We’re studying Esther in church, as a church. We were given a study guide so we can all go in-depth. This book is fascinating, especially when you consider the history. The Xerxes in Esther is the same one who faced the Spartan King Leonidas at Thermopylae.
Meet Mordecai and Esther
In chapter two we meet a pair of cousins, Mordecai and Esther. He adopted her after her parents died. When Xerxes took her into his harem, we discover in Esther 2:11 how much Mordecai cared for her.
Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.
He kept in touch. His level of concern apparent by how often he was checking on her emotional state and circumstances.
Lessons From Mordecai
The first lesson is to stay in touch with who you care for. The internet makes it easier for long-distance relationships or keeping up with the day-to-day of friends and family. Texting, too, is convenient; it just sits there until looked at.
However, that only gives us part of the story. We usually put our best face forward on Facebook and hide our struggles.
This brings us to our second and third lessons, check on their emotional and spiritual states, and know what’s going on in their lives.
Mordecai kept in touch with Esther, checking on her often. He wanted to know what was happening, and how she felt about it. To sum up the lessons, stay in touch with who you care for by staying involved in their lives and how they’re handling it. Bottom line: relationships matter.
A Ronin's Journey 