Are you Esther or Mordecai?
The book of Esther is best known for its main character. Esther was a girl who went from orphan to queen. Her destiny to save the Jewish people, found in these now famous words: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Most girls and women I know secretly dream of the day they are crowned queen. Inside, they know they are destine for it. And you are. God choose you. He intended that you sit in a place of royal position. You are the daughter of the King of all Kings.
But what IF God is not calling you to be Esther to the world? What if God is calling you to be Mordecai?
Mordecai was the cousin of Esther. When Esther was orphaned, Mordecai took Esther in as his own daughter. He took the time to instruct her in his faith and spiritual disciplines, something that was unheard of for girls during that time in history.
When Esther was taken to the King’s palace, Mordecai visited the palace DAILY to see how Esther was doing.
When Mordecai saw injustice, he didn’t follow the crowd. He stood for the truth.
Mordecai withstood hatred and persecution while evil doers prospered.
Until the end of the story, Mordecai went unrecognized for his good deeds, integrity, faithfulness, and character.
Without Mordecai, Esther never would have been queen.
Tweet ThisAre you willing to be Mordecai to the world?
If you are, here is God’s encouragement for you.
Philippians tells a similar story.
Paul reminds us that Jesus did not take on the status of a King, Jesus took on the status of a slave.
Then in Philippians chapter 2, Paul give us this challenge:
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
I am challenged by these words: Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
What words speak to you in this passage?
For such a time as this…Just as Mordecai raised up Esther to be the defender of the Jewish people, you and I are to raise up disciples as if every life depended on it.
Will you be Mordecai to the world?
This blog was inspired by my friend, Janet Richards.
Sherrie
October 25, 2016Yes! That’s me, charter member of the Mordecai Club! Thank you for this, Angela…for the encouragement to those of us who are not wearing tiaras and for the reminder that to be like Christ really is to lay ourselves aside. It’s hard sometimes to walk the tight rope of tension between following hard after what we feel God has called us to and laying it aside to help others follow theirs. I really, really appreciate your consistent, grace-filled truth bombs! Love you much!
Angela L Craig
October 28, 2016You surely are part of the Mordecia Club Sherrie!! I love knowing you!
Karen
October 26, 2016So many times we imagine ourselves to be the star of the story and devalue the importance of “supporting” roles. as you said in this real story, the “star” could never get to where they are without those who stand behind them. We have to realize that ALL roles are important in God’s eyes as long as we are doing what He called us to do. Thanks for this reminder.
Angela L Craig
October 28, 2016Such a good reflection Karen! Thank you for stopping by and sharing with our community. It means so much!
Sue Donaldson
October 26, 2016love that – thanks so much: put yourself aside and let others get ahead – sounds like generosity marketing to me! and it’s so much fun, besides.
Angela L Craig
October 28, 2016Hi Sue, I love this idea: Generosity Marketing. It is fun! Thank you for stopping by today. Have a wonderful week!