In today's reading, we find Mordecai basically gets the red carpet rolled out for him. Haman's house is given to Mordecai, and Mordecai is promoted to the position next to the king. God also opens the way for letters to be sent throughout the kingdom giving the Jews the right to fight for their life. As a result, everyone feared the Jews and some even became Jews.
Did Mordecai seek this elevation and honor? Not at all. He was just being faithful to his duty. But God took care of him and the promotion came of the Lord. And what had nearly been a tragedy for the Jews and Israel turned into a triumph...
"Mordecai was given the position of honor formerly occupied by Haman. He “was next unto King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren” (Esther 10:3); and he sought to promote the welfare of Israel. Thus did God bring His chosen people once more into favor at the Medo-Persian court, making possible the carrying out of His purpose to restore them to their own land. But it was not until several years later, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes I, the successor of Xerxes the Great, that any considerable number returned to Jerusalem, under Ezra.
The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, has declared, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. Some who today are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled. The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.
The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath." (Prophets and Kings, p. 602, 605)Interesting and sobering parallels to the end times that will soon be upon us... May God give us strength to stand as faithful witnesses no matter what lies ahead.
Tomorrow's Reading: Job 1-2 and Ps. 80
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