Let me confess: It takes great restraint not to put exclamation points after every sentence! See!
Timing is so crucial, and “As for God, His way is perfect” (Ps 18:30). Something seismic certainly had to happen between Esther’s Banquet 1 and Banquet 2 to turn the tide of human history. What REALLY BIG THING was God going to do? How would He, working behind the scenes, thwart this scheme to eradicate His people, the Jews? First, a little insomnia. “That night the king could not sleep” (Est 6:1). That brought on a little boredom. How about, as an antidote, a boring book to lull you into unconsciousness? It works for me! “So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.” But no book is boring when you surprisingly show up in the story! So now a little coincidence. Did they just happen to read the part where Mordecai uncovered the plot by the king’s palace guard to assassinate him? This must lead to a little inquiry. “Then the king said, ‘What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?’” (v 3). The answer brought him a little surprise: “Nothing has been done for him.” Nothing? Then it’s time for a little research. Enter a little man, just the right size for the job. “Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace” (v 4). Haman had someone in mind—to be hanged. But here’s a little problem. The king had the same someone in mind—to be honored! So he asked Haman, “What shall be done for the man…?” (v 6). Haman could have authored the line: “People call me self-centered—but enough about them.” So he made a little mistake. “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” he thought. This is going to be good! It always is when the tables turn, and the little things become REALLY BIG in a moment.