5 Lessons from the Life of Mordecai

The Bible records many Jewish men who made great impact in the empires where they were considered slaves. In my Bible study, I discovered that Joseph, Daniel and his three friends, Nehemiah and even Mordecai are a few of them. 

In further study I ask why they were exceptional and did so much with the influence they had. While I can boldly say that these men had the spirit of God in them, on a closer look, I still ask what exactly made them defy the popular statement, "where you are makes you". Why didn’t slavery stop them from fulfilling purpose? Why did they become so exceptional in wisdom and power as believers in God? 

5 Lessons from the Life of Mordecai

I found my answers in the life of another Jewish man called Mordecai. In this article, I share a few lessons from the life of the Patriarch, Mordecai which gives an insight into the exceptional and influential character of the Jewish men in foreign lands.

1. Be Responsible

Mordecai was a responsible family man. In Esther 2:7 and verses10-11, we see that Mordecai had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. Mordecai had taken up the responsibility to care for her since her parents died. Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter. He also directed Esther not  to tell anyone of her nationality and family background and everyday, Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her. Esther was not Mordecai's biological daughter, but he trained her well. Even after she had entered the palace, he still cared about her well-being. This portrays responsibility and as believers, we must learn to be responsible, even in family issues.

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2. Be Loyal to Authority

In Esther 2:21-22, we read that one day, as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. Mordecai heard about the plot and informed Esther who in turn told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. Now, if anyone was to be dissatisfied with the king Xerxes, it should be the Jews as they were the ones in slavery but Mordecai did not try to get involved in the coup to kill the king. The same applies to us as believers today. Even if the government, your boss at work or your lecturers at school are not satisfactory in a way or the other, you must never join others to plan or destroy their reign. Instead, pray for them and report every planned coup you know about to concerned authorities. Mordecai did not stop his loyalty to authority because he was in a foreign land. He kept their laws, obeyed and showed loyalty to authority - an act which greatly rewarded him in the future.

3. Believe in God's Power to make things work for You

According to Esther 4:1-2 and verses 13 through 16 and 17, when Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on mourning dresses and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the palace gate because no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning. Afterwards, Mordecai sent word to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.

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In response, verse 16 records how Esther replied saying that they should gather all the Jews of Susa and fast for her. She asked them not to eat or drink for three days and nights and that herself and her maids  would do the same. After this, she decided against the law to go in and see the king, saying: "If I must die, I must die.” 

Mordecai went away and did as Esther had ordered him. He fasted as he was asked to fast. He never complained about it thinking Esther didn't want to help. I have seen so many believers complain that their relatives in high places are refusing to help them,instead,they were asked to go and pray. Why can't you be like Mordecai and just pray,this relative you are depending on might have his or her hands tied such that they can't do anything to help you. You only receive help when you have warred in the place of prayers.

4. Learn to Create New Trends

Mordecai was a take over man who created new trends for generations to come. In Esther 9:20-21 and verse 23, it was recorded that Mordecai took notes of the events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, calling them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. The Jews in return accepted Mordecai’s proposal and adopted this annual custom.

Also, in Esther 10:3, Mordecai 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. There are  many things "in Vogue" in today's society, however,we as believers should not always follow the trend,instead,"be the trend". Be the person other people are shaping their lives to look like. 

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Every one of us in this dispensation has a message God expects us to spread abroad. Whether the message will be spread abroad is not the question, because somehow God will get His message out there. Like Mordecai said to Esther, 'if you don't do it someone else would, but maybe you were chosen for such a time as this.'

Everyday, we are presented with an opportunity to deliver God's message to the workd using the platforms available and with a passion and productivity that beats our record everytime.

Mordecai's story and experiences was a source of inspiration to Jewish people that were around then and even those that were to come in future generations. It is also an inspiration to us so many years after. 

Learn to ask yourself,"Can future generations pattern their lives after mine?"

 

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