MORDECAI’S GREAT FAITH

 Esther 3:1-15 / Keywords 3:2b

MORDECAI’S GREAT FAITH

 

1. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman (1-6)

Mordecai had become known in the palace when he reported a plot to kill King

Xerxes. After this event, Xerxes honored Haman for some reason. He elevated

Haman to a high position. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt before

Haman and paid honor to him. But the Jew Mordecai refused to do so. Mordecai

was faithful to God and to his own people, and he would not compromise. (Haman

was an Amalekite, enemies of the Jews.) Haman became furious when he was

told about Mordcai’s refusal. When Haman heard Mordecai was a Jew, Haman

decided not only to destroy Mordecai, but all the Jews in the kingdom.

 

2. A people who are different (7-15)

Haman cast the “pur” (casting lots) to determine the best time to put his plot

into action. (Later the Jews would celebrate the Purim in remembrance of Esther).

Haman persuaded King Xerxes to go along with the plot by describing the Jews

and their customs as “different from those of all other people”, that they shouldn’t

be tolerated and should all be destroyed. The King agreed. Word was sent

throughout the kingdom telling the royal officials to destroy all Jews on a certain

day. The devil has tried to destroy God’s people throughout history.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for people who are different from those of the worldpeople

who belong to you.

One Word Be brave and stand apart for the Lord