2024_06_19 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Esther 2-10
Since the first time I read this Old Testament book, I have greatly respected Mordecai. All along the way, he presents himself as a man who has devoted his life to the good of others, even at his own expense. He adopts his younger cousin and raises her as a daughter, and throughout her life, he offers her guidance, wisdom, and the challenge to follow God no matter what. He not only teaches that, but he also lives it out in his personal example. We see this in the beginning of chapter 3 when Haman (we will take an in-depth look at him in two weeks) is elevated to a key government position, “All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.” Esther 3:2 We don’t know exactly why Mordecai was unwilling to show Haman respect, but we do know that Haman was from a group that hated the Jews. This also hints at a similar situation that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found themselves in (Daniel 3:13-14). It is refreshing to see someone with strong convictions and the courage to live consistently with them even though it could risk their life as this choice did.
We see the depth of Mordecai’s faith foundation later when he challenges Esther to take a courageous stand on behalf of the Jewish people that Haman had targeted. Mordecai tells her, “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace, you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:13, 14
Mordecai has a strong conviction that God will deliver His people one way or another. What’s at stake is the choice to be God’s partner and faithfully follow. Living as if God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and loving is the firm foundation for character to be resilient and consistent. Mordecai’s story is a perfect illustration of this. He takes his stand without knowing how God will work, just that He will. When the king can’t sleep and decides to scan the royal history and discovers he owes Mordecai honor, the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect (Esther 6). What a great encouragement for all of us to know that as we trust and obey God, He is fully aware and will accomplish His purposes with us as His partners. Isaiah 41:10, reminds us that we aren’t ever alone:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor