Never Ending Praise The Lord

Hello all!

I thought I would be wrapping up my Armor Of God series by now, and I’ve barely even started! The truth is, God has been speaking into me in many other ways and sometimes that means the path I’m on isn’t just straight, but full of curves and peaks and valleys. Isn’t that true for all of us?

I’ve been doing something called Bible Study Fellowship [BSF] for a few years now. This organization is such a blessing. It’s very in depth and I encourage you to look into it if you’re interested in knowing God on a much deeper level. [mybsf.org]

This year, we studied the return of formerly exiled Israelites to their homeland in Jerusalem. I read tons of Old Testament books- so you already know I was invested!

As we’re wrapping up another amazing year in BSF, we’ve been reviewing everything we’ve learned. So, there I sat in my small group on Monday night, going over the book of Esther, and the conversation really nagged at me. “Esther was known for her boldness.” These were words spoken by my small group leader, and up to that point I had always nodded in agreement.

Quick note to tell you a little bit about Esther. Esther’s real name was Hadassah and she was a Jew living in Persia. Esther 2:7 gives us a lot of information about her. She had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Her cousin Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. It’s important to note that King Xerxes ruled at this time in history and well, if you haven’t read Esther yet- what are you waiting for?

King Xerxes was who I view as a spoiled brat. He showed off his wealth and riches for 180 days. He banished his wife, Queen Vashti, because she refused to be a trophy. Then he decreed a beauty pageant of sorts to find his new queen. Guess who got that title? If you guessed Esther… ding ding ding!

Now I don’t want to take anything away from Esther. She was truly bold, and she really inspired me to live in courage and boldness as well. [I’m a work in progress, ok?] She was able to save her people, the Jews, from being wiped out.

My question last night was that I wondered if she would have been nearly as courageous and bold if Mordecai hadn’t been instructing her. Through a messenger, Mordecai reported to Esther all that was being plotted against their people and urged her to stand up for them. Esther 4:14, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Clearly, Mordecai’s words had an impact on Esther because she did approach King Xerxes and… spoiler alert, after quite a few chapters of suspense and adventure… the Jews were safe!

My own question had me thinking… what would it look like to be a person’s Mordecai? What would it look like to have your own Mordecai in your life?

Before I really expand on that more, I want to add something. God’s name is not mentioned even one time in the book of Esther. However, his work and faithfulness shine throughout the entire story from beginning to end. Another woman in my small group pointed out that Mordecai in some ways had characteristics similar to God. He was a protective, self-sacrificing, faithful provider for his people. His life truly mirrors a life belonging to the Lord.

To be someone’s Mordecai would mean we are wise and loving in our correction and instruction. It would mean encouraging a friend or family member to fulfill their calling from God. It would mean advocating for them, offering support, and keeping an observant eye.

I have found in life, that when we are blessed with our own Mordecai, it’s our responsibility to be someone else’s Mordecai as well.

And who knows… Perhaps you’ve been perfectly and purposefully placed for such a time as this.