Text by Rheynalyn Altoveros
Prophetic Art: DeLight by Sanrio Pagsuyuin
Read:
Esther 2: 5-11 (NASB)
There was a Jew at the citadel in Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who had been taken from Jerusalem with the exiles who had been deported with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had deported. He was the guardian to Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young woman was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
So it came about, when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women. Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice female attendants from the king’s palace, and transferred her and her attendants to the best place in the harem. Esther did not reveal her people or her kindred, because Mordecai had instructed her that she was not to reveal them. And every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
Reflect:
When it comes to the subject of fathering or being a father, not many would turn the pages to the Book of Esther. It’s used more on the side of intercession, a story of bravery and of being a warrior princess. Really inspiring.
However, behind this story of perfect orchestration by God is a man named Mordecai. He was Esther’s cousin. Although not a biological father to Esther, he stood up as one. He took her as his own daughter. He became her mentor and leader.
Mordecai is more than a secondary character in the life of Esther. He was the man who rose to the challenge of raising a child, even if it could mean greater responsibility and commitment. He was a man of hope and wisdom. If we see Esther as a woman full of faith and courage, that could be something she learned from her father.
The son of Jair was very instrumental in every action that Esther made. Even from afar, he guided her daughter so she would fulfill the call of the Lord in her life. He walked back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem every single day. Why? To know what’s happening to her. Can you imagine his sacrifice? That’s the love of a father.
From the very beginning of Esther’s journey until she saved the Jews, Mordecai’s instructions became her guidance. He was simply there to bring out her strength, the anointing and calling that he knew God placed in Esther. His ability to act accordingly in every situation placed her in a state of favor and saved them and all of the Jews from the plot of the enemy.
“And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). This was Mordecai’s response when Esther sought his wisdom when she learned about Haman’s plot. A very famous verse. And it led Esther to fast and pray, looking at God’s direction for their situation.
What did Mordecai do when he learned of her plan to intercede? “So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him.” (Esther 4:17). Wow. Such respect between these two. The story ended as to how God intended it to be. Just like his father who rose up to responsibility when she needed him, Esther stood up to her calling.
Respond:
Friends, are you like Esther who grew up without any biological father but with a Mordecai? Make sure to let him know how thankful you are for him, that you value him. He deserves to hear that from the one he cherishes a lot.
Or did no one stand up for you? Is your earthly father not the perfect father figure you have imagined? Take heart. There is Someone up there who wants to lavish His love on you, to call you His child. He promises never to leave you nor forsake you. He began a good work in you, and He’ll surely carry it to completion. He is excited to see you unfold your destiny. Call Him Abba, Father.
Rheyn is an agriculturist and an aspiring best-selling author. She lives in Bay, Laguna with her husband Pau and their little one, Fave. She currently works as a freelance writer but will be finishing her MS degree soon. She is passionate about seeing the youth surrendering their lives to Jesus and following His ways. What she likes most about the Word of God is the life and reality it carries, how it springs to life whenever she needs it.
AUTHOR: RHEYNALYN ALTOVEROS