“During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 23 And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king. After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. 2 All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.” Esther 2:21-3:2 NIV
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. 6 Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. 7 In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. Esther 3:5-7 NIV
Father God,
It seems very unfair that Haman should get all the benefit from Mordecai’s findings of treason. And that he should then hate Mordecai so much. And so puffed up is he, that he expects worship! Life is full of unfairness and people who think themselves higher than others. When it happens to us we just think it so unfair. Being overlooked or taken advantage of. But Mordecai goes on without malice in his heart and he sticks to You, Lord. The one thing he will not do is worship a man which bowing down to Haman would signify. He will only bow down to You.
It was a brave thing to do and it would end up endangering many more then himself. But he did not know that. He was prepared to trust You and put himself at risk. Consequences are not always easily seen. But Mordecai would not be untrue to himself or You.
It is sometimes easier to remain quiet than stand up for You in some circumstances. We know that we cannot argue someone into the Kingdom of God. To stand up for You is sometimes a hard thing to do. Help us when we are in conflict or there are those personalities that are averse to our having faith. Help us know when to take a stand and when to let insults be dissolved by Your love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 29th September 2025
Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
My God and King.
1. The heav’ns are not too high,
His praise may thither fly;
The earth is not too low,
His praises there may grow.
Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
My God and King.
2. The Church with psalms must shout;
No door can keep them out;
But above all, the heart
Must bear the longest part.
Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
My God and King.
Repeat first verse.
Lyrics: George Herbert