October 06, 2019: SOAP #3594:  Esther 9-10; Luke 19

Scripture:  Esther (NIV) 10:1 King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. 2 And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, pre-eminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

Observation:  These three verses make up the last chapter of the book of Esther.  There is no mention of Esther who became queen but of her uncle who took Esther into his home as an orphan.   Mordecai spent his days outside the Castle gates probably wanting to be close to Esther.  But at the end of the book, Mordecai is now second in command, next to the King!

Mordecai is commended because his concern and actions were for the good of his people.  Like he had earlier told Esther that she was brought to her position for the salvation of her people (Esther 4:14), so he lived and served as though he had been given his position for the sake of his people.

Application:   It is good when a nation’s leaders are said to work for the good of their people.  It is good when they speak up for the welfare of their people.    It is good when they use their position and authority to help others.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, not only our nation’s leaders, but help me to do the same.  Show me how I can help others.  Show me how to use what you have given me for the blessing and benefit of others. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!