Haman's personal vendetta against Mordecai is a major part of the plot of Esther's story. His power, fear and ego all feed his desire to "destroy, to kill and to annihilate all Jews." This ancient story shows how one person's pettiness impacted many other people. For Haman, cruelty, not justice or morality, was the point.
We notice in the story that Haman's plans easily come with the king's approval. All Haman had to do was talk about the people in a negative way. The king gave Haman his signet ring to establish any decree he wanted against the Jews with no proof. Just prejudice. Classic scapegoating meant to demonize and dehumanize an entire group of people. It's striking to me how our history's headlines mirror each other in this way.
Haman sent out letters with the decree and he called "on all the peoples to be ready for that day." After all, it was such an important task, it had to be done quickly, in a day.
Now, I'm not sure I've paid attention to the next part of the story. After Haman's decree was sent out, the text says, "The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion." In other words, the people panicked, but the leaders relaxed. That reminds me of the many times the world's play has frustrated me. How often do leaders make decisions that stir fear and uncertainty, only to retreat into comfort and detachment? They create fear without having to feel it, and that is an injustice.
Later, after Haman's plot turns against him, Mordecai sends out his own letter. It invites celebration, not destruction. That letter gives birth the Purim, a festival that remembers "when the Jews got relief from their enemies." 
Remembering both letters, I wonder if Esther's story is not just about relief and deliverance, but also about awareness. Haman's plan passed easily, without evidence, without questions. How many plans today are approved too quickly, too quietly? As God's people, we should celebrate God's redemption, but also stay alert to injustice before it takes root.
Stay blessed...john | 
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