Esther 1: The Race of the Just
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Like Mordecai, the faithful will have a sense of impending doom. Like Mordecai, they will discover plots against power. Like Mordecai, the just are rewarded for their fidelity and courage. It will be this very reward that puts them in danger; yet they be saved from destruction, tribulation and distress. And there will always be Haman lurking behind the curtain hoping to destroy the just. When we act in and for God, we must anticipate jealousy and envy. And we must rely on God alone to save us from annihilation.
Mordecai receives information in a dream and although he trusts this information he does not understand its deeper meaning and its long-range implication. And so he kept it mind, and tried in every way, until night, to understand its meaning. I am wondering how much energy we put into understanding a message we receive darkly. I am thinking that Mordecai shows us how to remain in and with God despite intense, justified fear.
Yesterday’s Gospel also has something to teach us about fear and the race of the just. Jesus sends out seventy-two of his disciples and instructs them: The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so . . . go on your way: behold, I am sending you like lambs among the wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, say first, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:1-9)
Jesus also sends us into the fields as laborers. We are also sheep among wolves as was Mordecai. I believe that we cannot stop evil, but I also believe that when we remain in and with God, we are protected in God’s strength and guided out of harm’s way. We are loved beyond measure and we must learn to trust this love. We must learn to give over to God the clawing fear that grabs at us when we feel alone in a hostile world. We must remember to lay our turmoil in God’s capable hands when there is tribulation and distress, evil and great confusion. We must carry our burdens – whether they be light or heavy, small or great – to the one who knows all and to the only one who can confront and even annihilate evil.
The psalmist says in Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink? When evil-doers draw near to devour my flesh, it is they, my enemies and foes, who stumble and fall. Though an enemy encamp against me even then would I trust. It is your face, O Lord, I seek; hide not your face . . .
God has shown us his face, and it is the face of Jesus.
God has rescued his people, and he abides among them.
God has brought us into his eternal Spirit, and he dwells within us.
The race of the just will always be saved. Let us gather ourselves – we the lambs among wolves – and go quickly and surely to the only sanctuary there is that can withstand the darkness of evil. Let us run to greet the newness we are granted by the one who loves us so well. Let us find refuge in the power and presence of the one who will always save the race of the just.
A re-post from October 19, 2011.
Image from: http://bibletodaykids.com/Esther.html
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