Be A Mordecai

Daily Reading // Esther 1-5

(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)

https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog

S // SCRIPTURE

Select a verse from today’s reading

Esther 3:6 (NKJV) But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus--the people of Mordecai.

O // OBSERVATION

Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text

Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Mordecai worshipped God and bowed before Him. He felt bowing before Haman violated his worship to God.

Haman was offended by Mordecai’s belief and actions. That hatred towards one grew into hatred towards his entire race. Every Jew was lumped into one group and were all the object of Haman’s hatred. He saw the entire race as divisive because Mordecai wouldn’t bow to the edicts. In his mind they could all be eliminated.

A // APPLICATION

How can I apply this to my life today?

Mordecai chose to stand against the requirements of the law when it violated his worship convictions. He had to know there would be repercussions, though he certainly didn’t know the whole race would be targeted. I wonder, had he known would his actions have been any different?

Hatred, and grouping people for hatred, is an ugly thing. It’s really never okay. Is there any way in which bias or prejudice affect the way I treat people?

Am I willing to stand up for what I believe in, in spite of the consequences?

In the world today there are still Haman’s and Mordecais. Be a Mordecai, not a Haman.

P // PRAYER

Express yourself in prayer

Jesus, You tell me to love, even my enemies. So I will. Amen.