Love Your Leaders

Esther 2:20-22
        [20] Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. [21] In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. [22] And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai.

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Both Esther and Mordecai model obedience and service to those above them, even though they are in exile and under foreign rule. The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied a century earlier, telling the Israelites who would go into exile to “seek the welfare of the city where (the LORD has) sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). Jesus likewise encouraged his followers to render to Caesar what was Caesar’s, and render to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21). Jesus lived his life sinlessly, without disobedience to Jewish law and Roman rule; while some of his disciples vehemently opposed the Romans (Matthew 10:4).

It says that Esther sought the counsel of the king’s eunuch and won his favor as a result. She models obedience to Mordecai, even though she has become the queen of Persia. Mordecai models obedience to the king, and this wins him the favor of the king.

Even though God is not mentioned in Esther, God clearly sets up Mordecai and Esther in positions of power before Haman desires to exterminate the Jewish people. These are clearly provident acts. It shows me that I am where I am today because the Lord has made it so, even if there weren’t miraculous signs.

It could have been very easy for Esther to work hard at becoming the queen and then feeling like she had accomplished her greatest feat in life. But God had something even greater. She was there for a purpose, a higher calling (Esther 4:14). But in order to accomplish that, she had to retain a heart of obedience; not just to God but to those God had placed in her life - namely, the king and Mordecai.

I hear of people my age in the same occupation speak out against their leadership; against the very men and women who hired them and sign their paychecks. And it’s not just ministry. In every job I’ve ever had I’ve seen this pattern. It’s easy to form a natural discontent with those in authority above you. Yet God calls his people to remain obedient and seek the welfare of all those who are over us; because he has put rulers in their place. If I have an obedience issue with those above me, it’s ultimately an issue of obedience with God.

Certainly, there are times when leaders are corrupt and wicked; Haman is a prime example. Yet, even in the story of Esther, God proves that he is the Judge and brings justice according to his will. Esther and Mordecai don’t act in violence or rebellion against Haman and his plot, instead, they plead to God and beg for some kind of divine deliverance. A heart for God’s will, to see things done his way, will always be in our best interests if we want to see results.

Lord, thank you for those you have placed over me. I say with truth and thankfulness that it is a joy to know them and follow their lead. Forgive me for the times my heart feels bitterness. I believe they are seeking you constantly and following your lead, so I pray for a humble, obedient heart to follow your directions. I pray in the name of Jesus and his kingdom.