SOAP 02/09/2016; Esther 2:22

Today's reading: Leviticus 10, 11, 12; Acts 16*

S) "²² But the plot became known to Mordecai and he told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name."

Esther 2:22 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Esther 2

O) Mordecai is one of my favorite men in the Bible. His behind-the-scenes faithfulness, loyalty, and wisdom are to be admired. Starting with that fact that he took Esther into his home, adopting his cousin as his own daughter, then through his wisdom and guidance while Esther was taken into the kings harem, to see if she would be the next queen, and now (in the verse above) into the first of Mordecai's heroic interventions. He heard conspirators who were planning to assault the king, but he passed word along to the king. In this, he proved his loyalty to Ahasuerus, gaining credibility and favor, which proved vital later.

A) While the book of Esther never actually names the LORD, or makes any direct reference to God (which is a point of some controversy), there can be no doubt about the wisdom and truth that this book speaks. Of course, it is always edifying to have a little more history concerning God's people. But, more than that, Mordecai's example of obedience is undeniably good. In adopting his cousin, he loved another as himself (indeed, he loved her as Christ loves us, in that we are adopted because of Christ... but he probably didn't know that). In his loyalty to the king of exile, he remained obedient to the word of the LORD, spoken in Jeremiah 29:4-7. The elementary principles are the same, that I should love others as myself, that I should be obedient to the word of God, and that I should be submitted to the authority that God places over me (short of disobeying God).

P) Father, I don't know if I will ever have a role as grandiose as Mordecai's was. You know the plans You have for me. What I do know, is that those plans (no matter how great or small they might be measured) are still important. I want to honor Your name, God. I want my life to be an example of sacrificial love, obedience, and loyalty. Not for my sake, but I desire to make Your name great! Jesus Christ, You have bought me with a heavy price, and I am committed to being Your servant. Lead me by the Holy Spirit, and let my life of love, obedience, and loyalty glorify Your grace and mercy. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.