How can Mordecai's actions in Esther 10:3 guide your service to others today? Remember the Setting • After dramatic deliverance from annihilation, “Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes” (Esther 10:3). • The verse highlights why he was honored: he “worked for the good of his people” and “spoke peace and prosperity for all their descendants.” • His influence is presented as fact—historical, literal, and instructive. What the Verse Shows Us 1. Position: “second only to King Xerxes” 2. Reputation: “renowned…held in high esteem” 3. Motivation: “worked for the good of his people” 4. Communication: “spoke peace and prosperity” Principles for Serving Others • Service is active, not passive. Mordecai “worked” rather than merely hoped (cf. James 2:17). • Service prioritizes the welfare of God’s people. Galatians 6:10 reminds, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the household of faith.” • Service is holistic—addressing both present needs (“good”) and future well-being (“peace and prosperity”). • Service includes righteous speech. Proverbs 12:18 contrasts careless words with “the tongue of the wise [which] brings healing.” • Service honors God in any sphere, even governmental. Romans 13:4 calls governing officials “God’s servant for your good.” Living This Out Today • Identify your sphere. Home, workplace, church, community—where has God placed you “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14)? • Seek the common good. – Volunteer skills or resources where the body of Christ lacks. – Advocate for biblical justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). • Speak peace. – Refuse gossip; choose words that reconcile (Matthew 5:9). – Share the gospel, the ultimate message of peace with God (Romans 5:1). • Plan for long-term blessing. – Mentor younger believers; invest in the next generation’s spiritual health (2 Timothy 2:2). – Support initiatives that outlast you—missions, Christian education, discipleship materials. • Stay humble. Mordecai’s rise never eclipsed his dependence on God (Esther 4:16). “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Persevere. Results may be unseen at first, yet “in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Why It Matters The same God who recorded Mordecai’s faithfulness calls you to be a conduit of His goodness today. When you devote your position, reputation, effort, and words to the welfare of others, you mirror Christ, “who came not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). |
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