415: A Big Book and A Sharp Pencil

I have been writing about Daniel the last few months, but now it's time to move on. Let's study a woman of purpose for a change; what do you say? Is that a good thing?  I think it is, so Esther, you are the woman for the next few weeks.  We will start this week with one of my personal favorites among all Bible stories.  This Memo is a little longer than usual, but I promise it is worth the effort.

BAIT AND SWITCH   

I'm sorry, but I'm going to pull what's called in the world of retail a "bait and switch." This isn't really about Esther this week, but rather about her cousin Mordecai (I promise to cover Esther next week). Mordecai raised his cousin Esther after her parents died.  Because Esther listened to Mordecai's advice, she eventually won a beauty pageant and was chosen to be the new queen.  After that happened, we read:

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.  But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were hanged on a gallows. All this was recorded in the book of the annal in the presence of the king (Esther 2:21-23).

You may ask, "Why is this one of your favorite stories?"  My answer is that it only represents half of the story, so wait until you read the rest.  First, we see that Mordecai had already done the king a favor by directing Esther to become queen. Then Mordecai did the king a second favor:  He saved his life by uncovering and reporting the conspiracy to the king through Esther. When the report was investigated and found to be true, the conspirators were killed and the story was put down in the public record.  The story could have ended there, and almost seems like it does.

That is how it may be with you.  You have done good things you knew were related to your purpose. You have helped other people, been faithful in every way you knew how, and still it doesn't seem like you have received your promotion or breakthrough. You may even feel like that is your life's story and it will never change.  If you feel like that, read on!

THE REWARD ALWAYS COMES

Mordecai had an enemy named Haman, who hated Mordecai because Mordecai was a Jew and would never bow down and pay him honor. 

Haman was secretly planning to wipe out Mordecai and the Jews but, before he could hatch his plot, we read the following:

That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. "What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked."Nothing has been done for him," his attendants answered.

The king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had erected for him. His attendants answered, "Haman is standing in the court.""Bring him in," the king ordered.  When Haman entered, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"Now Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?"  So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'" 

"Go at once," the king commanded Haman. "Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended." So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!" (Esther 6:1-11).

Now you see why I love this story! To me it represents the fact that God never forgets who you are and what you have done for Him.  I've written many times that (figuratively speaking) God has a big book and a sharp pencil and He records everything you do for Him.  In the fullness of time, often when you least expect it, God rewards and blesses you with honor, meaningful work, and significant purpose opportunities.  What's more, Mordecai could not be blessed until Esther became queen and had access to the king.  Sometimes fulfilling your purpose is a matter of timing--there isn't a need yet for who you are or what you can do.

So take heart this week.  God hasn't forgotten you.  He remembers your deeds and preparation. Put your trust in Him.  One night, when God can't sleep, He will ask one of His heavenly messengers to read the book of good deeds and He will hear your name mentioned.  He will then ask, "What have we done for my son or daughter to reward them?"  When the answer comes back, "Nothing!", He will respond, "Then it's time." Who knows, that time may be this week and God may even use one of your enemies to bless you.  I hope it is this week but, if not, you know it is only a matter of time until your week comes.  So keep on seeking and doing the good you know you are to do. As you do, I know you will have a great week!

Comments

[Esther]

The memo about Mordecai has relieved me from what I am going thru – I know it is God who gave you the revelations in it. To God be glorious! I have been encouraged greatly – and I believe shortly I will be remembered by God. I am moving forward and I will keep on doing good things and make sure that my relationship with the Rewarder is strong. God bless you John and keep on tapping the revelations of the week for His chosen ones.

Esther - Malawi