Providence: Lessons from Esther (Part 2):

One of my favorite and crucial episodes in Esther’s story centers on the faithfulness of Mordecai. Mordecai was the much older cousin to his Jewess cousin, Esther. He functioned more like an avuncular influence upon Esther. We might think of him as an “Uncle Mordecai” to Esther. Anyway, after Vashti refused to parade herself for Ahasuerus’ ogling (Est 1:12), and Memucan had stepped up and proposed ways for the king to put his foot down (Est 1:16), and the king had heeded the aforementioned counsel (Est 1:21), we see Esther chosen to be queen in Vashti’s place. Esther was clearly a physically beautiful woman (Est 2:7, 17). She was markedly stunning. But the episode upon which I want to focus here concerns not Esther’s physical beauty but Mordecai’s and Esther’s faithfulness. 

Here’s what is so important to remember: Both Esther and Mordecai were Jewish exiles. They were captives. And the natural reaction most of us would have would not be to try and please our pagan leaders, and certainly not seek their welfare. But that is exactly what you see happen in Esther 2:19-23. Mordecai discovers a plot against Ahasuerus’ life, and Esther (at the request of Mordecai) alerts the king. Think of that–doing good unto those who don’t deserve it. 

Connection to the Gospel & the Doctrine of Providence: All of Scripture coheres, dear reader. It is telling one unified story. The faithfulness of Mordecai and Esther is a microcosm of what God has done in Christ. Just as the Jews were in exile from the true King of kings, we sinners are exiles from Eden and God due to our sin. Yet God provided through the faithfulness of One whose work is accepted by the King of kings. Providence, you see. Mordecai and Esther were types and shadows of the Substitute who was to come, whose name is Jesus, the Christ.