For Such A Time As ThisSample

 “After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.” -Esther 3:1(ESV)

Hold on a second. Wasn’t Mordecai the one who saved the king’s life? 

Let’s backtrack. 

While reading Esther 2, we learned that when Esther was declared queen in place of Queen Vashti, Mordecai was promoted to an office in the court of King Xerxes. (Esther 2:21)

While holding this office, Mordecai discovered a plot growing in the minds of the king’s eunuchs  to murder King Xerxes. (Esther 2:21-22) Mordecai quickly relayed this information to Esther, who then relayed this information to the king on Mordecai’s behalf. The investigation of the matter ensued and the plan was revealed to be true, resulting in the hanging of the king’s eunuchs. (Esther 2:23)

After a righteous act like this, it’s only natural to assume Mordecai would receive some type of promotion in the king’s palace or at least some type of acknowledgement. King Xerxes literally owed his life to Mordecai, right? 

Instead, Mordecai was overlooked and Haman, a vizier in the Persian empire under the king, was promoted in his place. (Esther 3:1) 

Talk about an unexpected plot twist.

So, what does Mordecai do? He went on about his business. Mordecai had no other reason to prevent the king from his death aside from having believed it was the right thing to do. He was truly a righteous man. 

Looking at Mordecai’s situation, we are reminded of the truth that life is unfair. Why? Because evil lurks. And when evil lurks, injustice is sure to follow. 

Have you ever felt like you deserved something? Me, too. The truth is, we do not deserve a thing. We are selfish to the core. But take heart, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. The Father’s heart overflows with grace, and His children have limitless access to it. Receive it freely! 

The posture of Mordecai’s heart should serve as a great example to us all that God is truly all we need. Only He and He alone can satisfy each and every longing of our hearts. 

The next time you find yourself in a season where you simply cannot feel or see God’s hand, recall the story of Esther, where God is at work ruling sovereignly behind the scenes! Be encouraged by the working of His hands in this story, because He is doing the exact same thing with your story, too. He’s got you in the palm of His hand. 

God has a very special plan for the preservation of His people and the role Mordecai and Esther will play in bringing it to fruition. He will reveal His plan and use the events leading up to the final victorious chapter of it all in His own time—the right time—and for His glory. 

Reflection

1. What verses in Esther 2:19-3:1 stood out to you?
2. Put yourself in Mordecai’s shoes. How would you have responded to being overlooked after saving the king’s life?
3. How have you seen God’s sovereign hand at work in the story of Esther thus far?