Esther, Born for Such a Time as ThisChikamu

Haman was given a seat of honor by King Ahasuerus. It’s not very clear how he won the favor of the king, but the result was that he was the most powerful nobleman in the kingdom. Power always presents an opportunity to dominate and become corrupt for lack of good counsel. Haman thoroughly enjoyed his power, and every day he went through the king’s gate rejoicing over all the people who bowed before him and fell on their knees. All of them? No, not everyone. There was a man who did not fall down before him; it was Mordecai who refused to bow before him. Mordecai was a Jew who knew that God had forbidden His children to kneel before men and idols.

We know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who did not bow before the big statue of Nebuchadnezzar; they were thrown in the blazing furnace. Mordecai could not have known the consequences of his choice not to kneel, but he certainly knew that Haman would not be happy about it. But still, he did not kneel. Never!

In the last book of the Bible we read about another statue and about people who will not worship that statue. They are Christians, and those who will not bow down will be killed. Mordecai did not bow down; he put his trust in God. Our trust may not develop instantly but will grow a little more every day as we draw closer to our faithful God in heaven.

Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to learn to trust You a little more every day. I know You will give me strength, especially when the road is rough and I know I cannot go on in my own power. But I will lean on You who lives in me! Thank You! You are the same unchanging, eternally faithful God who helped Mordecai. Amen.