The only way to be a good prime minister is to fulfill the calling that is entrusted to you. Secondly, were told that the queen is not even mentioned. King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the landin fact, on the coastlands of the sea. The extent of the empire and the ability to secure taxation from the people is now firmly in place. Holiness, THE POWER GAME (ESTHER 3) When John, on the island of Patmos, looked forward, he caught a glimpse of the day when the kingdoms of this world would become the kingdoms of our [God], and of his Christ, and that he would reign for ever and ever.[18]. You just need to ask them, Hey, hows it going, you know? Mordecai the nursing father of Esther. 1. Who was she to even ask the king for a favor? 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. See it. So that the people, when they celebrate the feast of Purim, might say, But are we really delivered? But for now, we dont have it. So, his position was not one that incurred the wrath or the jealousy of his friends, but it was a position of popularity as well. I and my young women will also fast as you do. He sought the welfare of his people, and he spoke peace to all.. I say little man; I dont know if he was little, but Ive got him in my mind as little. November 6, 2011, unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations One of the wise men answered that if nothing were done, Queen Vashti would become a heroic figure of feminine defiance, and wives all over Persia would rebel against their husbands.
It wasnt really very much. Her parents died at her young age. His actions definitely speaks a lot to show his sympathy over the tragic decree to destroy his people. That was his heritage: one generation, and another generation, and here he was, an alien in a strange land, caring for his cousin Esther, who was gonna provide a crucial role in the story of Gods purposes.
[3] And he is long gone, but Mordecai is now in the position that he thought was justifiably his own, second in rank to King Ahasuerus. He has power and influence, but like all of creation, Satan must submit to the sovereign power of God. Only Jesus. Haman is the villain in the story of Esther, who has the privilege to be the highest official under the king. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. The church I was a part of as a youth had a heartbreaking major split every three years or so. And thats why the moment of your life and mine has significance: because it fits with the unfolding drama of Gods purpose for you. For
The reason I did so is because it is a recurring phrase, and it is a phrase that is used in the prophecy of Isaiah, in chapter 57, where the prophet, speaking from God, says, [I speak] peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says the Lord, and I will heal him.[7] So he says, Im speaking peace, peace, to the far and to the near. So the story ends: Mordecai was concerned for the welfare of his people, and he spoke peace to his people. That was a great deliverance, but it wasnt the ultimate deliverance. Many different instruments playing several different parts make up this symphonic masterpiece. read more, Scripture:
And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Its somewhat humorous, but they must have put that on there because it fitted him to a tee, just in the same way that this fits Mordecai to a tee: He sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people. When people said, What about Mordecai? they said, Rest, welfare, peace, prosperity. Baptist. Jesus too in His lifetime never failed to show that He really cares, he came into this world for you and me to save us from eternal condemnation. Keep that in mind when your friends are pushing you back and saying, You crazy people. If we had time as well, we might ponder what it means to write things down, why it matters to keep good minutes, why a history is a crucial piece of life. Esther 4:6-17, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Experiencing the mercy of God in our lives, Looking to Jesus for help now and hope in the future, Help your church understand God's plan in pain. The body was swaying to and
. But not Mordecai. Christian leaders must wholeheartedly care for the people under their authority.
2 It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. It doesnt happen all the time. Now, let us endeavor to work our way through these three verses. In 1 . What is fascinating to see through these historical events was to recognize that whether Gods people were in Jerusalem or still in far away lands (those who did not return to Jerusalem), Gods hand will always be at work to fulfill His promises through His people and to fulfill His ultimate plan of deliverance. Mordecais cousins Jewsish name was
This is to encourage you in particular not to be weary of well doing, because, God shall surely rewards you. And May the Lord be exalted as we trust Him with all our heart, our righteous and ever present Advocate! Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations for sermons preached on or after Joseph also had similar experience and God rewarded him at the appointed time. If one were to
Dont lose heart, because the Lord who watches is aware of everything and He is a God of justice. And he did it fantastically well. 6 That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. Instead of doing what was noble and honorable, people were trying to get Christians to be followers of men.
Because, as weve been discovering, he played a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jews from the prospect of annihilation, a prospect that was a ticking clock for them until things were reversed. 1. Although a new king had be- Jesus is the King of the ages. Your email address will not be published. Were all so concerned about the moment, and understandably so. Christians need to be zealously honorable at all times, and not just when someone is standing over them. But her role was passing, her part has been played, and she has now been superseded. They are simply recording history. 3. The history of mankind is filled with various attempts to destroy the people of Israel. What is admirable with Mordecai was that he always made sure she is in good care and Esther reciprocated this care by obeying Mordecais instructions with diligence. I dont know why I need another Paul Simon album. CLCBCOnline | Calvary Light Of Christ Bible Church. Hearing what the plan was, Mordecai reached out to his daughter. Having trouble logging into your account? He set out to influence his cousin so that she might understand that she came to the kingdom for such a time as this, so that they might go against the absolute run of play. 1. I need to be delivered from myself, from my selfish propensities, from my wandering heart, whatever it may be. That is no wonder, for they are claimed to have stood at 1,000,000 strong. There are times when we too may have to face the malice of people, who turn against us and speak ill of us. Fragments of it could still be discovered. II. [13] Ed McCurdy, Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream (1950).
( Esther 2:21-23) Although his act that saved the king's life was recorded, Mordecai was not rewarded for it. Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called [the] children of God.[14] But first the peace has to come to the storm-tossed heart of an individual life. In Vegas you can beat the odds and win it all with a roll of the dice or you can lose it all in a roll of the dice. And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen" (Esther 2:2122). After this persistent but wise counsel from the lips of Mordecai, Esther knew that she needed to connect to God through fasting and prayer, to learn and discern of Gods plan for the circumstances she was put into. Should I Use Bible Software In My Sermon Prep? And you will remember, of course, that Haman had suggested to King Ahasuerus that if he was to destroy the Jews, then Haman could chip in to the treasury, and things would work out splendidly. Thank you that when Daniel looked ahead, he saw one like [unto] a son of man,[17] whose glory was beyond the ability to frame, the dominion extended to the ends of the earth. An Evil Plan 5 When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the kings palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. Whenever we read the Gospels in the New Testament, we definitely wont miss to see Jesus marked by kindest heart and compassion too. If one were to play a non-melodic part alone, it would sound strange and unappealing. And when we see that the king had advanced him, its true that Ahasuerus had chosen him as his prime minister, but ultimately we see that there is another king that is involved in this unfolding storynamely, he who is the King of all kings. I remember when Paul Simon, in his Paul Simon songbooks, you know, picked up the song. God hears what we say to each other, and when you speak with faith, hope, and love, when you speak with courage, when you speak in a way that honors the Lord, God hears and He remembers. He didnt have access to the palace or to the king. Mordecai was compassionate to the needs of others. You say, Well, of course he was honored. No, theres no of course in it. Being in good spirits, Xerxes threw a celebration which lasted For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. It seems as (when no one is cheating) that it
What we have learned so far from the book of Ezra and Nehemiah is that the events happened during the times of the Persian Empire and highlighted the triumph of the exiled people of God returning in Jerusalem. Deuteronomy 6:1-3 (ESV) 1Now this is the commandmentthe statutes and the rulesthat the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2 that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. He played the position of second fiddle. In fact, if we go back to our historical timeline again, after the fall of the Divided Kingdoms (Southern and Northern) to the Assyrians and the Babylonians, the Persian Empire thrive and conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Site Map. I think some of you will too. In terms of literature, in terms of a short story, it is by any standards a masterful piece of work. Knowing JESUS Daily Devotional | June 29, 2020 | LESSONS FROM BIBLE LEADERS ESTHER | THE REMEMBRANCE OF MORDECAI | On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. One day, sooner than you think perhaps, you are going to end in one. In continuation with this series of Psalm 91, let us study the life of another man whom God honored, though it seemed that everything was against him. Mordecai was honored. This is, of course: Sing a song of sixpence,A pocket full of rye,Four and twenty blackbirdsWere baked in a pie. Or what happened to Queen Vashti. Mordecai was the man of the moment; Jesus is King of the ages. Its a thread, and I follow the thread. I understand that. The unanswered question Do you think maybe youre just jealous that youre still on the sixth and she went to the ninth? Actually, were not told that; we realize it because shes not mentioned. I quoted Paul Simon. 20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?You see, Mordecai was practically advising Esther to recognize Gods purpose in her life.
III. And any time I mentioned epitaphs, it gives me a chance to tell you my favorite epitaph, so I dont want to disappoint you. I dont know about you, but I still believe until today that when our heart is right with the Lord, our faithfulness and obedience to our King of kings is still the one condition of true prosperity and success in life. This biblical record, says the narrator, says the author, may be confirmed if you read the secular record, which is in the Chronicles of the Medes and the Persians. So in other words, he says, If you want to go and check whether what Im telling you is accurate, then just read the secular record. He wouldnt reference the secular record if when they went to the secular record, it undermined what he had just told them in the storyunless he was stupid, which he isnt. Why was he honored? read more, Scripture:
First of all, were told that the king was in his counting house. 1 2 3 Next Xerxes: King of kings. Write it down so they can read it.
Version (NIV), copyright 1973 1978 1984 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by So why is it mentioned? However, they are not fiction; this is an actual account of the lives of
Soon after, the king also recognized that for himself, and so placed the royal crown upon her head. Used by permission. You could argue, Well, were creating an amazing history on my phone with iOS 7 or whatever else it is now. Mordecai was a captive from Jerusalem; one whom Nebuchad-nezzar, the king of Babylon, had carried away (see Esther 2:6). THEME: IT SHALL COME TO PASS. Mordecai was honored.
Seeking revenge ends up hurting us more than anyone. 1. He didnt say, Well, now that I get to ride in a Daimler with two flags on the front, now that I get to get a cavalcade, as it were, through Susa If youve been in Washington, DC, and every so often you see somebody coming flying by, youve got to assume, It must be the president of the United States. But no, it could be just about anybody now. SLIDE #1 How bout that? 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. In fact, the history of the Second World War and its implications would have been radically different apart from Winston Churchill. He was raising his cousin, Esther, who would become queen of Persia. Ed Stetzer: How To Fight Ministry Pornography. It was fine when she was on the sixth floor, when she had the same kind of desk as you, but then she got moved to the ninth floor. Now, part of this is simply to make us understand how significant was the authority of King Ahasuerus: that he has not been superseded by Mordecai or by Esther or anyone else. * Logo Design * Graphics arts * Business Brochures * Skits * Motion Videos * Typographic Slideshow * Music/Lyrics videos * Commercials * Explainer & Business videos. Her beauty was known the world over, and he wished for the other men to gaze upon her. In fact, you will see that the position that he fills, as second in position to the king himself, is both a dangerous position and an honorable positiondangerous insofar as it brings the threat of self-aggrandizement, honorable in that fulfilling the role of second fiddle is not an easy position to fill.
Sermon Text: Esther 4:1-17 Preacher: Pastor Brian Sauv In God's Schoolroom With Mordecai & Esther Here at Refuge, we generally like to pick a book of the Bible, then make our way through that book a few sentences or paragraphs at a time from one side to the other. 2. Esther 4:1-3 1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. All Rights Reserved. Thirdly, Mordecai is honored. In Esther 2:21-23 we see Mordecais faithfulness with respect to the king! Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the kings laws; it is not in the kings best interest to tolerate them. Your email address will not be published. Mordecai is the Hero behind the Hero named Esther. He was an absolute obvious standout from the Persian community, and yet he was the one that was eventually chosen to fulfill this position. 2. He probably remembered what it was like in Israel before they were taken captive, and he had lived through the reigns of several Babylonian kings. My low regard and utter disdain for power can be traced to the power game and the power struggle I have witnessed. Esther 5:9-14. He has been buried in disgrace. He healed the sick, touched lepers, loved children, took time to touch the heart and conscience of a Samaritan woman, even looked out for His mothers needs while on the cross, and almost in every way showed love to the poor and the needy that he encounters. Its like a disease, buying Paul Simon albums. Its not dissimilar to the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, or to the story of Daniel. You will see thats the very word that is there in the text: He was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers. Popular with the multitude of his brothers. Have you noticed that people in your office become very unpopular when they just move up two floors? Thus, Xerxes called in his advisors and asked what must be done. Required fields are marked *, 2023 CLCBCOnline | Calvary Light Of Christ Bible Church. He was here for just a moment, doing what he did, because he understood that God is forever. The Book of Esther, which he co-authored, describes him as . Videos cannot be added to the listen queue at this time. Its jolly good. read more, Scripture:
Well, wed better know what we said, why we said it, when we said it, because it has implications. Powered by WordPress, No 23 Latols Str., St Mary Bus-stop, Off Governor road, Ikotun, Lagos, CLCBCOnline | Calvary Light Of Christ Bible Church, Knowing JESUS Daily Devotional | June 28, 2020 | LESSONS FROM BIBLE LEADERS ESTHER | THE GOLDEN SCEPTRE, SERMON | Following Jesus Completely Bishop Peter Babalola. 791 Route 10 East | Randolph, NJ | (973)-607-1404. Im pretty sure Mordecai and together with all the Jews in Susa fasted and prayed for Esther. Esther was the only one who could reach the king for help. Because, remember, Paul tells the Romans when he writes to them that everything that was written in the past, all these Old Testament stories, were written in order that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope[5]in other words, that we might have that which pushes us forward into an understanding of that which is not only recorded for us here but that to which this record then in turn points. Such character is in our reach as well. She is a very beautiful girl and was a Jewish. When Will We Ever Learn See some of them. His position left him popular, left him concerned for their prosperity, and left him in a position where he spoke peace to all his people. I think this means that he encouraged them to be what they needed to be, even as he was. Do you think he was honored because he was speaking out of both sides of his mouth? We have wonderful illustrations of that right here at Parkside. All followed the kings edict to honor him except for one man, Mordecai, a Jew. Well, we know the book has been mentioned, because this is the book that they read from on the night the king couldnt sleep, which proved to be such a strategic reading from a book. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen. A Look At Haman Let it be remembered, to the honour of one of the Presidents of the United States, General Jackson, that he never allowed any . So, is that the end of the story? For the man who had so insulted Haman, Mordecai, was Esthers adopted father. Mordecai is Honored 2 And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king's entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. For sermons preached before Mordecai was a human being just like us.
1. Lessons From Esther: Mordecai Never Grew Weary Article by Mark Schindler. Esther 3:1-15 It said that in the text.
Trouble is Brewing Esther 3: 1-7 It is likely that Mordecai and the Jews within . Again, these men came to positions of significant influence not on account of their ability to be political animals but on account of their willingness just to tell the truth.
On the seventh day of this banquet, having had his fill from wine, it was now time to show off one more jewel of his conquests, namely his wife, Vashti. Do you?. You dont know all the answers to the questions. You know, Im using a nursery rhyme in order to establish that, to lock it in your mind the way it locked it in my mind. These verses note the following facts about Mordecai: 1) he was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, 2) he lived in Susa, the capital of Persia, 3) his great-grandfather, Kish, had been taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, and 4) he acted as a father to Esther. read more, Scripture:
With that, the royal guards notified Haman of this insult, and so he was forced to defend his honor. Do something. We read in
Hello, I'm Joshua, CEO of SOAB Resources, an excellent designer who can use still, motion and video designs to communicate your ideas, products and services to inspire, inform, or captivate your prospective or present customers. And here the story of Esther ends without her getting a mention. 2 So it was,
He wanted the best for us, He did not only die for our salvation, but He also made sure we have everything in this world to live by and follow Him. 1 John 2:1 (ESV) 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And who would be one of those women, but a young lady named Esther. Archeologists are always at work. Other attributes that are undeniable with Mordecai were his faithfulness and courage to fulfill Gods calling and provision. He was put in the position of extreme usefulness, in contrast to the fact that Mordecai, who wouldnt bow to him, found himself relatively in obscurity. So, let it be our desire to keep doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord, knowing that we have all the help we need as we follow Him. It is evident from the start of the book of Esther that Mordecai's heart always beat for the needs of others, beginning most of all when he took in his orphaned niece Hadassah (later named Esther) after her parents' deaths. God Remembers Your Tears. 4 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But help us, Lord, to view all of our moments in light of eternity, so that although things may not be as brilliant as we had hoped them to be at this point in time, nevertheless, we believe ourselves to be under your fatherly care and loving jurisdiction, and we can trust you. 10. For those of you whose knowledge of history is scanty and youre nudging your grandfather, saying, Who is Winston Churchill?hes a former British prime minister. The history of mankind is filled with various attempts to destroy the people of Israel. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king. And in a way that seems just so all wrong, he contracts a brain tumor and dies as a young man in relative obscurity in a mission school in mainland China. Esther 4:13-16 (ESV) 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. I have a thread. And here, in these three verses, we essentially have the postscript to the book, a postscript which you will note also contains what is essentially Mordecais epitaph. Now, we darent ask them to go and do that unless when they go and do that they discover that both the Roman and the Jewish historians confirm the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified at the time that Pilate was the governor, Pontius Pilate; that they confirm the fact that his disciples gathered together on the first day of the week and sang hymns to him as God and followed him and declared him to be the Messiah. And yet, it was not just the size of his army nor his vast military conquests that made Xerxes such a terrifying man.