The Underdog Wins
Today’s Verse:
And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. ~Esther 9:3
Are you someone who roots for the underdog, the one who does not seem to have the resources, size, or means to beat his opponent? In the Book of Esther, Mordecai is seen as the underdog throughout most of the story. His very name means “little man.” He was of the tribe of Benjamin and could trace his roots back to Kish. In spite of the odds being very much against him, he encourages us about how the underdog wins again.
We see Mordecai and his values.
He was a man of biblical convictions about many things. He had convictions about the family. Esther’s parents had died prematurely, and Mordecai adopted Esther as his own daughter. He was like a father to her. He ingrained her with godly values. He had a conviction about his heritage. He was a Jew living in Persia under the fourth Persian ruler, King Xerxes. He made it evident that he was a man with godly values who was known for his worship of God. If we are going to do anything great for God, we must be men and women who have strong biblical convictions. Determine today to have convictions about your faith and what you believe.
We see Mordecai and his voice.
He spoke up at the right time. He was the one who encouraged Esther to be a candidate for the queen of Persia. Even when she was in preparation for this, he always had something encouraging to say to her. He was the one who overheard a plot to assassinate the king and immediately told the king’s men about this. His voice saved the king’s life. Had he remained silent, the king would have been killed. His voice saved many lives. He was the one who told Esther of Haman’s plot to exterminate the Jews out of the kingdom. He strongly advised her that if she did not use her influence in the right way, it would be bad for everyone. We need Mordecais who speak up for the gospel. We need Mordecais who are a voice crying out for the souls of men.
We see Mordecai and his valor.
Haman was a wicked man who connived his way to the position that he held. He instilled a fear into the people of the kingdom to bow to him: all but one man, Mordecai. Mordecai would not bow to a God-hating pagan. He would not bow even when gallows were made to hang him. He was a strong man of courage who did not flinch in the face of possible loss, even of his own life. We need courageous Christians who will not bow nor bend to the enemy.
We see Mordecai and his validation.
God, in a powerfully invisible way, reverses Haman’s treacherous deeds. Haman's plans backfire on him. The king discovers that Mordecai was the one who uncovered and reported the plot to kill the king. The king seeks to greatly reward Mordecai. It is Haman who winds up bowing to Mordecai! It is Haman who is uncovered as the wicked villain. It is Haman who winds up being hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. God vindicates and validates us when we are living right.
We see Mordecai and his victory.
In an incredible reversal of things, King Xerxes recognizes and exalts Mordecai. Through Esther’s intervention, a new law is made to set the Jews free from being killed. It is their enemies who now are in trouble. Mordecai is made an important man of prominence in the kingdom. The testimony of this man and the faith of the Jews becomes an evangelistic magnet that draws many within the Persian kingdom to the Lord!
Yes, the underdog wins again! A little man, who really was a big man, helped save an entire nation from bloodshed. He possessed unusual character that inspired a message and a movement. You are never too small or insignificant for God to use. Little is much when God is in it!
Have a faith-inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 30-31