Among the children of Judah who served in the king's palace during captivity, Mordecai stands as a figure of profound significance, though his name may not be as widely recognized as others. His life's work, detailed in the book of Esther, arguably played a critical role in preserving the nation of Judah. Mordecai emerges as the real hero of this narrative, a mid-level government official whose day-by-day faith and patient endurance in living God's way shine through. Mordecai's life, unlike the dramatic singular events of others, reflects a steady, faithful patience even amidst unfair circumstances. Trained to work in the empire's bureaucracy, he sat within the king's gate in the capital city of Shushan, one of many government servants. He fulfilled the role of a diligent father to his young cousin Esther, who had lost both her parents, instilling in her wisdom, tact, humility, and grace. Even after she became queen, Mordecai commanded her respect and obedience, advising her to conceal her Jewish identity for safety. As a dutiful father, he checked on her welfare daily, staying close to ensure her well-being without revealing their familial bond. In the course of his duties, Mordecai uncovered an assassination plot against King Ahasuerus and alerted Esther, who informed the king. Despite saving the kingdom, he received no reward for his loyalty and diligence. Five years later, an enemy named Haman rose to power as prime minister and demanded that all bow to him. Mordecai refused, prioritizing his loyalty to God over submission to a man from a lineage God had opposed. Enraged by this defiance, Haman plotted vengeance against all Jews in the empire, convincing the king to decree their extermination and the confiscation of their wealth. When Mordecai learned of this decree, he left the king's court in sackcloth and ashes, mourning deeply for his people. Though he had served faithfully in a mundane role, raised Esther with care, and saved the king's life without recognition, he now faced the extermination of his entire people. When Esther discovered his grief, she sent emissaries to understand his distress. Mordecai urged her to approach the king and plead for their people, despite the risk of death under Persian law for uninvited approaches. His response to her fear encapsulates his philosophy of enduring faithfulness and patience in doing good, never growing weary in following God's way.

A long time ago in a land far away, a little orphan girl looked forward on an uncertain future until an older cousin stepped forward. He took her into his home and raised her as his own child. This cousin taught her to fear God, and God blessed her with charm and beauty that surpassed that of other women. Seeing that God was with her, her cousin did all he could to ensure that she understood God's will. This is the story of Esther and her cousin Mordecai. The providence of God shines through clearly as we see Him working out His plan in its ten short chapters. We also see the depth of Mordecai's faith and Esther's humble and courageous submission in denying herself and risking her life for her people. Two incidents stand out in particular: Mordecai's mourning for his brethren and Esther's humble self-sacrifice. When we see their examples clearly, our own trials may seem more endurable and conquerable. Most of us tend to regard Bible characters as untouchables. These people faced the same challenges that we have today and had to grapple with their carnality just as we do. Human nature has not changed since the Garden of Eden. It is a good idea, then, when we read stories like this one, to remember that the characters had no great advantage over us. They were human. They did not have halos over their heads. As the saying goes, they put their pants on one leg at a time just as we do. Though Esther became Queen of Persia and Mordecai Ahasuerus' prime minister, they were much like us. Hearing of the decree, Mordecai brings Esther before Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the king's harem. For his part, Mordecai comes by the women's court every day to check to see how Esther fares and hear the news of her life in the harem. Undoubtedly, he is her closest advisor and keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground. He probably suspects that God has put Esther in her position of great power and favor to do a good work through her. His constant communication continues to prepare her for what lies ahead. Chapter 3 details the promotion of the story's antagonist, Haman, over all the king's princes. From what we read of him, Haman's promotion goes straight to his head, and he considers himself above others. The king commands that all the people of the land bow before Haman just as they would bow to him, but Mordecai refuses. Haman's anger grows each time he has to pass before him. Haman's hatred may also be fueled by the fact that he is an Amalekite and Mordecai a Jew. The Amalekites and Jews have been bitter enemies since Israel's wanderings in the wilderness. Therefore Haman devises a plan that will not only get rid of Mordecai but all other Jews as well. When Mordecai learns of Haman's wicked plot, he tears his clothes and goes into bitter mourning, lying in sackcloth and ashes at the king's gate. This is as close as he can get to Esther, for it is unlawful for anyone to enter the palace grounds in sackcloth. As the king's decree spreads throughout the kingdom, many other Jews also don sackcloth and ashes, weep and fast. Plainly, Mordecai's mourning for his brethren is real and heartfelt, not ritualistic or put on to get sympathy. If anything, he is likely mourning before God for deliverance of his people. Esther's servants bring word to her of her cousin's state, so she sends him new clothes to cover him. But Mordecai refuses her tokens of comfort, so she sends a chamberlain to find out why he is mourning. Mordecai responds, instructing her about what she must do, and also sending along a copy of the king's decree. Mordecai charges her to go before the king to beseech him to spare their people's lives. Esther still tries to avoid becoming involved by sending word back to him, saying that everyone knows that if she goes before the king without being called, she may very well lose her life! Mordecai answers more sternly the third time. He warns her that even though she is queen, she will not be safe from Haman's thugs. His faith, however, never