“For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed” (Esther 10:3).
TEXT — Esther 10:1-3
Message
What makes a great leader? And how do we recognise a person as a great leader? Why do we even need great leaders? An English poet, Matthew Arnold, gives the answer, at least in part: “Greatness is a spiritual condition worthy to excite love, interest, and admiration,” he said. “And the outward proof of possessing greatness is that we excite love, interest, and admiration.”
Mordecai’s story was a rags-to-riches tale. From serving as a guard at King Ahasuerus’ palace gate, he rose by means of providence to become powerful in the kingdom. His foster daughter, Esther, was chosen as queen and wife to the king. Mordecai did not allow this to get into his head. On duty one day, he discovered a plot to overthrow the king. He faithfully reported to the authorities and the culprits were dealt with. But he was forgotten until a combination of factors led to a decree of genocide against the Jews.
Again, through divine intervention, this was reversed by the king, who, flipping randomly through the book of records, discovered that no reward was given to Mordecai. He promptly promoted Mordecai and brought judgment on Haman, the enemy of the Jews. He gave the Jews a new lease of influence and authority, and made Mordecai second in rank.
People who occupy positions of power and authority must never forget where they came from. You should use your position to improve the condition and well-being of the people, especially in the household of faith. You should provide succour to the suffering, and uplift the weak and downtrodden. You should, therefore, yield yourself as an instrument to help the people. That is the true meaning of greatness.
Thought for the day
Greatness before God is to care for the weak and needy while living in righteousness.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
I have an interest in serving Our GOD-JESUS for His endless blessings, guidance and protection over my life and family members.
The leadership focus of Mordecai was a contrast to the contemporary greed and affluent lifestyles being displayed by the political class of our days. The welfare of the people is ranked far below political expediency. They are “wolves in sheep clothing”
I have an interest in serving Our GOD-JESUS for His endless blessings, guidance and protection over my life and family members.
The leadership focus of Mordecai was a contrast to the contemporary greed and affluent lifestyles being displayed by the political class of our days. The welfare of the people is ranked far below political expediency. They are “wolves in sheep clothing”