DCLM Daily Manna 15 March 2026: Danger of Vainglory
Text: Esther 1:1-6 (KJV)
1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
KEY VERSE: Esther 1:3,4
“In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants… When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.”
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
Examples of extreme extravagance abound throughout history. Nero constructed his Golden Palace after the great fire of Rome in 64 C.E. It was an extravagant display of wealth and luxury, featuring gold-plated halls, exotic animals, and lavish amenities. Nero’s indulgence fuelled the speculation that he intentionally started the fire to make way for his palace. However, Nero never got to enjoy his creation as he committed suicide, and the new regime destroyed the palace.
Today’s passage describes an extravagant imperial banquet a Persian king held for his officials. The king reigned over a vast Medo-Persian empire. He had a great banquet lasting six months for his administrators and military officers, plus another week of general feast for everyone in one of his capital cities. Secular history states that the primary purpose of the king’s exhibition here is to convince his officials that he has what it takes to prosecute an impending military campaign. He aimed to manipulate the officials and use his wealth to muzzle objections. But we cannot overlook the ostentation, vainglory, extravagance, and sensuality in his wasteful feast. At the same time, most of his subjects were poor.
People entrusted with managing public funds must beware of unchecked power and indulgence. Rich people must also take heed and be wary of ostentation and overindulgence. We must all shun extravagance, pride, and flaunting of wealth. The Scriptures urge us to be moderate in all things as we see the coming of the Lord is near. Indeed, it is a great height of insensitivity to be ostentatious. At the same time, there are hungry people to feed, widows and destitute to help, and countless people to lift out of poverty. Wealth confers the privilege and responsibility to do good, assist the less privileged, and be rich towards God. We should use our resources to care for the sick and support gospel outreaches and mission work rather than live in selfish indulgence.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
If you aim at impressing the world and not the Lord, your aim is too low.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Numbers 22-25
DCLM Daily Manna 15 March 2026
