DCLM Daily Manna Friday 4 October 2024
TOPIC: The Leader That Pleases God
TEXT: Esther 10:1-3 (KJV)
10 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto 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 next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
KEY VERSE
“For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.”
Esther 10:3
DCLM Daily Manna Friday 4 October 2024 MESSAGE
What makes a great leader? And how do we recognize a person as a great leader? Why do we even need great leaders? An English poet, Matthew Arnold, gives the answer, at least in part: “Greatness is a spiritual condition worthy to excite love, interest, and admiration,” he said. “And the outward proof of possessing greatness is that we excite love, interest, and admiration.”
Mordecai’s story was a rags-to-riches tale. From serving as a guard at King Ahasuerus’ palace gate, he rose by means of providence to become powerful in the kingdom. His foster daughter, Esther, was chosen as queen and wife to the king.
Mordecai did not allow this to get into his head. On duty one day, he discovered a plot to overthrow the king. He faithfully reported to the authorities and the culprits were dealt with. But he was forgotten until a combination of factors led to a decree of genocide against the Jews.
READ DCLM Daily Manna 3 October 2024 – The Power Of Praise
Again, through divine intervention, this was reversed by the king, who, flipping randomly through the book of records, discovered that no reward was given to Mordecai. He promptly promoted Mordecai and brought judgment on Haman, the enemy of the Jews. He gave the Jews a new lease of influence and authority, and made Mordecai second in rank.
People who occupy positions of power and authority must never forget where they came from. You should use your position to improve the condition and well-being of the people, especially in the household of faith. You should provide succour to the suffering, and uplift the weak and downtrodden. You should, therefore, yield yourself as an instrument to help the people. That is the true meaning of greatness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Greatness before God is to care for the weak and needy while living in righteousness.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 5-6
