Maybe you have heard legends of great kings of long ago, but this story is not a legend. It is recorded in the Book of Esther in God’s Word, so we know it is true.
King Ahasuerus was a very important king of the land of Persia. He had friends and enemies, and he had a heart full of pride, just like you and I have. There were two men who served in the royal court who appeared to be his friends, but they were secretly his enemies, and they had an evil plan.
When Jesus was on earth, there were many religious people who worshipped God loudly and proudly, but when God sent His beloved Son into the world, the secrets of their hearts showed up. “Away with Him, crucify Him,” they shouted.
I wonder, Are you a real friend of God or are you an enemy of God? When God says that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)), do you answer, “Sinners? Not me!” Then you are an enemy of God. But listen! It is possible right now to have your sins freely forgiven and to be His friend forever. Read on.
We are not told the reasons those servants were plotting against the king. Maybe it’s because we all have different reasons for being enemies of God. But their evil plan was to get rid of that king by murdering him. However, a man named Mordecai exposed their plot, and the king’s life was saved. The two traitors were hanged at once.
But when our Jesus was captured one dark night, His life was not saved. Those evil men were no surprise to Him; He knew long ago what was going to happen. There were many thousands of angels waiting for the command to set Him free, but no such command was given. He was crucified.
And now the amazing wonder is that God offers us forgiveness! That same Jesus who died on the cross is the Saviour who died for us and rose from the dead. Have you believed that He died for you? There is forgiveness for you, right now!
Sometime later, King Ahasuerus had a bad night. He could not sleep, and he was not a patient man. Bring me the records! he called, and his obedient servants brought him the great scrolls of the kingdom. Now read to me, he demanded, and the reading began.
The records included the story of the plot against the king’s life, its discovery and the hanging of the two traitors. But no mention was made of a reward for the loyal informer who saved the king’s life.
What honor was given to Mordecai for this? the king asked.
Nothing was done for him, answered the servants.
You see, the king’s relief that his life was saved and his anger against the traitors had made him forget to reward Mordecai’s loyalty. In the king’s mind, punishment was most important. He would reward later, if and when he remembered.
But our God is not like that! Never! No one on earth or in heaven will ever make Him forget one act of faithful love to Himself. Our God remembers, and He will reward all believers first for even a cup of cold water given in His name, before He sends one rebellious sinner to the lake of fire. And His rewards are lasting.
It was daybreak when the king thought of rewarding his loyal servant, but he couldn’t think what reward to choose. So he asked his attendant to check who was in the courtyard.
Yes, a highly honored servant named Haman was there, and he was called in to choose the reward. Haman, thinking it was all for himself, piled on all the honors he could think of—fancy clothes, jewelry and a parade through town with everyone cheering. And then Haman found out it was not for himself ! It was all for Mordecai.
Are you expecting to receive the eternal joys of heaven for your-self ? You’d better make sure that you have followed God’s plan. If you are safe in Christ, if He is your Saviour, God has promised that heaven’s eternal joy and happiness are waiting for you. But if not, read Revelation 20:1515And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) and see what a dreadful future is before you.
Mordecai got the fancy clothes and the cheering parade, and perhaps he enjoyed it, but it only lasted a short time. King Ahasuerus is dead now, and his importance and honors died with him. But Jesus my Saviour lives! He will present Himself as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will be honored by ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, and we will share His honors forever in heaven.
If you are really a Christian, will you let the world know that you are a friend of God? Let them see that you know God’s Word is true. God will remember your loyalty, and He will choose your reward Himself.
But if not . . . what can God do with a sinner who won’t have Christ? The warning is in our memory verse.
ML-05/09/2004