Portrait Of A Great Man

Throughout history, God’s people have been used to shape events..

Illustration: This week I saw where someone had written a letter to the editor of the local newspaper chastising Christians for speaking out about the DaVinci Code. This person expressed an opinion that Christians should be involved in doing ministry but should stay away from controversial subjects. Friends, we need to be reminded that believers are not only to live in society but also shape society. Jesus said we are to be “the salt of the earth.” Salt is intended to give flavor. Next week there is going to be a marriage amendment on the ballot, here in Alabama. Believers should be shaping the outcome of that election.

Our country was shaped by people of faith who believed that Christians were supposed to influence society.

Illustration: In 1992, Governor Kirk Fordice, of Arkansas, stated unreservedly “America is a Christian nation” the response bordered on hysteria. We may not be a Christian nation in the sense that all people are believers; however, we were founded on Christian principles.

Consider these examples: Congress declared 1983 to be the year of the Bible— stating that the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the US as a distinctive and blessed nation....Biblical teaching inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the US (Public Law 97-280, Stat. 1211, approved 10/4/1982).

Former Chief Justice Earl Warren, 1954, said, the history of our country and the documents/charter exhibit the same objective: “A Christian land governed by Christian principles...”

Abraham Lincoln on, April 30, 1863, appointed a National Fast Day and declared, “It is the duty of nations as well as men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”.

On Oct 3, 1789 George Washington said “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.”

But long before that Psalm 33:12 says, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

(Adapted from Gregg Strawbridge’s contribution to Sermon Central)

3. A Great Man is a person who perseveres. Things are not always easy for those who seek to live for God. Mordecai did not have an easy life.

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

(2) On one occasion he became a whistle blower as he reported two men who were conspiring against the king. (2:21-22)

(3) At one point, he and his people faced destruction. (3:6; 4:7)

(4) His cousin, who was a beautiful woman, was placed in the haram of the king, against her will. Mordecai was burdened for her safety. (2:11)

Life was not a bed of roses for Mordecai. However, he did not give up nor was he defeated.