Men of the Bible Series - Mordecai

Men of the Bible Series - Mordecai (Esther 6:11)

Esther 6:11, Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

A soldier in the service of King Charles I of England, who reigned from 1625-1649, sold most of his property and gave his proceeds to support the king's cause. He ended up also giving his life, being killed in the battle with the Roundheads. His friends paid tribute to his memory with this epitaph which is found in an old churchyard in England: "He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty."

Mordecai was very loyal, and the rewards of his loyalty would be revealed at the right time and place. God is preparing His heroes and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into His plan in a moment and the world will wonder where they come from. In Esther 2:21-23, we find Mordecai reporting the news of two men (Bigthan and Teresh) attempting to assassinate king Ahasuerus. It would be some time later, but the honorable acts of Mordecai would be brought to the attention of king Ahasuerus. As a result, for saving his life, king Ahasuerus honored Mordecai by having him escorted through the city on the king’s horse wearing the king’s royal clothing (Ephesians 6:11).

In adopting Esther, Mordecai shows his mercy (Esther 2:7). Although we were orphans, afar from God, Christ showed His mercy in receiving us into the family of God by faith (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-13). As Mordecai was faithful to king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21-23), Christ was faithful to His Father (Luke 2:29; John 8:29; Hebrews 10:7). Mordecai was consistent (Esther 3:2-4), Christ, fully knowing His mission, was faithful and steadfast (Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51; 19:10; I Timothy 1:15). As Mordecai was despised (Esther 3:5), so was Christ (Isaiah 53:3; John 15:25). As Mordecai was tested (Esther 4:1), so was Christ (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:42). As Mordecai finally received a place of honor (Esther 6:1-3; 8:7-8), so did Christ in His resurrection (Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3).

Mordecai was loyal to God, therefore, he refused to bow down to Haman (Esther 3:4). Daniel’s three companions showed the same conviction and loyalty to God (Daniel 3:1-12). Those around Mordecai wanted to know why he did not kneel down. He gave them only one answer, that he was a Jew. God’s purpose and plan for sending the Jews into captivity to rid them from the desire to follow after false gods and idols had come to pass. As a result, these Jews would not honor anyone or anything in a way that was reserved only for God. Separated unto God, they refused to kneel down to any human or idol. Like Mordecai, we Christians also must take a firm and open stand for Christ and the righteous standards of truth in His Word no matter what pressures come from a society that does not know or accept Him.

Five times the phrase “whom the king delighteth to honour,” is mentioned (Esther 6:6-7, 9, 11). As Mordecai was a delight to king Ahasuerus, so should we as Christians be a delight to God. God blesses those who please Him. God delights in seeing His people reflect His glory and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). There are several attributes of God that we are specifically told bring Him delight when they are manifested in our lives.
Some things that bring a delight to the Lord are:

1. Obedience to Him (I Samuel 15:22).
2. Moral life (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 11:20)
3. Singing to Him (Psalm 69:30-31).
4. Reverential fear of Him (Psalm 147:11).
5. Honest life (Proverbs 11:1.)
6. Truthful life (Proverbs 12:22)
7. Kindness (Jeremiah 9:24)
8. Mercy (Micah 7:18).
9. Service to Him (II Corinthians 5:9).
10. Cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7)

When reading the book of Esther, one might question, “Where is God in all this? Why is God’s name not mentioned?” Although He is never mentioned by name in the entire book, God appears in every scene. God is seen in His power, providence, protection, presence, peace, and preservation. God is like the unseen rudder on the ship. However, the presence of God is evident throughout every chapter in these books. We see His providential hand of care over Israel. The purpose of the book of Esther is to reveal the sovereignty of God and His care for His people. It also teaches us that when man has reached his limit in life, God reveals His opportunity and plans of a tomorrow. Have you ever felt discouraged, as though God was not working in your life? Understand that even when God’s work is not evident, His hand is present working behind-the-scenes. May God open our eyes to His many wonderful works in this book (Psalm 119:18).

Points to Ponder:
God’s timing and His ways ae always perfect.
Those who honor God will God honor.
One of the greatest statements a child of God can hear is “Well done” (Matthew 25:21).

Questions to Consider:
Do you have a godly heritage?
If you are the first Christian in your family, how will you begin a heritage for your children?
What are you doing to preserve this heritage and pass it along to your children?

PRAYER: Lord, I want to honor You in with my life. Guide my steps and prepare my path that I may glorify You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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