Esther 2:19-23

Esther continued to choose obedience. “But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.” (Esther 2:20) Her obedience not only caused her to find favor with King Xerxes, but it was also laying a foundation of trust with him.

Mordecai also chose obedience. He chose to do the right thing in revealing the assassination conspiracy against the king to Esther. What if Mordecai chose to be a bystander? If the king were assassinated, perhaps Esther would be free to go back to her normal life. Or perhaps Esther would be in charge as the queen. Sometimes it’s tempting to take – what seems to be – the easy way out, or to fool ourselves into thinking that we could manipulate a situation in our favor. Even if the results are initially favorable, there are always consequences. Inevitably, the consequences set us back, derail us, and delay God’s work. In other words, there is fallout from the act of disobedience. Not worth it. Mordecai chose correctly.

Finally, Esther continues to build trust and respect with the king as she not only reports the assassination plot, but also gives credit where credit is due, to Mordecai.

As we see the story unfolding, it is clear that the right choices made by Esther and Mordecai allowed God to continue to unfold His divine plan. They did not hamper the process. They remained steadfast during the period of waiting and wondering. When we arrive at a crossroad, and we will, what road will we choose? The road that appears easy, or the road less traveled?

Your fellow traveler,

Fran