The Man Who Would Not Bow
Today's Verse:
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. ~Esther 3:2
How courageous are you? How really devoted to God are you? This morning, we are looking at a man who stands out as one of the most courageous men of faith in the Bible. He inspires us to stand for God in our convictions, in our careers, and when conflicts arise. This morning, we are looking at a man named Mordecai.
We see a daring resolve.
Haman the Agagite was elevated to a very prestigious position in the Persian government. Haman was a descendant of the Amalekites who were enemies of the Jews. Haman was a proud, conceited, and power-hungry man. His promotion spelled nothing but bad news for the Jews. Mordecai knew well the history of the conflicts between his people and the Amalekites. Haman walked around the kingdom as if he were king. All of the king’s servants bowed to Haman except for Mordecai. We are told, “But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.” He knew that what you bow to is what you will serve. He knew that who you bow to determines who your master is. What pressures or desires in your life are you bowing to?
We see the dangerous risks.
Mordecai’s conviction to not bow to Haman posed a great risk in many ways. The most significant risk is that Haman deceived the king to sign into law the death of the Jewish people at a prescribed date. This was such a grievous law that the city of Shushan was perplexed. As Christians, we must determine that there are people, pressures, and temptations that we will not bow or bend to. We must say, “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold.” We must decide that our faith is more important than our fame. We must determine that our integrity is more important than our increase. We must decide that Jesus is more important than our job. We must determine that the gospel is more important than gold. Are you willing to put everything on the line and accept the risks of taking a stand for the Lord?
We see a diligent request.
Mordecai’s cousin, Esther, had become queen. He strongly appealed to her to seek the king’s intervention. From a royalty perspective, the timing for her to see the king was not the most appropriate. She tried to back off from this request. However, Mordecai reminded her that God had raised her up and providentially placed her where she was “for such a time as this.” Mordecai was not afraid to ask for help in a big way. Mordecai teaches us that boldness and courage are a way of life for the Christian. Don’t be ashamed of speaking up and speaking out for Jesus. Don’t be afraid to stand for the Lord in the evil society we are in. Don’t be afraid to let your unsaved relatives know that you serve a living God and will not bow to idols and false gods. Be a Christian who comes boldly before the throne of grace to find help in time of need. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help and involve God in every detail of your life.
We see a divine reward.
Esther also stepped out in faith and arranged a meeting with the king. Haman’s evil plot was exposed, and he was ultimately put to death. Mordecai was discovered to be a man who truly looked after the king’s best interest and was promoted to a much higher position in the government. He was vindicated and validated. He helped to implement the Feast of Purim to celebrate God’s deliverance. The last verse in Esther tells us, “Mordecai the Jew was next unto Ahaseurus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.”
Let courage and boldness be the norm in your life. Read the book of Esther, and be inspired by the life of Mordecai, the man who would not bow.
Have a courageous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 28-30
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