Mordecai Did Esther 4:17 - Equipped for Battle

As we complete the fourth chapter of the book of Esther, we have come to a pivotal point in our story. The Jews have an edict hanging over their heads that if not intervened will mean their extermination. Mordecai has commanded Esther to take action by going in before King Ahasuerus and making an appeal for their lives. Although he has warned her that neither she nor her family will escape this judgment, Esther knows that appearing before the king uninvited could cost her her life. She has requested a fast both of food and drink for three days and nights to spiritually intercede on her behalf, and she has resolved that if she perishes, she perishes. In chapter four and verse seventeen we see Mordecai's reaction to her request. We read:

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

We see two responses from Mordecai in this verse. First, “So Mordecai went his way,...” The conversation and appeal on his part was complete, and there was no need for further discussion. His beckoning to Queen Esther no longer needed persuasion or argument, so he simply “went his way.” There is time for continuance, and there is another time for activity. Once all the dialog is finished, action is required. Although some might like to continue in conversation, at this point Mordecai knew that he was to respond with his feet and move from the scene.

Secondly, Mordecai “... did according to all that Esther had commanded him.” Rather than sit around and continue to talk about, wonder, and plan about an idea of fasting, Mordecai “did” what Esther requested. In the book of James in chapter one and verse twenty-two we read:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

This is how Mordecai responded to the word of Esther. His activity proved his belief in her instructions, and rather than sit around and listening, he acted upon it. In other words, Mordecai “did”, and he “did” so completely. He followed every instruction Esther “commanded” him.

There are times when we should be listening and have dialog with others, and then there is time for activity. There are times when we pray, and then we act upon the prayers we have made. If Mordecai had simply continued conversation until the deadline of extermination, the Jews would have died. But he didn't. He “went” and He “did”, and that made a difference in the outcome. Perhaps as we ponder this idea in today's verse we should ask ourselves, “Are there areas in our lives for which it is time to move and “do” rather than continue to have conversation about it?” Has the time of prayer been made and now it is time for action? Remember that we must be “doers of the word and not hearers only” and as we proceed within the will of God may He make it clear to us which time it is.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and see Esther's preparation to appear before the king, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

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