Esther 10
Scripture
Esther 10:3
“Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.”
Observation-What does it say?
Mordecai was promoted by King Xerxes. He was second in rank next to the king. He was held in high regards not only by King Xerxes, but by all his people, because of his willingness to stand up and fight for the welfare of the people and all their descendants.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Put others' needs above your own.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Mordecai was blessed by God not only because of his obedience towards Him, but also because of the heart he had for God's people. Often times we can get caught up with a self-centered life. We believe that the world revolves around us. We end up behaving more like Haman, than Mordecai. But God honors those who humble themselves and puts others before themselves. In this book we saw what happens to those of us who can get too prideful (Haman). And we also see what can happen to those who obey God and place the needs and welfare of others before their own (Mordecai).
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 NIV
Life Application
The keys for having joy in my life can be summed up with this acronym:
J-Jesus
O-Others
Y-Yourself