The pages of world history are littered with attacks upon the true followers of the true God. Why is Anti-Antisemitism and persecution of Christians such a regular occurrence? It took the courage and strategic wisdom of Mordecai and Esther to block the first attempt. Since this is the week of Purim it is a good time to review their courage. This biblical book keeps alive the memory of great deliverance from annihilation in the Persian Empire by Esther.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might...11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Why the hatred of God's people and all true believers- because God's adversary Satan and his demons really control this world. Why do evil events and trends seem to plague mankind? Basically because this is a deceived world. Three persons are involved in this the first attempted holocaust. The book of Esther tells the record of the three, Esther, Mordecai and the evil Haman. The book clearly shows us the value of faith, courage and wisdom.
WISDOM OF PROVING OUR KINDNESS BEFORE REVEALING OUR BELIEFS
It is wise to remember that this worldly society will not appreciate our faith and beliefs, therefore- expect opposition. God does not cause evil events but, will help us turn them into our advantage and an opportunity for growth.
Esther 2:10 NKJV 10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it...
She was smart enough to not reveal her Jewish heritage at first which might have denied her the opportunity to compete for the crown.
Esther 2:15 NKJV 15 Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.
Esther apparently charmed the key eunuch who knew the Emperor's taste and followed his crucial advise. Her wisdom and charm are clearly on display. She did not overdo the makeup.
Matthew 10:16 NKJV 16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Jesus wants believers to be more like Esther in the use of wisdom and getting others to like us before we reveal any unpopular doctrines. Let them know we like them and wish good will for them in return. Esther was not dishonest just strategic and prudent.
Esther 2:20 NKJV 20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.
Esther gained some of her prudent character as she grew up as an obedient child toward her remaining parent, uncle Mordecai.
GOD REWARDS US FOR STANDING UP FOR JESUS AND TRUTH
Jesus requires that we stand proudly for him. Displaying faith in Christ and the truth is demanded by God.
Mark 8:38 NKJV 38 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Mordecai stands firm against any form of idolatry. He will not even appear to worship a man.
Esther 3:1-3 NKJV 1 ...King Xerxes promoted Haman,...2 And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?"
Another interesting coincidence regarding this planned extermination of all the Jews inside the Persian Empire ( Iran) is the date that the abominable deed is the same date as the Iranian nuclear deal. A deal which would eventually allow Iran to build an atomic weapon.
Esther 3:13-14 NKJV 13 And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. 14 ...in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day.
Mordecai saw the danger of the diabolical decree, and led by example in mourning and by the advice he gave to his niece.
Esther 4:14 NKJV 14 "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
History was LIKELY dependent on Esther. It is probable that SHE NOT ONLY BLOCKED THE HOLOCAUST but as queen mother also had an influence on later Persian kings to whole hardheartedly support them instead of their neighbors who hated them (Arabs and Samaritans).
Ezra 9:9 ASV 9 ...not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended lovingkindness unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia,...
Ezra 7:21-28 NKJV 21 And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently,... wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribed limit. 23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven.
In-spite of the political messages from the enemies of the people of God, the king's enthusiastic, unequivocal support is surprising. God made it happen but one wonders what influence the queen mother Esther may have exhorted.
HOW TO STAND FIRM FOR GOD IN A TRIAL
Esther stood bravely for God and her people, even at the risk of her life. I learned that back in the darker days, even in Britain, if someone came to the throne without an invitation, they could be beheaded.
Esther 4:15-16 NKJV 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will
likewise fast. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"
The threat to her was real. She wisely asked all of her people to fast and pray about her strategy to block the evil Haman's plan. She cleverly had a plan to set up the evil Haman that was more dramatic and effective than simply pleading for her life. Esther was brave, sagacious and strategic. When we have a crisis we also should ask the brethren to fast and pray for us and be smart. But be cautious what you share with some people.
James 5:16 NKJV 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
