Mordecai’s Mentorship
Our discussion of the Old Testament book of Esther understandably typically highlights Esther and her bravery. It’s a story we often look to and re-tell of a female Bible hero and how our remarkable God used this remarkable woman in a remarkable time in history.
When we peer deeper into the story of Esther, however, we can’t help but notice the critical role of her “cousin” (and also adoptive father), Mordecai (Esther 2:7, NIV). Without his mentorship, this story may have a drastically different ending. God’s plan for Mordecai’s behind-the-scenes influence from beginning to end, quite literally made all the difference in the world.
No Matter our proximity to—or relationship with—our grandkids, most all of us desire to play a mentoring role. Whether we teach our grandkids to fish, bake, or wisely handle finances—with the greater aim of modeling a life dependent upon Christ—we can gain great wisdom from Mordecai’s mentorship.
Mordecai did the hard work. Mordecai assumed responsibility for raising Esther after her parents, Mordecai’s “uncle” and aunt passed away (Esther 2:7, ESV). Esther 2:20 indicates that Esther’s time fully under Mordecai’s care was substantial enough that Esther was accustomed to his guidance and parenting. Even when it likely required sacrifices of time and energy, Mordecai laid the foundation for relationship with Esther and established himself as a trustworthy leader in her life.
Mordecai allowed God to use him in the midst of a weighty trial. We often believe the lie that we’re of no value to others because of our past—or present—circumstances. Mordecai was “carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away,” yet he continuously stepped up and courageously impacted his people throughout the entire book of Esther (Esther 2:6, ESV). We, likewise, can ask God to use all the things done to us and all the things we’ve done—good or bad—to benefit the lives of those who come after us.
Mordecai practiced presence. Mordecai had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His intentional attentiveness made a difference—a life-or-death difference. And, at just the right time, he heard what he needed to hear—words that saved the King whom God then used to protect Mordecai and his people.[1] Sometimes we might feel like our presence doesn’t matter in the lives of our kids or grandkids (or others). They’re playing with their friends. Do they really even care if we’re in the bleachers? Or, maybe Grandpa & Grandma are just a nuisance. But, But. There’s always that time we overhear their friend’s comment and gain a clearer glimpse of what they’re going through—or the time we represent their support system, and they’re silently comforted by the fact that we’re there. We never know what being there on a Tuesday afternoon, a Friday night, or a Sunday morning might mean for their future. When we’re torn between multiple grandkids, obligations, or miles, we can ask God every day to put us in the right place at the right time in the right way. Like Mordecai.
After earning the right, Mordecai spoke truth and inspired. Again, when the time was right, Mordecai didn’t hold back his entreaty. Perfectly-timed, Mordecai spoke some of the most famous words in the Bible to his adopted daughter “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Conversely, how often do we either hold back out of fear, or, just as disastrously, blurt out ill-timed speeches? While we don’t know Mordecai’s past practice in this area, we know that Esther heeded his plea, and it changed the course of history—which leads to the assumption that he was known for both self-control and courageous word-doling. As parents and grandparents, we can ask God to help us stay quiet when words aren’t necessary and to speak up through His guidance when words are most necessary.
Mordecai’s true colors were revealed and confirmed in the end. Even when he was esteemed and recognized, he still acted for—for Esther, for others, for his people. “Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was famous among the Jews and highly esteemed by many of his relatives. He continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants” (Esther 10:3, CSB).
From the opening to the closing chapter, Mordecai demonstrated a “so that,” and “for others” life. As grandparents, may we look beyond ourselves and our comforts and mentor like Mordecai.
[1] = Esther 2:19-23; 6-8