Bible Reading- Esther 4; Hebrews 3:11-19
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:13-14 (KJV)
The passage under consideration reveals the story of the Jews and the intended annihilation plan conceived by Haman against God’s heritage. The story was a tragedy! Haman was indeed bent on eliminating the Jews. This evil intention was sealed with the king’s ring (Esther 3:12.) The evil letter was circulated in the territory of the Jews with a simple mandate “… to destroy, to kill and to cause to perish all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey” – Esther 3:13 (KJV). This is similar to the mission statement of Satan as stated by the Lord Jesus Christ “The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they may have live, and that they might have it more abundantly” – John 10:10 (KJV)
This made Mordecai, who understood the implication of the action, to rise up to the occasion by calling to the right quarter. Series of messages were exchanged between Esther and Mordecai before the subject matter could be understood by Queen Esther in the palace. Mordecai became the mouthpiece of the Jews who were helplessly crying. He came with the mind that when she rose up to that occasion before the king, the decision could be averted which would result in the salvation of the people of God.
As a Christian, do you know the reason why God has given you the opportunity of occupying the throne where you are now? Do you slam the door against the cry of the poor? Is your bowel of mercy still receptive? The bible says: “whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard” – Prov. 21:13 (KJV). It is surprising to see today among brothers and sisters who occupy position of authority but are not seeing any need to respond to the cry of those who are in distress around them. Is your life like that? Jesus Christ our Master never ignored the distress call of the less privileged. You shall expire one day in that position, use it wisely for kingdom purpose while it is your day.
Prayer Point: Deliver me from self-centredness in Jesus name. Help me to think of others in any position of authority I may occupy in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole