Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Esther 10 and Psalm 35

Although it was not written with the events of Esther in mind, Psalm 35 is a wonderfully appropriate Psalm to read as our reading of Esther comes to a close. With prayers like, “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me” (v.1), “may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay” (v.4), and “may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin” (v.8) the Psalm could easily have been a record of Mordecai and Esther’s prayers for deliverance from Haman’s evil plot. Equally, I’m sure that Mordecai also shared the commitment which the Psalmist made in gratitude to God for His intervention and deliverance: “My whole being will exclaim, ‘Who is like you, Lord? …’” (v.10) and “My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long” (v.28).

Celebrating Purim with his fellow Jews to give public praise and thanks to God every year was Mordecai’s most obvious response of gratitude to God for His goodness. An equally important response was that he served to the best of his ability in his position as second-in-command to King Xerxes. In that powerful position he “worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” (Esther 10:3)

As disciples of Jesus we are also called to express our gratitude and praise to God each day through working at everything we do in such a way that God will be glorified and others will be blessed. From his position of power, Mordecai sought the highest best of others. May this be our mission in our daily work too – working hard to bring glory to God and to serve the highest best of others.

Lord Jesus, empower me to bring glory to You and good to others through the way I live my ilfe today. Amen.