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CHAPTER 10 (ESV)
1 King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
REFLECTION:
- Mordecai was respected by the Jews because he worked for their benefits even though he was at a high ranking position. Power should be used to support the weak and lift the burden of the oppressed. However, people in power often commit fraud for self-gain and abuse their power. When people receive power from God, no matter how big or small this power is, they should use it to magnify God’s work and to benefit others. These people are pleasing to God and will be blessed throughout their life.
- In the Book of Esther, we can clearly see that God worked miraculously in a person’s life and in national matters. Although at times, the world seems to fall into the hands of the wicked, God is still in control and protects His people. We should trust that God will keep us even though we may not understand everything happening around us. Therefore, we should be upright people and do the right things. Esther risked her life to see the king. Her uprightness and courage should be commended. Mordecai was about to die but was promoted to second in rank to the king. This shows that no matter how bad the situation is or how much we want to give up, we don’t have to be frustrated or despair as God is always in control of the world.
PRAYER:
Praise and cheer to God and give Him all the glory. God is who He is – self-existent and self-sufficient. He is the beginning and the end. He is the God of faithfulness, righteousness, holiness and love! Dedicate to God that you are willing to rely on Him and work with Him throughout your life. God will give you an abundant life and endless blessings and supreme glory in eternity.
HYMN:
To God Be the Glory
