Couriers Who Rode Fast Horses

Generally, when preachers preach on the book of Esther, the focus is either on Mordecai or Esther. But today, I want to highlight somebody else – the couriers who rode fast horses.

Esther 8:10

Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.

This verse talks about the mounted couriers or the riders who carried the king’s message. The king had given a command that reversed the destruction planned for the Jews at the set time. However, to prevent the destruction from happening, the command of the king had to reach every province he ruled, in their script and language. And he ruled 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush.

Mordecai and Esther did their part in saving the Jews. It was indeed a victory when the king announced the reversal of destruction. However, the victory would only be complete only if the message reached every single province. If it was today's world then, an e-mail, a whatsApp message or an update on a social media page would have done the job. But back then, it depended heavily on the couriers/riders. The riders had to be really quick. Any procrastination, acts of laziness or giving excuses would have halted the mission.

Note the verse - the messengers hastened. They were not lethargic. They knew the urgency of the king's command. The king provided them with the means to carry the message swiftly – royal horses. They did ride on an ordinary horse or a donkey. Royal horses were specifically trained horses which enable them to ride swiftly and carry the message effectively.

Isn’t it similar in our mission for the Lord today? Just like Esther and Mordecai pleaded for the Jews, Jesus has done his job to plead for us and more so take the punishment on our behalf. The Father has given the verdict that all men who place their trust in Jesus would be saved from hellfire. Still, millions of people die without the saving knowledge of Christ and go to hell. Why? What is the missing element? Yes, you guessed it right. It is us - the messengers. If we do not carry the message of the cross, the people would perish although the Father has provided a Way for them to be saved.

Are we hastened and pressed on by the Father's command? The Bible says in Eph 5:16 – “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil”. The Father has also given us the Holy Spirit to carry our message effectively. The Bible says we need the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness for Christ every where (Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”).

Let's set aside any tendencies for procrastination or laziness and wholeheartedly embrace the mission of sharing the gospel of Jesus. Only by doing so can we effectively spread the gospel to the world and save a multitude from the fire of hell.