Before the end of the day, King Xerxes gave Esther everything that had belonged to Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin. So the king made Mordecai one of his highest officials and gave him the royal ring that Haman had worn. Then Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's property.(Esther 8:1-2, CEV)
Irony. Irony. Irony.
The book of Esther is chock full of it.
Haman wanted everything, and he ended up with nothing. Mordecai wanted nothing more than to worship his God, and he ends up with everything.
And that’s the greatest irony of all. Mordecai’s only “sin”—in Haman’s eyes, at least—in this story was his refusal to bow down to anyone but his God. His humility and faithfulness is overwhelmingly evident. In fact, I’m pretty certain the very last thing he wanted was to be a high palace official or to own Haman’s property.
Yet, I don’t believe the lesson we’re to learn is: If you’re humble, you’ll get recognition and wealth. Or even: If you’re prideful and arrogant, you’ll end up on a tower.
No. I believe the lesson for us all is to just focus on God. Focus on His will. Don’t let the world distract you from worshipping Him and Him alone. Then, be willing to do and be anything He wants you to be, whether it’s to stand at the palace gate or rule the land.
Humbly and faithfully serve Him. And Him alone.
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