Esther 10:1-3 – A Friend in High Places

It’s the end of our journey. We’ve had ups and downs and twists and turns. We’ve seen tears of despair and tears of joy. Life will never be the same again.

Take Mordecai for example. He began the story as a fairly anonymous character, became an unsung hero, spent much of the book in Haman’s crosshairs, and finished as the second most prominent man in the Persian Empire. What a rollercoaster!

It was quite a journey for the Jewish people as well. They endured a vicious smear campaign, lived under the shadow of a holocaust, and now finally, they had come out the other side. The most influential man in the palace used to plot their deaths; now he seeks their welfare (v3). How brilliant! How amazing!

It gets more amazing still. Remember: this book is not simply the story of the Jewish people, it is also a vivid reminder of God’s work for believers today.

We can see many parallels, can’t we? Like the Jews, we once lived under a death sentence (Romans 2:12). Like the Jews, we were powerless to deliver ourselves (Romans 3:20). Yet, like the Jews, we have a friend in high places.
Not Mordecai, but someone much, much better. Someone with power and influence, someone who delivers us, someone who seeks the welfare of his people. Jesus Christ lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25) gives us gracious gifts, and speaks peace to us (Ephesians 2:17). Isn’t that amazing?

Yet, if you think that is worth celebrating, consider how Jesus accomplished all this. In order to save the day, Mordecai and Esther had to avoid the wooden gallows at all costs. If they were put to death, it was game over. Jesus Christ did the opposite. With great determination, he set his face to the cross and willingly died in our place. In doing so he dealt with our death sentence, conquered our enemies, and secured our salvation (Colossians 2:14-15). Now that’s worth celebrating!

Questions
1. The Book of Esther is not the final deliverance of God’s people. How do we see that in v1?
2. How is Jesus’ deliverance better than Esther and Mordecai’s rescue?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks to God for how this book has a happy ending. Praise him because in Jesus, the final ending is even better still.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.