Year of Realization - Day 21: Don’t let schmoozing “carrot distributors” cloud your judgment.

“Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT

Have you ever heard the phrase, “carrot and stick”? This phrase is used as a metaphor to describe two different methods to get someone to do what you want them to do, methods for getting compliance. The reference goes back to getting animals (such as donkeys) to do what you want them to do: you can try bribing them with a carrot, or beat them with a stick. We’ve all seen the visual of a carrot being dangled in front of a donkey to get it to walk in a particular direction.

When evil forces want to get someone or some group to comply with their desires they are definitely willing to use either method. However, if one is in a subordinate position to the person needing to be controlled, the carrot approach is probably the preferred method. And, even when the power balance is not tipped toward the “target,” the carrot is often tried first.

Indeed, the fall of man was the result of a schmoozing serpent!

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today’s opening scripture is the same as was yesterday’s. However, today we focus on the last part where Haman is schmoozing the king to try to get him to do what he wants him to do. So, the carrot he uses is that this action to exterminate the Jews, will be for the king’s own benefit. Additionally, it would be an affront to the king’s rule to let these Jews continue to challenge his authority.

Tragically, otherwise well-meaning people can fall prey to evil persuasion when they are schmoozed by someone dangling a “carrot” that is “for their benefit.”

Be on guard. Don’t allow a hissing-serpent-offering-you-something-great, cause you to lose it all.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization