Text: Esther 2:5-6
One of the principle characters of the book of Esther is Mordecai – a Jew, Esther’s uncle. Most importantly, he was a man of faith. His example provides several lessons for us – we will notice just a few in this lesson.
Mordecai Raised Esther (Esther 2:7)
- Esther’s parents died, so Mordecai took her as his own daughter
- Mordecai provides us with an example of love – caring for Esther who lost both of her parents
- The NT also talks about caring for orphans (James 1:27) – though some have tried to make this the work of the church, the context clearly indicates that this is an individual responsibility (James 1:23-27)
- We must take our responsibility to care for others in need seriously (Galatians 6:7-10; Matthew 25:34-40, 45-46)
Mordecai Saved the King (Esther 2:21-23)
- Mordecai became aware of an assassination plot against the king – he could have ignored it, but he didn’t
- Mordecai provides us with an example of concern for others
- When others are in danger, we should help (Obadiah 10-11; Proverbs 24:11)
- When people are in spiritual danger especially, we should try to save them (James 5:19-20; Jude 23) – should be more than just an obligation; we should want to help them (2 Corinthians 11:28-29)
Mordecai Refused to Bow to Haman (Esther 3:1-5)
- He refused to do this because he was a Jew (Esther 3:4) – not a one-time occurrence, but daily (Esther 3:4); led Haman to plan to kill Mordecai and all the Jews (Esther 5:14; 3:6)
- Mordecai provides us with an example of loyalty to God – despite the threat of harm
- We must be loyal to the Lord above all others (1 Corinthians 1:12-13; Matthew 10:37; Acts 5:29)
- Be willing to do this on an ongoing basis – endure until the end (Matthew 10:21-22; cf. Galatians 6:9)
Mordecai Called Upon Esther to Act (Esther 4:6-8, 13-14)
- He informed Esther of Haman’s plot and told her to act to save her people – she initially hesitated (Esther 4:11); but despite the danger, he admonished her to do the right thing
- Mordecai provides us with an example of admonishing others for good works
- Christians need the encouragement of their brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25; 3:12-13) – example of Peter: bold when he was with his brethren (Matthew 26:33-35), denied Jesus when he was not (Matthew 26:69-75)
- Sometimes we need to be encouraged to do what we already know to be right (2 Peter 1:12-13)
Mordecai Trusted the Will of God (Esther 4:13-14)
- Regardless of what Esther decided to do, Mordecai was convinced that God would deliver His people – he didn’t presume to know how God would carry out His will, but he trusted in God for salvation
- Mordecai provides us with an example of faith – God’s will would not be derailed by man’s choices
- Some use this verse as a springboard to speculate about what God is doing behind the scenes in their lives – Mordecai didn’t speculate, he simply encouraged Esther to take advantage of her position; we must also serve God in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:18-24)
- Trust that the will of God will be done (Proverbs 3:5-7) – His promises are sure (Hebrews 6:9-20), so serve Him diligently (Hebrews 6:11-12; 10:36)
