Walk in Wisdom

Esther 3:2

All the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman; for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage.

The book of Esther is a fascinating story of God’s preservation of His people Israel. One of the great characters in that account is Queen Esther’s uncle Mordecai. When one of the king’s officials demanded that all bow down to Haman, Mordecai would not. When asked why, he simply stated that he was a Jew. There is a price to pay when we take a stand, and those standing for Jesus Christ most often are called to make the greatest sacrifice.

Erwin Lutzer recounts the following story in his book Hitler’s Cross. In June 1937, Dr. Niemoller preached his last sermon during the days of the Third Reich. He said to his congregation, “We have no more thought of using our own powers to escape the authorities than the Apostles of old. No more are we ready to keep silent at man’s request when God commands us to speak. For it is, and must remain, the case that we must obey God rather than man.” Within a few days, he was arrested and imprisoned. The indictments against him comprised fourteen pages. He was accused of speaking against the Reich with malicious and provocative criticism. Walking from his cell to the courtroom, Niemoller was filled with dread and loneliness. At that moment, he had an incredible experience. The guard escorting him began repeating a set of words. It was so low that it was difficult to hear. He was repeating, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Niemoller gave no sign that he had heard the words. But his fear was gone, and in its place was the calm brilliance of an utter trust in God.

You can have that same trust today. Turn to the One who is your refuge; the One who can be touched with the feelings of your infirmities; the One who was tested in all points, as you are.