Day 267.
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. (Esther 10:3 ESV)
The story of Mordecai is filled with such twists of irony and coincidence it screams the providence of God, though God’s name is never mentioned in the book. The short of it is this: Mordecai goes from being plotted against by the #2 main in the kingdom to being the #2 man in the kingdom. As the #2 man, Mordecai implements the king’s command for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, which they do. Instead of being annihilated by their enemies, they are victorious over them.
This verse draws my attention because of the phrase, “for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.” This is similar to Jeremiah’s instruction to the exiles just before their exile. Decades have passed since and Mordecai has been put in a position where he is able to seek the peace and welfare of the city. In so doing, in particular, he finds peace and welfare of God’s people. Not only so, but many who were not Jews declare themselves to be Jews. The exile was a place for God to be at work building his kingdom in the midst of enemy territory.
Lord, you are a God who is not thwarted by setbacks to your people, but turn them into the very means of blessing and growth. Would you remind us of this when we grow anxious and discouraged and keep us faithful in seeking the peace and welfare of our city and our people.
