The humble will be exalted. This short chapter describes the final days of Mordecai in the Persian kingdom and the provision for the Jewish people under his rule.
Esther 10: The Greatness of Mordecai
1 King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea.
2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honour of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
Things to think about…
1. Taxes are never pleasant, but when you are managing a huge empire, especially when you love throwing parties, the costs can blow out. In Esth 10:1 it says “King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea”. Every one of his 127 provinces would have felt this pain. “He reigned for twenty-one years (B.C. 486-465). He invaded Greece with an army, it is said, of more than 2,000,000 soldiers, only 5,000 of whom returned with him. Leonidas, with his famous 300, arrested his progress at the Pass of Thermopylae, and then he was defeated disastrously by Themistocles at Salamis. It was after his return from this invasion that Esther was chosen as his queen.” (Eaton’s bible dictionary). Only 2 or so years after the events of Mordecai’s ascension this Ahasuerus was murdered. “In August 465 BC, Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard and the most powerful official in the Persian court, assassinated Xerxes with the help of a eunuch, Aspamitres.” Iran-e-Bastan/Pirnia book 1 p. 873.
2. It would be wonderful to find “Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia” referred to in Esth 10:2 as we lack any other information on Mordecai or Esther save what we read in ther Book of Esther. One day hopefully these chronicles will be found.
3. Mordecai was a true Joseph and Daniel in his day being promoted to second in charge to Ahasuerus Est 10:3. God did this as a result of his faithfulness and the boldness of Esther who he treated as his own daughter. We are told we rule and reign with Christ and that we sons and daughters of the king. As a result we have an influence as part of our position, rank and status. Christ gives us the perfect example of how we should exercise our rule. What does this look like for you in your present calling?
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Solomon Islanders and once a month evening service starting this Sunday night – 5pm with a meal
2. Andrew Otte’s ministry over the next 3 months
3. New families as they settle into CBC
4. A Worship Coordinator. Ashley Lui and the Solomon Islanders.
5. One for Israel ministry.
6. Conflict zones
7. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
8. Reform and Revival over our city.
9. Finances to cover our needs
10. Pray for ministries as they start back - PlayPatch, Kids church, Creche and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
11. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Ashley and the Solomon Islanders worship ministry last Sunday
2. The birth of Eva Winchester – well done Ursula and AJ
3. Return of new families and other new arrivals
4. Conversion of Ayden – pray for his discipleship journey.
5. Worship leader may be close to being called to CBC. Pray for the leadership as we confirm the position.
6. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
7. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
8. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Evening service starting back up – 5pm meal. 6pm evening worship starting – Pastor Roy Funu to preach.
2. Andrew Otte to begin at CBC for 3 months from the start of August.
3. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church starts this week
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for August...
Q. 35. Can anyone be saved by his own righteousness? A. No. No one is good enough for God.
