Meditating on Esther 8-10 (Dec 13)

Trust God’s Sovereign Control

The final chapters of Esther’s drama
read like the ending of a fairy tale.
Mordecai is promoted, the Jews’
enemies are destroyed and Esther
secures letters from the king
establishing the Feast of Purim
as a perpetual reminder of God’s
great deliverance. In chapter 10
the epilogue, Mordecai receives
historical recognition in the Persian
annals. Such acclaim from pagan
historians come not because of
arrogant claims of self-exaltation
(as with Haman) but because
Mordecai exemplifies servanthood
in his speech and conduct.

As we complete the book of Esther,
we reflect on the many events
demonstrating sovereign control:
the roll of the dice, king’s insomnia,
Mordecai’s unrewarded kindness,
Haman’s casting of lots and Esther’s
two banquets. With God in charge,
we can take courage that He will
guide us through life’s challenges.
As we seek first the kingdom of God,
we can be confident to benefit from
His sovereign care and faithfulness.
Lord, we’ll Be Committed to You.
Lord, we’ll Remember Your Deeds.
Lord, we’ll Be Good Stewards. Amen.

Lord, we will Be Committed to You:
King Xerxes gave estate of Haman
to Queen Esther. And Mordecai
came into the presence of the king…
The king took off his signet ring…
and presented it to Mordecai. And
Esther appointed him over Haman’s
estate. Esther again pleaded with
the king… and begged him to put
an end to the evil plan of Haman…
which he devised against the Jews.
Then the king extended the gold
scepter to Esther (Esther 8:1-4).
Lord, noted Esther and Mordecai
we’re faithful to the point of risking
their lives to save others; and God
gave them a reward in proportion
to their all-out commitment. Lord
we note You are faithful and does
not abandon His people & promises.
Help us run with perseverance the
race marked out, fixing our eyes on
Jesus perfecter of our faith. Amen.

Lord, we will Remember Your Deeds: 
Mordecai recorded these events
and sent letters to the Jews
thro out all the king’s provinces,
encouraging them to celebrate
an annual festival… These would
commemorate a time when the
Jews gained relief from their
enemies, when their sorrow was
turned into gladness and their
mourning into joy. So, the Jews
adopted Mordecai’s suggestion and
began this custom (Esth 9:20-28)
Lord, we ask for your favour in
response to our keeping faith in U.
We will celebrate & commemorate
Your goodness in our lives.
And we will run with perseverance
the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus. Amen.

Lord, we will Be Good Stewards:
King Xerxes imposed tribute through
-out the empire, to its distant shores.
And all his acts of power and might,
together with a full account of the
greatness of Mordecai to which
the king had raised him are they
not written in the annals of the
kings of Media and Persia, Mordecai
the Jew was second in rank to King
Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews,
and held in high esteem by his
many fellow Jews, because he
worked for the good of his people
and spoke up for the welfare
of all the Jews (Esther 10:1-3).
Lord, noted Mordecai enjoyed good
reputation because he was still
their friend when he rose to power.
Noted that corruption and abuse
of power often characterise those
in power. Pray that people placed by
God in positions of power not to turn
their backs on those in need. Amen.