In our story, there is a delayed reward for Mordecai. Five years before, Mordecai had alerted King Xerxes through Queen Esther to an assassination plot. Two people who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters held a grudge against the king. Esther 2: 23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign. [1]
Generally, Persian kings rewarded deeds like Mordecai’s to maintain loyalty. We don’t know why this didn’t happen immediately. Did a clerk in the system know Mordecai was a Jew and block the honor? Or perhaps the king was distracted by other business and forgot. Whatever the reason, God was in charge and would use the lack of reward for good in the future.
God’s Delays Are Not God’s Denials
Mordecai saved the king’s life and was not rewarded or promoted. In fact, the king promoted his enemy, Haman. Then, because Mordecai would not bow or respect Haman, Haman deceived the king into allowing a decree to destroy the Jews. We wonder if Mordecai thought the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered.
We see God’s timing involved throughout Scripture. Joseph had to wait two years in prison before he was promoted (Gen.40:23-41). The Israelites served for 400 years as slaves before the day they could leave Egypt (Ex. 12:40-42). After 400 years of silence, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Galatians 4: 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman.[2] God’s timing is not always ours, but He sets His schedules for His purposes.
Our Times Are in God’s Hand
David was also in difficult times but trusted God. Psalm 31: 13bMy enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. 14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. [3] If Mordecai was baffled because the king promoted Haman but ignored him, he would soon understand that God had not made an error.
The delayed reward would allow Haman to be shamed and help the king rule in the Jew’s favor. When it may seem like evil is winning and we wonder when God will act, remember God wants all to be saved. God is much more patient than I am. He will make every effort to call the wicked back and give them a chance to repent. Yet, through it all, we can trust God because our future is in His hands.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mordecai-honored
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.