Topic: Dare to be Mordecai

This past Sunday I shared a thought on how to pray during difficult events in life. The challenge was to pattern our lives after Mordecai. Take a break from reading Acts to note in the book of Esther the man Mordecai.

God used Mordecai to save the lives of His people, the Israelites. Mordecai is overshadowed by his cousin, Esther, for whom this book is named. Mordecai and Esther were among the group of Israelites who were living in captivity in Media/Persia. It was while living in bondage that Mordecai’s portrait came to be seen. Esther 10:2-3 describes Mordecai as a man of power, might, and greatness. Mordecai’s name means “little man,” but he was far from little. Mordecai was a great man of influence and patience. There is a Jewish religious celebration, Feast of Purim, that is still celebrated today as a result of Mordecai’s God-fearing life. Purim commemorates the deliverance that Mordecai and Esther brought into the lives of God’s people. What was so special about the life of Mordecai?

Mordecai had a servant heart: Esther 10:3 tells us that Mordecai sought the good of his people. He served the Israelite people. Jesus said, “He who would become great must be your servant.”
Mordecai was a person of faith. A person of faith is a person whose faith has changed the individual. In addition, that person is being used by God to change things in their corner of the world. Mordecai was such a man. Mordecai was in a difficult situation. He was a slave in a foreign land. However, God used him to change things. Throughout history, God’s people have been used to shape events.
Mordecai persevered during difficulty times. Things are not always easy for those who seek to live for God. Mordecai did not have an easy life.

- Mordecai was living in captivity. (2:5-7)

- On one occasion, he became a whistle blower as he reported two men who were

conspiring against the king. (2:21-22)

-At one point, he and his people faced destruction (3:6; 4:7). Life was not a bed of roses for Mordecai. However, he did not give up nor was he defeated.

Mordecai was guided by courage. In Esther 3:2, a man named Haman had been promoted to a position of prominence. He required that all of his servants bow before him. The king put his authority behind this decree. Mordecai was a slave living in a foreign land. He was in the minority. Everyone was bowing and paying homage to Haman. However, Mordecai would not fulfill this demand.

As you study the Bible, you will notice that God’s greatest people were people of courage. Noah built an ark. David faced Goliath. Daniel went into the lion’s den. Peter walked on water. John was imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos.

Dare to be like Mordecai and watch God unveil His plan to bless His people.

See you Sunday,

Dr. Scott Kallem