Read: Esther 6-10
Focus Verse: “Mordería the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” (Esther 10:3).
Devotion: Again the prominent theme shows up of selfish vs selfless. Mordería spoke up to help the king (7:9), while Haman was worried about himself and how great he was. Haman’s glory before the king was fleeting because it was inward looking, but Mordecai’s lasted. Mordecai shows that the end reward for the Jews was mourning and fasting turning into joy and feasting (9:22). In God, when we live a selfless life of love for others—a life lived like Christ—we have the hope of a future like Mordecai and Esther. Mourning turns to joy, fasting to feasting, and we are granted a place of prominence before our Lord.
Pray: LORD, help me live a selfless life, seeking to share You and Your love on behalf of others. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1)