Courage for Life for Women - Flipbook - Page 22
638
EsthEr 10
appointed time, decreed by both Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther. (The people
decided to observe this festival, just as
they had decided for themselves and
their descendants to establish the times
of fasting and mourning.) 32 So the command of Esther confirmed the practices
of Purim, and it was all written down in
the records.
The Greatness of Xerxes and Mordecai
King Xerxes imposed a tribute
throughout his empire, even to the
seek the good of others
10
distant coastlands. 2His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had
promoted, are recorded in The Book of
the History of the Kings of Media and
Persia. 3Mordecai the Jew became the
prime minister, with authority next to
that of King Xerxes himself. He was very
great among the Jews, who held him in
high esteem, because he continued to
work for the good of his people and to
speak up for the welfare of all their
descendants.
10:1-3
P R A Y • Abba Father, you have so richly blessed me. Help me to seek the good of others, putting
them above myself.
O B S E R V E • King Xerxes promoted Mordecai to the office of prime minister, making him the
second-highest-ranking person in the Persian Empire. He continued to be a voice for the Jews
through his position within the Persian government and was well respected by everyone. Mordecai’s
achievements were even recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia.
I N T E R P R E T • Mordecai did not boast about himself, as Haman did, but continually looked out
for the good of others and was honored as a result. As we work our jobs, take care of our families,
and enjoy friendships in our communities, we should be inspired by the example of Mordecai and
always seek the good of others. As we read God’s Word daily and pray for humility, the Holy Spirit
will give us the strength to put others first (Phil 2:3-4).
A P P LY • Uncover your true
self: Do you seek the good of
others (Esth 10:3)? Journal a
prayer asking God to help you be
intentional in looking out for the
good of others. • Overcome ob
stacles: Read Philippians 2:3-4.
In the margin, describe the attitudes you need to overcome to
seek the good of others and put
them above yourself.
List other COURAGE steps the
book of Esther inspires you to
take.
