The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Standing Tall

His family had come to Persia as slaves, captives of Jerusalem’s last stand against the Babylonians. Yet even in enemy territory, Mordecai succeeded in business. His relative Esther found more success; she was selected from all the beautiful women in the land as King Xerxes’ queen.

With his connections inside the palace, Mordecai probably had high ambitions. He would have to hide his background, though, and he strongly advised Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a secret as well.

Yet when a crisis came, Mordecai stood tall, showing extraordinary courage. The king had named the evil Haman his second-in-command, and everyone bowed before him — everyone except Mordecai, who stayed on his feet. His motive? Perhaps he knew of Haman’s character and of his hatred for Jews.

When Haman set out to annihilate all Jews in the empire, Mordecai urged Esther to “come out” completely, revealing her race even at the risk of her life. Clearly, loyalty to their people came before success or safety.

Mordecai’s stand and Esther’s courage led to a dramatic turnaround for the whole community of Jewish exiles. King Xerxes rewarded Mordecai with a high position in his court. More importantly, Mordecai’s own community honored him “because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (Est 10:3).

The feast of Purim, still celebrated by Jews today, commemorates these amazing events. Against history’s dark background of anti-Semitism, Mordecai’s triumph shines.

Life Questions

*Whom do you speak up for? For what group would you willingly risk your life or your reputation?

Taken from NIV The Essentials Study Bible