Saturday Feb 27, 2021

Mordechai’s Javelin - The Story of Esther

Mordecai's Javelin - The Story of Esther

In this Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the significance of the biblical story of Esther and its profound implications for the lives of believers today. The teaching uses the metaphor of Mordecai's javelin to illustrate the importance of recognizing God's purpose and taking decisive action in the present moment. The message emphasizes that, just as Queen Esther was called to step into her royal role to save her people, Christians are called to own their positions in life and actively participate in God's kingdom work on earth.

The Celebration of Purim and Esther's Boldness

The teaching begins by referencing the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates Queen Esther's bravery in approaching the king of Persia to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people. This holiday, based on the events recorded in the Old Testament book of Esther, specifically chapter 9 verses 22 through 26, is a time of celebration, feasting, and gift-giving. The speaker notes that it's an opportunity for families to gather, learn about the Bible, and engage children through activities like dressing up in costumes. This tradition of dressing up serves as a reminder of how Esther had to conceal her identity until she found the courage to reveal herself and advocate for her people.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Your Role

Connecting Esther's initial hidden identity to contemporary experiences, the teaching delves into the concept of imposter syndrome. This is described as a feeling of inadequacy, where individuals doubt their abilities and fear that others overestimate them. The speaker suggests that many people in various positions – whether in leadership, management, parenting, or other roles – may experience these feelings of being unqualified or out of place. The story of Esther is presented as an example of someone who, despite her background of trauma and displacement, rose to a position of great influence but initially hesitated to fully embrace it.

Mordecai's Encouragement and the Call to Action

The turning point in Esther's story comes through the encouragement of her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai's powerful words remind Esther that God has placed her in her royal position for a specific purpose, and that if she fails to act, deliverance will come through someone else. This pivotal moment leads Esther to put on her royal robes and approach the king. This act symbolizes her decision to own the place where God has put her, regardless of the fear or difficulty involved. The teaching emphasizes that life is not always fair, and believers should not be surprised by challenges or inconveniences, as the life of Jesus himself, as depicted in the Gospels, serves as a blueprint of a life that includes suffering.

Being Ambassadors of God's Kingdom

The message underscores the idea that followers of Jesus are called to be ambassadors of His kingdom on earth. Just as an ambassador represents their king and kingdom in a foreign land, believers are meant to represent the kingdom of heaven in the world. This vocation involves actively working to extinguish the "fires of hell" – the manifestations of darkness and evil – in the world through acts of love, service, and proclaiming the truth of the gospel. This includes tangible actions such as supporting foster care and advocating for the vulnerable. The speaker highlights that the call to follow Jesus is not passive but requires actively engaging with the brokenness of the world.

The Example of Jesus and His Disciples

To further illustrate this active role, the teaching draws parallels between the ministry of Jesus and that of his disciples and apostles. Jesus preached the fulfillment of the Old Testament, cast out unclean spirits, healed the sick, and even raised the dead. His disciples, as recorded in the book of Acts, continued this same work, demonstrating that Jesus' ministry did not end with his ascension but continues through his followers. This demonstrates that believers are equipped with power and authority to manifest God's kingdom in practical ways. However, the teaching also cautions that following Jesus involves not only the power to do good but also the potential for suffering, persecution, and rejection, as experienced by Jesus himself and his early followers.

The Unique Nature of the Book of Esther and God's Hidden Presence

The speaker then draws attention to the unique characteristic of the book of Esther: it never explicitly mentions the name of God. This absence can lead one to believe that God is not present in the events of the story. However, the teaching argues that God was actively present in every moment, orchestrating events even when His direct involvement is not apparent. From Haman's irrational decree to Esther's eventual courageous decision, God's hand was at work. Mordecai's role was crucial in speaking this reality into Esther's life, reminding her of God's overarching plan despite the seemingly godless circumstances.

The Mordecai Mandate: Speaking Truth and Taking Action

This leads to what the teaching calls the Mordecai mandate: the responsibility of believers to speak the truth of God's kingdom into the lives of others. This truth is not merely about salvation after death, but about the reality that God's kingdom has come to earth now to defeat the forces of darkness. Believers are called to be bold in proclaiming this truth, even in the face of adversity and in situations where God's presence may seem absent. Just as Mordecai's words spurred Esther to action, believers should encourage and challenge one another to step into their God-given roles.

The Javelin Metaphor: Making an Impact in the Present

The central metaphor of the teaching is the javelin. The life of a believer is likened to a runner carrying a javelin, representing the impact they are meant to make in the world for God's kingdom. The white line represents the limited time individuals have on earth to make this impact. Just as a javelin throw is wasted if the runner crosses the line before releasing it, opportunities to serve God and impact the world can be missed if believers hesitate or fail to act. The javelin throw embodies the energy, training, and dedication that believers invest in their lives, and its flight represents the impact and legacy they leave behind. Every believer is called to be a "Mordecai," acknowledging God's present reign and proclaiming it through their actions and words.

Application for Everyday Life

Identify your "royal robes": Recognize the unique opportunities and positions God has placed you in, whether at work, in your family, or in your community.
Confront your "imposter syndrome": Acknowledge any feelings of inadequacy but remember that God equips those He calls. Embrace your current role with confidence in God's plan.
Listen for your "Mordecai": Be open to the encouragement and challenges from others who can speak God's truth into your life. Seek godly counsel and accountability.
Throw your "javelin" now: Don't wait for perfect circumstances or until you feel fully ready. Take action now in areas where God is leading you to make an impact.
Speak truth boldly: Share the good news of God's kingdom and His victory over darkness in your interactions with others.
Actively love and forgive: Extend God's love and forgiveness to those who are difficult to love or who have hurt you.