Esther 3:10 – 11 “So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. ‘Keep the money,’ the king said to Haman, ‘and do with the people as you please.'”
Do you know what a signet ring is? It is basically a signature. Throughout recorded history, kings and other important people have used signet rings. The symbol on the ring is pressed into a wax seal on a message or document, so that the person receiving the message will know it is authentic.
When Xerxes handed over his signet ring, he handed over his authority. He did so without much thought, for he was apparently too lazy to investigate the matter on his own. Or perhaps he just didn’t care. After all, nearly two million men had died in the war he initiated against Greece – a war that was fought only to fulfill his greed. It is possible that he simply had a blatant disregard for human life.
As I read the above passage, I shudder to think of carelessly handing over my signature to someone. Yet, as I think about it, I must admit that I’ve been guilty of giving up control of certain areas of my life, simply because I’ve been too lazy to keep control. Sometimes, I give up control of important matters, simply because they aren’t important to me.
How many times have I let those pounds creep up, because it is easier to eat the brownies than to exercise? How many times have I let my children watch television just because I was too tired or stressed out to spend time with them? How many votes have I cast for politicians when I really didn’t take the time to study their true agendas? Each of those things is an example of giving up control without really thinking it through – to the brownies, to the television, . . . and to potential lawmakers.
We’ve all done it at one time or another, and there is no sense beating ourselves up about actions we can’t change. But we can be more aware in the future, can’t we? We can think things through before handing over the control panels of our lives. We can do the wise thing, instead of the easy thing.
But there is One to whom we can, and should, hand over our signet rings. He is wise, loving, and trustworthy, and He will always act not only in our best interests, but in the best interests of everyone involved.
Tell me, friends – who holds your signet ring?
Dear Father, I want You to have the authority in my life. I want all of my decisions to be filtered through You. Please help me not to act hastily and lazily, but rather, help me to act only in Your wisdom.
Amen
Well put, Renae. You’re pointing out so many object lessons for me in this beautiful book of Esther. Thank you.
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
I pray for wisdom every day Renae. D’you think I’ll ever get some?!
Thanks, Jean! I’m enjoying this study, as well.
Jackie, if you’re praying for it, I know you’ll get it! (James 1) I already think you’re way ahead of the crowd! 😉
Dear Renae,
thy will be done is one of the toughest prayers I can say with an honest heart.
I often have to struggle about that one, I so much want God to see things my way!
You are of course right!
From Felisol
“I so much want God to see things my way!”
Me too, Felisol!