Two Pillars: The Pillar of Haman and the Cross of Yeshua
Brothers and sisters, today the Lord has placed a word on my heart—a word that speaks of faith, worship, and the spiritual battle we are all engaged in. This message is about two trees: the gallows of Haman and the Cross of Yeshua. These two trees represent two contrasting realities—one brings death and destruction, while the other brings life and redemption. May the Holy Spirit open our hearts to this revelation and strengthen us in His truth.
When we come to the Word of God, it transforms our minds, renews our spirits, and becomes alive within us. As it is written: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). When we take in the Word, it bears fruit in our lives and glorifies God. That is why today I do not speak my own words, but what the Lord has given me to share.
God gave His people appointed feasts to remember His mighty works. Among them, three stand out as central: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). But there are also feasts that were not originally established by God but became part of Israel’s tradition. One such feast is Purim—a celebration of God’s victory over evil, a reminder that He delivers His people from the enemy’s schemes and turns curses into blessings.
The Spirit of Amalek: Identifying Our Enemy
Throughout history, the spirit of Amalek—the spirit of hostility toward God’s people—has manifested itself again and again. In the book of Esther, we read about Haman the Agagite, who despised the Jews and sought their annihilation. But his hatred was not merely personal; he embodied a spirit that has always opposed the people of God.
When Mordecai refused to bow before Haman, he was standing on the foundation of Scripture: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” (Deuteronomy 6:13). This was not an act of defiance but an expression of faithfulness to God. The enemy always demands worship, but true worship belongs to God alone.
The Battle for Worship
Brothers and sisters, we are engaged in the same spiritual battle today! The world around us tries to dictate what we should value, where we should place our trust, and what we should worship. It demands that we bow to wealth, power, pleasure, and even our own fears. But the Word of God is clear:
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
If your job, your ambitions, or even your ministry takes the place of worshiping God, then your heart has already begun to bow before another god.
Mordecai’s refusal to bow infuriated Haman. But the enemy’s rage was not just against him alone—it was aimed at the entire Jewish people. This reveals a profound spiritual truth: when the enemy cannot control one person’s faith, he will seek to destroy all who stand with them.
Two Trees: The Gallows of Haman and the Cross of Yeshua
Haman built a gallows—a fifty-cubit-high execution stake, intending to hang Mordecai upon it. But in the end, he was the one who perished on the very structure he had built for another’s destruction (Esther 7:10).
This is how God works: the enemy’s schemes are turned back on his own head.
But there is another tree—the Cross of Yeshua. While Haman’s gallows were built to destroy, the Cross was chosen to redeem. The gallows of Haman were meant for an innocent man, but he himself was condemned. In contrast, Yeshua went to the Cross willingly—not because He deserved death, but because He chose to bear our sins.
“Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13).
Consider the difference:
- Haman’s gallows were built for someone else, but he perished on them himself.
- Yeshua’s Cross was intended for Him alone, but through it, we all receive life.
At the Cross, a divine exchange took place: He took our sin, our guilt, and our punishment, and in return, He gave us forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.
How Do We Fight the Battle?
The battle over worship is a battle over allegiance. This is why Mordecai would not bow, and this is why Yeshua refused Satan’s temptation in the wilderness:
“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only’” (Matthew 4:10).
We cannot bow to the world’s systems. We live in this world, but we are not of it. We work, we build, we engage in society, but we do not allow its spirit to enslave us.
Our strength is in unity. When Mordecai realized the danger, he did not fight alone—he called upon Esther, and the entire Jewish people fasted and prayed together (Esther 4:16). This teaches us that spiritual warfare is not an individual task—it is the responsibility of the entire body of believers.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
We are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. Yet, “the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church” (Matthew 16:18).
The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
When the Jewish people experienced victory over their enemies, they established Purim as a feast of joy and celebration.
But, brothers and sisters, if you wait until after your victory to rejoice, then something is wrong with your faith!
“Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
We don’t rejoice after we see victory—we rejoice because we know it is already ours!
- I rejoice because I am already healed.
- I rejoice because I am already blessed.
- I rejoice because my children are already saved.
- I rejoice because I already have everything I need for life and godliness.
Because “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)!
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, we all have a choice—to live under the curse of Haman’s gallows or under the victory of Yeshua’s Cross. To bow to this world or to worship the Lord.
Victory is already ours! Let us walk in it, rejoice in it, and give glory to God!
Blessed be the name of the Lord forever! Amen!
Pastor Oren Lev Ari