MARCH 26

Esther 8:1-2

PROMOTION

The king gave all of Haman’s possessions to Esther. She then introduced Mordecai to the king and introduced how they were related. It was the first time that Ahasuerus met Mordecai, the one who saved his life.

Before Haman was hanged, the king’s ring was removed from him. The ring signified power and authority to rule and make decisions in the king’s name. Haman was only second to the king and governed the whole empire. Now the king gave the ring to Mordecai. From a servant, Mordecai was promoted above everyone, to a position second only to the king. Power shifted from Haman’s evil hands, to Mordecai the man who trusted in God. Mordecai did not ask or seek after promotion. The king gave it of his own accord. Esther also put Mordecai in charge of Haman’s estate.

From being persecuted and in a state of mourning, to being promoted, Mordecai experienced a total change in circumstances. Did God ever forget Mordecai when he was mourning and crying for mercy? No, definitely not. In times of utter despair when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, we must not think that God has left us. Mordecai experienced God’s answer to his fervent prayers. Ultimately, the rewards and promotion were not what Mordecai desired, but the Lord moved the king’s heart to give it to him.

All this was done for a testimony that God reigns and judges the wicked and righteous, Do you seek attention? Do you prefer others to acknowledge your contributions and want others to praise you for things you may have done? Dear child, if you harbour such thoughts, throw them away.Those are ideas that will lead you to other sins such as pride and wanting the praise of man. Remember the  account of Mordecai – he never sought promotion but God promoted him in due time.

Thought: Promotion comes from God and not men.  Heavenly Father, teach me to seek not recognition or honour, but to only seek to obey and serve You in every situation that You have placed me in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.