Friend At Court

Friend At Court

Reading: Esther 9-10; Luke 19 Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. (Esther 10:3 NLT)

Mordecai was a Jew, a Jew in exile in Persia. Throughout the story he is identified as a Jew, a man of his people. His convictions as a Jew prevented him from bowing to Prince Haman. His full identification with the Jews caused Haman to plot the genocide of all Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. And when Mordecai rose to a position of power and influence, he remained a Jew. He used his position and his influence to work for the good of his people and to be the voice of all the Jews and their descendants at the royal court. One translation of this verse says “he was a friend at court for all of them.” I want to use my influence and abilities to be a blessing to others. Through prayer, I can be the voice for people who don’t yet have a relationship with “The King.” I can be their friend at court. I can speak up for the needs and concerns of those who don’t have an opportunity to speak up for themselves. Prayer: Father, Please show me how to use my influence to work for the good of my people – of your people. Through prayer and through action may I speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. Please help me to be their “friend at court.” Amen.