Quiet Time : Mordecai's Faithfulness

Esther 3:4

Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

Just a little context here. Esther has already been chosen as queen. King Ahasuerus has promoted Haman (mentioned in yesterdays post, in the comments, by Mark), and decreed that all should bow to him. According to my Study Bible; Mordecai refused to bow, because this would be acknowledging Haman as divine; and as Jew, he knew he wasn't to bow to anyone but God (he is avoiding idolatry).

So, in verse 4, we see Mordecai's faithfulness to God. He doesn't seem worried about his life or position in this instance. He is definitely fearing God above any man.

Now, on to:

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Haman is so angered by this, that he thinks ALL Jews should be killed. How insane is this! The saddest part is that he is able to talk the king into decreeing this. So, all Jews are to be killed on one day, which was chosen by lots (just shows you how superstitious Haman was ... and if you don't know how this story ends ... well, let's just say it didn't bring him much luck).

Keep in mind, the king has no idea that his wife, his queen, is Jewish.

So, obviously Mordecai wanted Esther to keep her heritage to herself, but when he was faced with it, he had no fear in proclaiming his true God. And as far as I know of the story, she is never asked.

Good stuff! :)