The story of Esther and Mordecai is a classic narrative of lessons for our generation on how to make it in life or how to make it in a foreign land. The summary could be that they served God as He should be served, they served their people, the Jews and God compensated them for their services. We quote scriptures like Esther 10:3 among charismatics and Pentecostals today bombarding heaven for promotion, elevation, upliftment in our various careers. For those of us who are in the diaspora we find relevance in such prayers. “Oh God that made Joseph and Mordecai Prime Ministers in a foreign land promote me to prominence” Good prayer. I pray it also, who doesn’t want to be a Prime Minister in a foreign land?
But to achieve that feat goes beyond just prayers! I read in my Facebook page recently a posting by an American Televangelists a quote that says- “No force can stop you from having what you are seeing and saying” I added a comment “And doing”
Whether implicit or explicit prosperity message, it is not helping our generation as Christians. You cannot continue to claim this and that and not do this and that and become a Prime Minister. To make it in life is beyond claiming it by faith!There are principles that take people to higher positions in life whether they are Christians or not. God is not partial.
The Holy Spirit will help us to look at some things that Esther and Mordecai did for God to reward them with such promotions.
1. Mordecai was a gateman in Babylon, but he knew the God of Israel and he served Him. He ran into trouble with Haman because he will not bow to man but God. Esther3:5. You cannot be living a life of compromise and expect God’s promotion!
2. He did not allow his career, to serve as a limitation to fulfilling his purpose.
3. He was constantly conscious that he was in a foreign land for more than economic reasons- he was there to serve God and his people.
4. On his duty post as a gateman he was not only thorough he was loyal to his employer. When plotters wanted to eliminate King Ahasuerus he opposed it and reported the issue. Esther 2: 21-23. You cannot participate in corruption in your office/ business and pray for promotion in church - you are wasting your time!
5. He raised his niece Esther well and put her up for the position of a queen. Why not his own daughters? Do you invest in other children other than your own biological children? I bet he saw the potentials in Esther, he saw she was a virgin and was willing to help her. How do you treat your domestic and corporate staff and relations do you invest in their future? Do you give them opportunities to prove themselves?
6. Mordecai was patriotic to his nation and his people. When he heard that there was a plot to eliminate the Jews, through a decree orchestrated by Haman, he took it up! Do you know you can rescue your nation from poverty, human trafficking, corruption, disease,etc? If God has no purpose for you, you will not be born or be alive, find out what you were born for. “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” -Mark Twain
7. Mordecai was an encourager. When Esther was giving excuses why she couldn’t act against the Kings decree his word of wisdom changed the entire situation: “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14. Do you motivate the people around you. Do you bring about the best in them or you demonize them?
8. Esther, had respect and value for her uncle. A word from Mordecai drove her to her knees and to fast and to make that committed pronouncements- “I will pray with others and go and see the king - if I perish I perish.” What are you doing with all the sermons you are hearing, the exhortations, parental, professional counsels and challenges, do they drive you to positive actions for God and your community? Many people are easily offended when corrected or challenged to go higher or do better, they abandon that church; look for someone to lay hands on them and they will become the CEO of their own organization!
9. I strongly believe that the strategy that Esther used to invite Haman for banquets and not just to accuse and report him to the king was given to her during the praying and fasting. Meaning fasting and prayer is not to compel God to action or bribe God, or persuade God to change his mind on a subject but to receive guidance from God regarding issues. Many remain confused and think it is a witch or wizard that is tormenting them whereas the problem is failure to ask God for what is next.
10. There was no where Mordecai and Esther prayed to God for their “Stubborn enemy Haman to fall and die” as a matter of fact the book of Esther is the only book in scripture where God was not mentioned even once, yet, God did not only eliminate Haman but even his ten sons. Esther 9:10. It is not the prayer you pray to kill your enemy that will promote you, it is your commitment to God, your job, career, raising your family, pursuing your dreams , doing what God has called you to do that will put you on top.
Conclusion: Your earnest prayer should not be for promotion or money or position but to ask God “what do you want me to do for you.” When Paul was interrupted on his dangerous trip to Damascus and he was sure he was talking to Jesus, that was his request and what was God’s response through Ananias? “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel”Acts 9:15. Martin Luther King Jn was not given Nobel Peace Price because we prayed but because he served his generation. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”Mk 10:45 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep” Acts 13: 36a. There is a place for being, there is a place for prayer, there is a place for doing service, go and offer service to your generation. Find out what you need to do for God and humanity and do it like Esther and Mordecai. Speak against things that are ungodly, be a peace maker, be involved, fight for the liberation of the oppressed, carry out your civic responsibility, exercise your franchise, spend your money, talent, resources on values, position yourself to help your church members, tribe, community, nation , it is a matter of time, you will rule your generation.
Shalom!
