pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Mordecai


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What a Turn!

Readings: Esther 5, Esther 6, Esther 7, Esther 8, Esther 9, Esther 10

Esther 9:1 – “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.”

Photo credit: Justin Luebke

As the story continues, Esther goes to and is received by the king. He offers her anything she wants – “even half the kingdom.” She requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet first. Haman leaves the banquet in high spirits. But seeing Mordecai angers him. It is suggested that he has a 75′ pole built to hang Mordecai on. The pole is built. But that night the king can’t sleep. The royal records are read and he hears of Mordecai’s heroism. The next day, thinking it is for himself, Haman comes up with a grand plan to honor this man. He ends up parading Mordecai around the city. What a turn!

At the second banquet Esther shared her wish: “give me my life… and the lives of my people.” Haman’s cruel plan is unveiled and eventually he is impaled on that 75′ pole. What a turn! The next day Esther and Mordecai appear before the king. They receive permission to write an order that will “call back” the original order. The Jews are allowed to defend themselves. Mordecai is greeted with shouts of joy in Susa. Jews everywhere are elated. Yes, what a turn.

The fateful day arrives. “On the very day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, the tables were turned against them.” No one is able to stand up to the Jews. They win sweeping victories over their enemies. The days end in great celebration and feasting. What a turn! Esther and Mordecai make it an official day of celebration – the Feast of Purim. It is named after “pur” – the dice tossed to decide the day of the Jews’ demise. Yearly, though, it is two days of celebration and feasting, remembering God’s rescue. What a turn indeed!

Prayer: Lord God, what a grand story of rescue. Although behind the scenes, you were there at every turn – prompting, leading, guiding, orchestrating, making a way. We rejoice in you, our good, good God. And we humbly ask, O Lord, that you are present in our lives too. Show us, lead us, guide us, prompt us, rescue us, O God. Amen.


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The Royal Family

Readings: Esther 1,  Esther 2, Esther 3, Esther 4

Esther 4:14: “Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.”

Today we begin the book of Esther. It is set in the city of Susa – the city where Nehemiah served King Artaxerxes. Esther’s story unfolds under the next king, Ahasuerus (or Xerxes I.) He was the 4th king that reigned in Persia during the 120 years that it took to rebuild the temple and the wall around Jerusalem. Almost all of the Israelites sent into exile are still living in the provinces of Persia.

Right away we learn that Ahasuerus likes to show off his wealth and power. After a seven day party he wants to show off his beautiful queen. Vashti refuses to be paraded around. This opens the door for a new queen. Esther is one of hundreds yet is chosen as the next queen. Throughout the story, Esther finds favor with others. Mordecai, a Jew who works at the King’s Gate, was like a father to Esther. About that time, he overhears a plot to kill the king. He reports it through Esther and the event is noted in the royal record.

Meanwhile, back in the palace, Haman is made the #1 official, the king’s right hand man. All people are supposed to bow down to Haman. Mordecai, a devout Jew, will only bow down to God. A very angry Haman gets the king to write a decree calling for all Jews to be killed on the 13th day of the 12th month. This date was chosen by casting dice (or purim) and it falls the day before the Jews would celebrate the Passover, their greatest day of deliverance.

Mordecai hears of the decree and he fasts and mourns. Esther hears of this and, through a back and forth through Hathach, she finds the courage to go to the king on behalf of her people. She finds courage in these words from Mordecai: “Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.” We too are a part of a royal family – God’s. When might we be called upon to risk for our faith? And in that moment of truth and testing, how will we respond?

Prayer: Lord God, your hand is ever guiding and leading. Most of our days are routine. But sometimes we come to where Esther is: a single moment when we are put to the test. We must decide: do we trust you? Lord, in these moments, speak into our hearts, reminding us of your sure presence and of our assured place in your family. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Esther 9: 20-22

Verse 22: “Mordecai wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving of presents of food”.

Our passage today begins with Mordecai recording the recent events and sending this out in a letter to “all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerses, near and far”. Mordecai is writing to all the Jews for two purposes. In Esther 3 an edict had been sent out to all the provinces that on the 13th day of the month of Adar, all the Jews were to be killed. Imagine the horror and fear that must have swept through the Jewish communities spread “near and far”. The date would have felt like a ticking bomb. So the first purpose of Mordecai’s letter was to let the Jews know that they had been spared.

As important as this information was, the bigger purpose of the letter was to tell the story of how God had acted to save His people. Yes, being spared is super important, but the “how” is much more important. The letter must have detailed Mordecai’s faith and trust in God to act. It must have spoken of Esther’s course and trust in God. In both cases, it speaks of people willing to step up and stand up for God and for their faith. Thus, it encourages to do the same should necessity or opportunity arise. The letter also tells, more importantly, of how God was faithful too – guiding and orchestrating the events to rescue His chosen people from sure death. The letter ultimately reminds the Jews of God’s love and care.

In his letter, Mordecai declares the 14th and 15th days of Adar to be “days of feasting and joy and giving of presents of food” as the people celebrate God at work. These are the days immediately after the former date of their destruction. Mordecai directs the people to give gifts of food not only to each other but also to the poor. Just as God had cared for His people in a time of need, so too will they care for those in need among them. This act is also one more way to tell the story of God’s saving hand.

This story reminds us of times when God has been at work in our lives. These times are part of our story of faith. Like Mordecai, may we also share the story.

Lord, I recognize and give thanks for the many times that you have guided and cared for and even rescued me. May I use each opportunity today to tell the story of your love and care and faithfulness. Amen.