Tuesday · 2026-08-04

Today's Come Follow Me devotional focuses on Esther 3, which details Haman's wicked plot.

Scripture Reference

• Esther 3:1–15, available at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/esth/3?lang=eng.

Historical and Narrative Context

After King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, to a position of great authority, all the king's servants were commanded to bow and reverence Haman. However, Mordecai, a Jew, steadfastly refused to do so. When Haman learned that Mordecai would not bow to him because he was a Jew, his fury was not limited to Mordecai alone. Consumed by pride and a desire for revenge, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews throughout King Ahasuerus's vast kingdom, deceiving the king with false accusations and offering a substantial sum of money to carry out his genocidal plan.

Reflective Questions

1. How can we, like Mordecai, maintain our integrity and stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with pressure or potential negative consequences?
2. What lessons can we learn from Haman's unchecked pride and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives?

Closing Tying Insight

In Esther 3, we witness the dangerous escalation of pride and prejudice into a decree of mass destruction. Haman's inflated ego, fueled by Mordecai's refusal to bow, led him to devise a plan that threatened the very existence of God's chosen people. This passage highlights the destructive power of unchecked malice and the subtle ways evil can gain traction through manipulation and half-truths. As covenant members, we are called to actively resist such influences and to cultivate humility and love. Today, let us focus on practicing genuine humility, allowing God's love to guide our interactions and extinguish any sparks of pride or prejudice within us before they can take root and harm others.