A few months ago, I was reading through the book of Esther and noticed something quite interesting. Even though this book in the Bible was named after Queen Esther, another person was mentioned so frequently throughout the book, I wondered if it should’ve been named after him, instead. This man’s name was Mordecai.

Mordecai was Esther’s relative. He adopted Esther when she was a young orphan. He was willing, he made himself available, was moved with compassion, felt the responsibility, and he ultimately was willing to love and care for Esther. He raised her as his own daughter (2:7). This alone, is incredible. But, it doesn’t stop there.

Mordecai was great.

He was a man who had an incredible amount of influence, conviction, wisdom, counsel, discernment and courage throughout the entire book. His impact in and through Esther was incredible. In thinking about it, I’m not sure the outcome of the events in the book would’ve been the same, had it not been for his presence in Esther’s life.

• He counseled Esther to not reveal her nationality and family background when she went into the King’s palace (2:10).
• He watched over her while she was in the palace, protective of his daughter (2:11).
• He exposed and thwarted a plot to kill the King (2:19-23).
• In boldness and with courage, he defied the King’s edict and did not bow down to Haman (3:1-4).
• His loyalty to his people was easily demonstrated when he tore his clothes when he heard about the King’s edict to destroy the Jews (4:1).
• He urged Queen Esther to be bold and go before the King in order to save the Jews, which ultimately changed everything (4:8,13-14).
• He fasted and prayed for Esther as she prepared to go before the King (4:15-17).
• He was honored before the people for his saving the King (6:10-11).
• He provided a way (through a new edict) for the Jews to be empowered and saved, without breaking the King’s previous edict (8:3-14 … verse 9 specifically says, “Mordecai’s orders”)
• He used his power and authority to do good (10:3).

In the final verses in the book of Esther (10:1-3), Esther is surprisingly not mentioned. Though the book is named after her, she is not in the conclusion of the story. But, do you know who is? Yup, you guessed it, Mordecai.

King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores.  And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

The Greatness of Mordecai.

Second in rank.

Preeminent among the Jews.

Held in high esteem.

Mordecai “worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.”

His impact was of great magnitude, even when he was often behind-the-scenes.

Yes, Esther was an important and vital person in an amazing place to do great things, but Mordecai, he was her backbone. You might say he was the key component for the protection and good of the Jews. Had he not been there, would Esther have been so bold? Would she have even been put in this place of power … “for such a time as this?” He emboldened her, he protected her, he spurred her on, he gave her wise counsel, he helped her in her weakness, he exposed darkness in the palace, he spoke life and courage, he was a brilliant leader to her and to his people. And above all, he always sought to honor God.

Many say that “behind every great man, is a great woman.” I might change that slightly to say, “behind every great leader [Esther], is a great counsellor and encourager [Mordecai].”

Are you someone’s Mordecai? Do you support, encourage and give counsel to someone else or to others? Do you make a difference even when standing behind or beside a great leader? Unseen, but ever-present. Never question the significance and impact of your presence. You are vital.

And/Or …

Is someone else your Mordecai? Are you in a place of leadership, but are fully supported, emboldened and encouraged by someone else? Maybe others don’t realize it’s not just you, but you have an incredible support system behind you? Who is your Mordecai? How can you express gratitude to/for that person who is your constant encouragement and help?

I imagine all of us are in both situations at times. Supporting and being supported. Both are important. Both are valuable. Both are needed.

Let us be bold in our leadership and in our encouragement. Our influence on those around us is far greater than we might realize. There is greatness in it.

Embrace it, and make a difference … for such a time as this.

To God be the Glory!