While Mordecai goes unrecognised for his good deed, Xerxes honours a descendent of Agag the Amalekite. This is a clear red flag in the story since Amalekites were the traditional enemy of the Hebrews and the Israelites were told not to forget the danger that the Amalekites posed to them (Deuteronomy 25:17). This may be why Mordecai refused to honour him. The result was that the old rivalry was ignited again, and the Amalekite threat arose against the Jews once more. It wasn’t hard for Haman to frame the Jews as a threat to national security since they had kept themselves separate. The original intention of the Babylonians in bringing the Jews to Babylon was to see them assimilate and lose their distinct Jewish identity. But they did not. This, in fact, was the great triumph of the Jews in exile: that they retained their identity when there was so much pressure to assimilate. But it also made them a target for suspicion and discrimination, as it has down through history. The early Christian church, though not an exclusive community, likewise drew attention to themselves by their distinctness. In many ways the Christians were just like other people, but in their lifestyle and priorities, they were very different. While this attracted many people, it also aroused hostility. God wants you to stand out like a light on a hill. We should not try to be unnecessarily different for the sake of drawing attention to ourselves. Rather, we should live in a way that draws attention to our distinct faith and hope in Christ. Jesus calls us to sacrifice popularity for purpose.
Reflect on how your life stands out in the midst of your community.
Read Esther 3
