Suffering: Disregard, Like Mordecai
During that night the king could not sleep, so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written what Mordecai had reported about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who were doorkeepers, that they had sought to attack King Ahasuerus. Then the king said, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” And the king’s servants who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”
So the king said, “Who is in the courtyard?” Now Haman had just entered the outer courtyard of the king’s palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the wooden gallows which he had prepared for him. So the king’s servants said to him, “Behold, Haman is standing in the courtyard.” And the king said, “Have him come in.” Haman then came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?”
Therefore Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king desires to honor, have them bring a royal robe which the king has worn, and the horse on which the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal turban has been placed; then order them to hand the robe and the horse over to one of the king’s noble officials, and have them dress the man whom the king desires to honor, and lead him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him, ‘So it shall be done for the man whom the king desires to honor.’”
Then the king said to Haman, “Quickly, take the robe and the horse just as you have said, and do so for Mordecai the Jew…”
Esther 6:1-10 (NASB)
Have you felt the distress of disregard?
Like no one seems to notice you're around?
Like your talents have no room to grow?
Like the good work you've done is overlooked?
Like less deserving people get credit?
Like you're one person against a system?
Mordecai, the cousin who raised Esther, suffered more than one kind of disregard.
Because he seemed poor and unimportant.
Because his gifts remained undercover.
Because he saved the king, but wasn’t thanked.
Because the king's assistant despised him.
Because Jews lacked status in Persia.
But God NEVER disregards His children, and His justice system never fails. He rewards good for good and bad for bad.
The only question marks are when and how. In due time, the king DID reward Mordecai!
‘For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open’ (Luke 8:17).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
If you're doing your best for God and men, and no one seems to notice it or care, remember Mordecai's grand finale.*
He became Persia's second in command. He not only raised and assisted Esther (with the wisdom that helped make her a queen), but he also guided countless others.
You’re called to a similar destiny:
To rise, shine, and to influence the kings of film, fashion, music, and theatre!
To set good examples and find lost sheep: to lead them into your Shepherd’s saving love.
So don't let the demons of disregard pull you into a disregarding life (where you think your calling doesn’t matter)... Because your role matters more than you now know!
Suffering: Disregard, Like Mordecai (Part 17)
* Joseph, the son of Jacob, had a very similar story and finale.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!