When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. Esther 4:1 (ESV)
King Xerxes kingdom was a powerful machine. And the people that worked with him and for him knew this all too well. One of the men, Haman, had King Xerxes’ ear. Haman didn’t like Mordecai. As a matter of fact, because he didn’t like him, he didn’t like all Jews. He told the king that they were different. They didn’t do things the same as everyone else. They didn’t believe the same as everyone else. So they should be destroyed.
The King agreed and a proclamation went out announcing the date of the destruction. Maybe it was like a “get your affairs in order.” kind of thing. Can you imagine being a Jew and reading that notice?
Mordecai read the decree and immediately kicked into action. He didn’t try to have meetings at the palace. He didn’t try to let the local media know where he stood. He didn’t try to cause discord between the two groups of people involved. He went to God. He and all the people began to fast and pray. He did do one more thing. He sent a message to the one person he could reach asking for help.
Esther, although reluctant at first, also began to fast and pray. She then decided to stand up for what was right and try to get help from the person she knew that had influence, the King. God intervened and the Jews were saved.
So often we feel that we cannot impact what is happening in our world, our country, or our neighborhood but we can. Each and every one of us can make a difference where we are. Be a Mordecai. Do something. The difference you make might impact one person or it might impact many.
We may not be able to influence people in power but there is something we can do. The Bible is clear on what really makes a difference. .Loving each other. Loving each other will produce an immediate, long-lasting result. We can’t stand around watching the world hurt and choose inaction.
When we seek God and ask “What do you want me to do today?” the answer will always start with love. Let’s reach our world, even if it is only one human at a time.