Grievous Mourning In Persia Series

Grievous Mourning in Persia

Esther 4: 1-9

As we continue our study in Esther, the tension and anxiety continue to increase for the Jews in captivity. Haman’s hatred for Mordecai prompted him to persuade Ahasuerus to sign a decree calling for the complete annihilation of the Jewish population within the kingdom. The decree was signed and delivered to every province, prompting grievous mourning by the Jews.

Certainly this is a normal reaction following the reception of such news. Sadly this type of prejudice and genocide continues today. This text could be used to stir our hearts in compassion for the prejudiced abuse that many face physically today. As I considered this passage, I was drawn to a spiritual application that I hope to expound upon. The Jews were condemned and had no hope of deliverance. They needed someone to intercede on their behalf before the king. All are born in a body of flesh, prone to sin, separated and condemned before God. Our only hope was for someone to provide deliverance for us and intercede on our behalf. Following salvation, we ought to share the concern Mordecai had for those who faced certain death. Apart from Christ, humanity has no hope. We need a burden for the unsaved of our day.

Let’s consider the insights of this despairing moment as we think on: Grievous Mourning in Persia. First we discover:

I. The Reality of the Mourning (1-3) – Here we see the stark reality of the grief felt by Mordecai and the Jews within Persia. Consider:

A. The Expression of Grief (1) – When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry. Bear in mind, the king had signed a decree that called for the utter destruction of every Jew within the kingdom. The date had been set for 12 months in the future. That in itself would have been cruel and very difficult to handle. They had 12 months to anticipate and dread their demise. This caused Mordecai to rend his garments, adorn himself with sackcloth and ashes, and cry aloud throughout the city. These were all expression of the intense grief he felt.

While we can’t know the day or hour, we know the Lord has an appointed time when He will return to judge the world. All who remain at that time, apart from Him, will face righteous judgment and eternal separation. None are promised tomorrow. We live in a world of dying people. Once we pass through the gates of death, our eternal destination is sealed. We need to share the grief Mordecai had for those who are perishing! Isaiah 58:1 – Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

B. The Extent of Grief (2) – And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. Mordecai’s grief caused him to take desperate measures. It was unlawful to appear within the king’s gate wearing sackcloth. These were garments of mourning for death, viewed as unclean. He was determined to express his grief in such a way that others noticed. Most agree he desired Esther to become aware of his grief, but it is entirely possible that he also desired Ahasuerus to notice. Mordecai refused to be silent about this atrocity. He wanted to raise awareness to this great injustice.

While God’s judgment is never an injustice, (none are worthy of His merciful grace,) we should share a burden for those who are perishing in their sin. We must not be content to pray for them within the walls of the church. We must be willing to cry aloud among society, proclaiming the saving grace of the Lord to a world that is lost and perishing. We must raise awareness for the pressing spiritual needs of our day!

C. The Expanse of Grief (3) – And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. The grief and mourning wasn’t limited to Mordecai in Shushan. Every Jew, in every province had been condemned to death. The condemnation was universal throughout the kingdom. In every province the Jews reacted with fasting, weeping, and great mourning. This decree had touched every area of the kingdom.

Sin and death are not limited to certain areas or only found within isolated pockets of society. All are born in sin and stand in need of a Savior. Everywhere people are found, sin and death reign. We must share a burden for the lost and perishing wherever they live upon the earth. Christ did not die for Israel alone. His great sacrifice was not made solely for the nations of western civilization. He died that all might be redeemed from sin and reconciled to God.