Esther 10

Read Esther 10

King Ahasuerus was a very important person who ruled over a massive empire. The proof of his power came in his ability to collect taxes over a vast collection of territories, including the land of Canaan that God had given to Israel.

The Lord had not forgotten His promises to His people. Through an amazing series of events preserved for us in this brief book, one Jewish man rose to great prominence in the days of Ahasuerus. His actions were instrumental in preserving the lives of many Jews in the Persian Empire during a time of great distress.

Mordecai is one of the heroes of the Bible, joining men like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah. Above them all is the great Son of God, Jesus the Messiah.

All of the men mentioned above were great among the Jews, but Jesus is the eternal King of the Jews and the Lord of heaven and earth. Compared to any of the important biblical leaders who prepared us for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus has established a kingdom of far greater scope and significance.

Mordecai was “popular with the multitude of his brothers.” By contrast, when Jesus came to His own people they did not receive Him. But He created a new brotherhood that transcended the boundaries of every land and generation. “To all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Like any truly great leader among men, Mordecai “sought the welfare of his people.” Jesus gave His life for our eternal blessing. No one has given more and no other man has achieved with his life what Jesus has won for us with His death and resurrection.

Mordecai “spoke peace to all his people.” His letters under the authority of King Ahasuerus brought victory and security to the Jews for a time. Jesus, the Word of God, won for us a lasting peace with God. Generations of Jews since the days of Mordecai have faced brutal adversaries who sought to destroy them. Jesus has brought us the fullness of divine shalom that can never be taken away.

The proof of our Lord's extraordinary power and glory is not displayed in forced taxation. The followers of Jesus acknowledge that this one Man has purchased us with His blood. We joyfully give ourselves to Him with the happy expectation that He shall reign forever and ever.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, we thank You for the way that You bless a man like Mordecai, who was used by You to help preserve the life of Your people so many centuries ago. Far more glorious is our Redeemer Jesus Christ. He is forever great among Your covenant people. He has delivered us from the hand of a vicious adversary. He continues even now to speak peace to all those who have drawn near to You through the blood of the Lamb.