A Man Whom God Honored Series

A Man whom God Honored

Esther 10: 1-3

It has been an interesting and encouraging journey through the book of Esther. The Jews have faced great uncertainty and many challenges; yet through it all, God was faithful. He had delivered them from the evil schemes and desires of men. They were actually foreign slaves, and yet the Lord provided favor for them in the land of their captors. God took a situation that appeared to have no favorable outcome and used it to provide acceptance and comfort for His people.

We can rest knowing that God is sovereign, possessing complete power and authority. He has a plan for our lives, and His plans will always be fulfilled according to His desire.

Our text today concludes the book of Esther. It speaks in minor detail about Ahasuerus, but deals extensively with Mordecai. He enjoyed the favor of God, which resulted in favor from the king and all the people with the kingdom. I want to discuss the details within the text as we contemplate: A Man whom God Honored.

I. The Taxation Imposed (1) – And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. I would never question the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within the Scriptures. While I am convinced this verse was inspired, and should be included in Scripture, I will admit I do not fully understand its placement. However, it is recorded for us and we will deal with it. Consider:

A. The Expense (1) – We find that sometime following the great victory enjoyed by the Jews, Ahasuerus imposed a tax upon the land. We do not have any information regarding the amount everyone was expected to pay, but a tribute was levied upon the people. Most agree this was likely done to finance the ambitious military plans of Ahasuerus regarding his attempt to conquer Greece.

Taxation is something we are all familiar with. Unfortunately, the more we earn, the more the government expects us to pay. The percentage we are expected to pay seems to increase at an alarming rate. Although this is not enjoyable, the Lord expects us to pay our taxes, being good citizens within our respective countries. Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.

B. The Expanse (1) – This taxation was levied upon all the land, the entire kingdom, including the isles of the sea. Apparently Persia exercised authority over some inhabited islands, and they too were expected to pay their portion of taxes unto the kingdom. None were exempt.

The same is true in America. Every state and province under the authority of the Federal government is expected to pay their share of taxes unto the government. None are exempt in America either. We have all heard the saying, “The only two things we have to do in America is pay our taxes and die.”

II. The Declaration Inscribed (2) – Here we discover some of the records that were inscribed in the chronicles of the kings of Persia. They included:

A. The Reign of Ahasuerus (2a) – And all the acts of his power and of his might…are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? Some commentaries ascribe this statement to Mordecai, but I am convinced it speaks of Ahasuerus. He was a king who reigned with great power and might. As we discussed earlier, Ahasuerus was part of a dynasty that made a significant impact on the Persian Empire. There is likely some debate as to the benefit of their reigns, but it is clear they made an impact on the kingdom. We do know that God used Ahasuerus to spare His people from death and provide for their prosperity.

B. The Rule of Mordecai (2b) – and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? Also inscribed within the chronicles of the king was a record of the rule of Mordecai, serving under Ahasuerus. Consider:

1. His Prominence – We find the greatness of Mordecai was recorded in the chronicles. Earlier in life he had been found sitting at the king’s gate, clothed in sackcloth, mourning the decree of death he and the Jews faced. He was hated by Haman, then Prime Minister of the kingdom. With God working on his behalf, gaining favor with the king, he is now recognized as a man of greatness. Mordecai was well known throughout Persia as a man of great influence. God took a nobody, and made somebody out of him.

I was reminded of the Lord we serve as I read these words. None rival His greatness. While many may deny Him, He reigns as the Sovereign of the ages. While we have much recorded for us in Scripture about the life and work of Christ, John declared the world would be unable to contain the books necessary to record all that Jesus did.