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 Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Don’t grumble against grace” from Esther 4
1. Esther was a little shaky on her initial response to what she heard from Mordecai. Do you recall the events and her response? How can we act in the same way as Esther
2. Mordecai shows the heart of a true father in gently instructing his adopted daughter. Rather than accept her gift of clothes he says “"Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"” Esth 4:13, 14. Break down this statement. What relevance has that had for Jews even up to today?
3. We are blessed with so much, but the Apostle Paul tells us after he was afflicted with a demon that in weakness Christ’s strength is shown. How has this been the case for you??
4. Pray each other.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the 2 families we will be giving money to this week to help with flood relief in Queensborough parade in Karalee.
2. Our new Albanese government. That the Lord would be merciful. We need it with the spiritual change that has been happening in Australia.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. New folk came to CBC on Sunday.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
3. Café helpers on Sunday – thanks Melinda and Maddison.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for June...
Q. 4. What becomes of men when they die? A. The body returns to dust, and the soul goes back to God to be judged.
