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.
2. His Publication (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? The greatness of Mordecai was recorded in the book of the chronicles. He influenced many while he was living and continued to be an influence long after he was gone. No doubt the Lord inspired the scribes to record the deeds and greatness of Mordecai to ensure the security of the Jews for the remainder of their stay in Persia. We do not have the chronicles of the kings of Persia to read, but the faithfulness and sacrifice of Mordecai are recorded in the eternal Word of God. We have studied his life, and been challenged, by this nobody whom God made somebody.
This reminded me of the blessing we enjoy by having the Word of God. There is much God has preserved for our benefit. We have the ability to study and learn from the saints of old. We have direction and guidance for our lives. We have the record of the coming of Christ, His sacrificial atonement for sin, and glorious resurrection. We have detailed information concerning His imminent return. Paul and others left vital instruction for our Christian lives and the biblical function of the church within the Epistles. We have a treasure in the Word that is living and able to convict, chastise, and convince. Heb.4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
III. The Admiration Expressed (3) – Finally we discover the admiration shown for Mordecai among the Jews and all who lived in Persia. Notice:
A. His Authority (3) – For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus. God has a habit of calling the unlikely to positions of influence. Within a kingdom inhabited and governed by Persians, God elevated Mordecai to a position of second in command. Only Ahasuerus had more authority than Mordecai. He elevated Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, and Mordecai in Persia. God has always placed people in the right positions, at the right time, to accomplish His will.
We are facing difficult days, but our God is still sovereign and in absolute control. He answers to no one. He works and none can hinder His plans. The Lord Jesus Christ is seated at His right hand, interceding on our behalf. We have nothing to fear; our Lord has always been in control, and He will continue to maintain control throughout eternity!
B. His Popularity (3) – For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren. Not only had Mordecai gained the favor of the king, he was great among the Jews, and accepted by them. He had not compromised in order to obtain this level of popularity. He had stood for truth and righteousness, and God elevated him among his peers. Mordecai was known and respected by all.
While we are not called to seek the approval of the world, we must maintain an honest reputation before men. We must live above reproach, walking in such a way that earns the respect of those who know us, whether they are saved or lost. If we lack an honest reputation, living in sin and reproach, we will never be an effective witness. I want to be a man of influence among men for the glory of the Lord I serve.
C. His Priority (3) – For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. Mordecai was committed to the Lord and determined to make the well-being of the Jews a priority. Unlike many, he did not forget his heritage and abandon his people after reaching a position of status and influence. He used the influence God had given him to advance the prosperity of the Jews.
We desperately need that kind of leadership today. The majority in government and places of authority, sell out to the special interest in order to preserve their position. Far too often they abandon those who helped them obtain the position they enjoy. We need those today who are committed to serving the Lord, advancing the work of the kingdom, and laboring to aid the believer in their everyday struggles.
While we are often betrayed and abandoned by men, we serve One greater than Mordecai. Our Lord bore our sin and obtained our redemption. He endured the righteous judgment of God on our behalf. He is right now preparing a place for the redeemed in heaven. We need not fear being forsaken or abandoned. He is always near to those who seek Him, and more than able to meet whatever need we may have!
Conclusion: Our study in Esther has confirmed the sovereignty of God in the world and among His people. The saved by grace are secure in the Lord. We may face trials and adversity, but we have the assurance of the presence and power of Christ.
Like Mordecai, I want to remain faithful to the Lord and His people. I want my life to make a positive impact on others. I want to leave a legacy of faithfulness to the Lord. What about you; what do you desire in life? Are you struggling in the journey? Have you responded to the call of salvation in Christ? If there are needs, Christ alone is the answer!
