Mordecai: Portrait of an Overcomer
Set in ancient times, the artwork depicts one man standing whilst people all around him bow down to a passing official. A soldier following the official is pointing at the upright man in fury.
My earliest job involved assisting at a Christian bookstore during a school holiday break. Eagerly, I spent the first of my income on a music album called ‘No Compromise,’ by prophetic singer/songwriter Keith Green. [1]
In addition to Keith Green’s powerful songs, the artwork on that album cover remains etched into my memory to this day.
The picture is from the story of Esther in the Bible, and the man’s name is Mordecai. [2]
What It Takes To Be An Overcomer
The story of Mordecai reminds us that no matter our background, our circumstances, or the power of the enemy against us, we will overcome when we give the ultimate allegiance to God in our lives. This is what it takes:
1. The Odds are Stacked Against You
Mordecai came from humble beginnings, being the son of Jewish exiles, of the tribe of Benjamin, in ancient Persia.
His enemy Haman—the official infuriated by Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to him—had power, wealth, the ear of the King of Persia, and the ability to issue commands in the king’s name.
There was no earthly way that Mordecai could overcome such a powerful foe.
When God calls you to be an overcomer, you can be certain that the odds will be stacked against you.
In the face of seeming impossibility, when you experience breakthrough, He will receive the glory.
2. The Presence of a Powerful Enemy
Mordecai’s allegiance to God and his Jewish faith was likely to be the reason why he risked his life by going against the king’s edict and refusing to bow down to Haman.
This uncompromising stand inflamed Haman’s hatred, not only against Mordecai, but also against those that Mordecai represented.
Not content with destroying Mordecai alone, Haman issued an edict in the king’s name ordering the annihilation of the Jews throughout Persia.
What enemy are you facing at this time? The presence of a powerful enemy is certain proof that you are destined to be an overcomer.
3. You have a Sovereign God
With overwhelming odds set against him, Mordecai had God on his side—and we know that one man or woman with God is a majority.
Prior to the events that had set Haman on his path of destruction, the God of the Jews had already set His plan in motion to save Mordecai and his people.
From humble beginnings, Mordecai would rise up with Esther to help deliver the Jews from annihilation, and become the second most powerful man in the kingdom of Persia.
Traits of an Overcomer
What else can we learn from Mordecai as we ask, ‘What does it take to be an overcomer?’
a. Courage
Mordecai feared God and not man. By refusing to pay homage to Haman, he willingly risked his life to uphold his faith and his principles.
Later, Mordecai could call his cousin Esther to risk her own life, because as a leader he already practiced and exemplified great courage.
It took Esther great courage to enter the King’s presence without being summoned. This disobedience of the law could have cost her life, but instead, she received favour, because God was with her.
It takes great courage to face your enemy and refuse to bow down to intimidation. Allow your reverence and love for God to be greatest—and act upon that.
b. Loyalty
Mordecai not only demonstrated loyalty to God and his Jewish heritage, he was also loyal to key people in his life.
Esther was not his daughter, but his cousin, given to his care at the death of his aunt and uncle. When she married the King, Mordecai could have released her. But instead, he still kept in close touch with her—providing wisdom, care and spiritual oversight.
Mordecai was also loyal to God’s chosen leader of that time, the King of Persia. When he heard of a plot against the King’s life, Mordecai informed the King of it via Esther.
Mordecai’s loyalty to the king was a factor in Haman’s downfall and proved to the King that Mordecai would be trustworthy when his time of promotion came.
Are we fostering the value of loyalty in our lives—to the people God has placed within our care or oversight, and to the leaders God has given to us? It will make the difference when victory is needed.
c. Proactive in Spite of Pain
When Mordecai heard the news of the edict against the Jews, he was deeply grieved. The Bible tells us that he went out into the city in sackcloth and ashes and with loud crying.
But he didn’t allow the pain of the terrible news to immobilise him. Instead, he worked on a plan with Esther to make known the truth to the King.
At his darkest hour, Mordecai’s spoke some of the Bible’s most compelling words to Esther:
“…who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
In times of pain, we do not need to be disabled by negative emotion. Like Mordecai, we can use that distress to spur us forward in God’s purposes with renewed determination: God’s purpose in our lives and that of others will be accomplished!
d. Unity and Teamwork
Mordecai and Esther worked as a team to bring down the plans of the enemy Haman. Mordecai provided oversight, instruction and wisdom to Esther and she was able to expose the enemy’s plans to the attention of the king.
Later, Esther brought Mordecai before the king and they set in motion an edict that would overturn Haman’s plans and bring victory to God’s people.
Through unity, a nation was saved, an enemy destroyed and God’s plans were brought to fruition.
Unity with those God has called you to partner with is a powerful force in God’s Kingdom.
Breakthrough: The Overcomer’s Outcome
The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits (Daniel 11:32)
As a result of Mordecai’s stand, together with Esther, the plot to annihilate the Jews was overturned, their enemies were destroyed, and the mourning of the people was turned to great rejoicing.
Mordecai was promoted to being Prime Minister in Haman’s place—second in power to the King of Persia himself.
When he left the presence of the king, Mordecai was crowned, clothed in royal garments, and in possession of the king’s signet ring—symbols of authority and power.
When you overcome your powerful enemy, you emerge with greater experience and insight of the authority God has already given to you as His son and daughter.
Notes:
[1] One of the songs off this album, ‘Make My Life A Prayer To You,’ written by Keith’s wife Melody Green, profoundly impacted me and became my life’s theme.
[2] Read the full story of Esther and Mordecai in the book of Esther in the Bible.
Some mysterious aspects of the story of Mordecai fascinated me as I researched for this article.
- Why did he spend so much time at the King’s Gate? Was it solely because of his concern for Esther?
- The King’s Gate was where important legal and business transactions were carried out.
- It is possible that Mordecai worked as a minor official there. (Esther 3:2)
- This would have been practical preparation for the future responsibilities that he would have as the nation’s next Prime Minister.
Enjoy the read!
© Helen Calder 2011
Enliven Ministries: in the David McCracken Ministries family
Hi Helen, Thankyou!
The Lord speaks to me about people and for people (and myself) and even shows me pictures and, more often these day, dreams. I love it when God gives a directive Word that is positive and uplifting and O so wonderful etc! BUT, it is painful to step out in obedience and faith when I know God is speaking a directive Word that is a strong and difficult Word, and is asking for change! When I know that it will not received well, but it MUST be given for the sake of the Kingdom. When they may be initially hurt but I know that that pain will be better than the pain of NOT receiving and being directed by His Word.
I have found this to be the case recently! I was compelled of the Lord to speak a difficult Word into someone’s life, who is seemingly very happy in their situation, but God has seen the effect that decisions made will have on the kingdom! He not only told me things I had no way of knowing but have since been confirmed, He then gave me a picture of what was happening in the natural as well as the spiritual realm. The step of obedience to just ‘do it’ took an enormous amount of faith and the on-going intercession for the situation is continuous, confirming what needed to be done.
I would not give the Word without He gave ME a Scripture of direction, so when I was asking Him for confirmation to pass on the Word, He gave me Esther 4:14-16. Can’t say I’m wearing any royal robes, but I am a child of the king! 🙂
Even though I know it was and is God, every so often doubts set in, but the Lord confirms the direction very quickly.
How do I get past the fact that I have caused pain to someone who truly loves the Lord and only wants to do what God wants, because of something God has directed me to say?
I would appreciate prayer that my presentation of the Word’s He gives me would be pure and not tainted by anything of myself and that I will give them as He wants them given, and that I get the timing right!
I really enjoy and appreciate your blogs as they seem to be just what I need when I need it!
Thanks again Eileen.
HI there Eileen, I will certainly pray for you in this area, and I know this is a situation that we all face at different times. I would love to share with you a bit more of some ideas that may be helpful about bringing challenging prophetic words… keep an eye out tomorrow, when I will have a bit more time to do share some thoughts on here. It’s The Hunk’s (aka my hubby’s) birthday today and I’ve got to go prepare some yummy food 🙂 Catch you tomorrow xo
I would like to say I found your story on Mordecai and Esther very uplifting at this time, bringing a fresh point of view on a beautiful part of the bible. One part of that story that resonates with me is the stark contrast between Mordecai (who was a benjaminite from King Saul’s family) and King Saul himself.
Both were called to deal with the Amalekites after their shameful treatment of the Israelites, Saul saw his own self interests rather than the directive God gave him which in turn, caused his downfall. Mordecai, however saw this opportunity to not only redeem his people but to right the wrong of an ancestor. Kind of interesting in today’s terms whether people will step up to the plate and face their fears.. or fold at the last moment.
I know at this time I need to face my own decisions, but like this amazing people I know that God will sustain me through it, thanks heaps Helen!
Hi Julie,
thank you for sharing that wonderful insight, wow, it is very thought-provoking, isn’t it?
I know that I want to be, as you say, one who steps up to the plate and does not hold back. May we all have the grace and courage of Mordecai and Esther! 🙂
Thanks Helen, I’ll look forward to tomorrow and your insight.
Sometimes I feel like I am way out in deep water, just dog paddling, because I don’t have the skills or mentoring, although God has at last brought me into an amazing church with a prophetic Pastor, so I trust that will change! Like Esther, I just want to do what God wants, regardless the cost!
Happy birthday to your Hunk. Enjoy the day, time with your family, and that yummy food.
Bless you both,
Eileen
Thanks Eileen 🙂 and that’s awesome about your church!
I felt that your question about bringing difficult prophetic words to people is a really important one, and wanted to take time to really consider it.
Sometimes because we are prophetic, and especially if we also have a discernment gift, we do receive insights about someone that may challenge that person’s current perspective.
When this happens, I believe it is vital to be very careful with both the word and the way that we bring it, to avoid pain and misunderstanding.
Firstly, I don’t know the specific detail of the word or situation you mention, so my following thoughts are general ones and not directed to your own experience (apologies if I have missed something relevant to your situation in my approach—do feel free to come back and clarify with me).
Our general teaching about personal prophecy includes the following points:
**We have a general guideline of ‘no correction, no direction (directional prophecy)’ when it comes to personal prophecy.
**If the person who has received the insight feels strongly that it is from God, then a prophecy that is directive and challenging should submitted to a leader, rather than directly to the person. This is vital accountability to us (and protection to us as well as to the recipient of the word)
**The overall Biblical guideline we take for personal prophecy is from 1 Cor 14:3, i.e. strengthening, encouragement, and comfort only
**When we are bringing a prophetic insight, we are representing God. We need to be very careful that we are representing Him always as a loving Father and not a stern judge.
**If we have received a disclosure about something that requires change in someone’s life, it may be for us to pray about, not share directly. Always, a prophetic word should express God’s love, and His redemptive purpose for good. If we don’t have this positive aspect, we should pray about and ‘incubate’ the word some more until we do.
I don’t believe that a person who has been hurt or wounded by a prophetic insight will receive benefit from it. It’s likely they’ve either misunderstood the word or there has been a mistake in the delivery of the word that needs to be remedied. Again, I don’t know the details of your own situation, so some of the above may not be relevant.
I’ve included some general guidelines about personal prophecy in the following post:
http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2011/08/17/is-personal-prophecy-biblical/
Feel free to ask me any more questions or clarify your situation. I pray you are powerfully blessed in your life, your church and your prophetic gift.
Hi again Helen,
Thankyou for you response!
I appreciate the time you have taken. I will save your guidelines for future reference. 🙂
I will work through what I said to see if I stayed within the boundaries of the guidelines you have shared.
I did submit the word to leadership beforehand, as I wanted to be accountable, and for confirmation that I was ‘on track’. I also wanted to be under covering should the question of accountability arise! The response was that it was OK and necessary, with minor changes!
I had wondered about revealing insights, or if they were only for prayer, but the Lord seemed fairly determined on that! Each time I considered removing them, He seemed to quicken the necessity of including them to clarify what He was saying. Without the insight, the word didn’t make sense.
As for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort, it was as if the Lord kept reiterating His love for the person, and the necessity of their call and destiny on the Kingdom! How much He loved and needed them, and only had the best in mind for them.
The word did take a number of weeks for God to ‘incubate’, and clarify, before I presented it to leadership and then still a few days before He eventually said ‘Now’!
Because of present circumstances, it will take time before things will come clear, so the response is hurt because what they are involved in seems good to them.
I have gone back over the word and I feel that the guidelines, as you set them out, were followed.
Thankyou for the link. I will save it for future reference.
I need to keep my eyes open for a Prophetic school of some kind.
Thanks again. I appreciate your help.
Bless you heaps 🙂
Eileen xo
That’s wonderful Eileen, well done on following through the way you have done. Let’s agree together in prayer for healing and refocus to come for the person you ministered the word to, and be encouraged that you have done eveything possible to deliver the word in the right way. Have a blessed week xo