vashti was banished, Xerxes went to war. And guess what?

He lost. He failed to conquer Greece. While he had more man-power than the Greeks, the Greek soldiers were actually better trained than the Persians. So, Xerxes had to go home and lick his wounds, knowing that he failed to accomplish his mission.

He got home, and Vashti wasn’t there to console him. Sure, he had a whole harem full of women. But Vashti had been his favorite, which is why she was queen. He wanted the comfort that only his queen could offer. But he had issued a decree which could never be reversed. Vashti could never again come into his presence.

So here he was, poor little rich man, moping around the palace. He had lost his wife. He had lost the war. And he was miserable.

He began to realize what he had done. He had second thoughts, but it was too late. No matter the amount of regret he felt, he had made his bed. Now, he had to lie in it.

Has that ever happened to you? I must admit, I have made decisions in haste before. I have acted foolishly, and let the emotions of the moment dictate my behavior. But just as Xerxes couldn’t take back his decree, we can never rewind the clock. Once something is done, it is done, and we can never undo it.

That is why it is so important to seek wisdom in all things. That is why it is so important to take our time, pray, seek godly counsel, and really consider the consequences of our actions – before we do them!

Proverbs 20:25 “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.”

Dear Father, Please help me to seek wisdom in all my actions.

Amen

7 Responses to Poor Little Rich Man

  1. June 2, 2008 #

    Renae,
    It’s all too easy to act first and think later. We do need to pray for wisdom regularly.

  2. June 3, 2008 #

    Dear Renae,
    thank you for all the posts you’ve written lately.
    I feel they concern me in a special way.
    Just now seeking help and advice to make the right decisions have been a main issue on many field.
    Serina’s health, her future, our complicated neighbor, my mother managing on her own, how to spend money wisely, (giving God what’s his), the welfare of friends, making place for ourselves and our needs midst in this whirling winds.
    As always I am praying and seeking in the Scripture for answers, but I do not always feel secure of the decisions we have to make. Sometimes the time is running out, and things cannot be swept under the carpet any longer.
    That’s when I go down to my quiet room and fall on my knees.
    That’s mostly when I get the answer I need.
    From Felisol

  3. June 3, 2008 #

    Thanks Lillie. In the long run, it’s a lot better to hold off on making rash choices, isn’t it? We usually pay for them later.

    Felisol, thank you for sharing. Now that I know, I will pray more specifically.

    Dear Father, Thank you for Felisol. Please give her wisdom in abundance, regarding all the things she is facing. Please be with Serina – give her good health. Be with Felisol as she deals with her neighbor, with money, and all the other issues she faces every day. Thank You for always leading us in the way that is best.

    In Your precious Name,
    Amen

  4. June 3, 2008 #

    I like the paragraph where you went on and said

    “That is why it is so important to seek wisdom in all things. That is why it is so important to take our time, pray, seek godly counsel, and really consider the consequences of our actions – before we do them!”

    I remember that one of the most common and consistent prayers I’ve prayed since I turned to Christ 5 years ago was to have wisdom and understanding. 🙂

    And then look forward in faith and actively walk with wisdom!

    Awesome post! Thanks for sharing this Renae!

    Daniel

  5. June 3, 2008 #

    You are wise to consistently seek God’s wisdom in all things, Daniel. That prayer will serve you well.

  6. June 3, 2008 #

    Thanks for filling in the interesting details of history, Renae! You make it so easy to picture just what was happening.

  7. June 3, 2008 #

    Thank you, Jeanette! It is really fun to research these little details. They really make the Bible come alive, don’t they?

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