Providence in Humility and Pride

Did you know the Bible tells us there is one thing that God absolutely opposes? "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble," declares James 4:6. Today's passage from Esther sets the two key characters in deep contrast. Esther puts her life on the line as she in faith comes to the king with the goal of making Haman's plot known. She is humbly obedient to God's plan and enters the king's presence humbly. Haman, on the other hand, is the epitome of arrogance and self-exalting pride. God is sovereign---His plan will be accomplished. Yet, our relationship to His Kingdom is determined by whether we submit to Christ as King in humble faith, or oppose this Kingdom through self-centered pride.