Thank you for listening to Servants for Christ. In all that we do, in all that we say, we want to give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for tuning us in as we get into the wonderful Word of God. For the next few minutes, let's take the beautiful Word of God and share it with each and every one of you as we have a sense of anticipation to take the Word of God and to listen to its truth for each and every one. Thank you for tuning in service for Christ as we continue on in our last chapter of our series in the book of Esther I'm glad that as we take our Bibles over to the last chapter, chapter 10 in the book of Esther, we'll be talking about the legacy of godly leadership and the far-reaching impact of faithfulness. I'll be talking about the ripple effect of righteousness, the ripple effect of righteousness in Esther chapter 10. There's only three verses in this last chapter, and verse one, Here around 509 BC, we see Mordecai's greatness because in verse 1 the Bible says, and King Ahasuerus laid a tribute, in other words, a tax upon the land and upon the isles of the sea. In verse 2, and all the acts of his power and of his might and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written? In the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia, in verse 3, for Mordecai the Jew was next unto King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. Here, as to complete reading of the three verses, of Esther chapter three, very small verse and chapter. And as we talk about the ripple effect of righteousness, let's pray. Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and humility. Your word declares in Lamentations chapter 3 that it's of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are not, they are new every morning and great is thy faithfulness. Lord, forgive us for our sins. If we confess our sins, you said we're faithful, that you're faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Equip us daily with the armor of God. so that we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes. Open our eyes today to see how righteousness leaves a lasting legacy and how your sovereign hand moves through our faithfulness. In Jesus' marvelous mighty name, amen. I was reading about a man that planted a single oak tree in his backyard decades ago. What began as a small act of hope became a towering tree that shaded his home, sheltered birds, and inspired neighbors to plant trees of their own. The man laughed, saying, I just wanted some shade for myself, but I ended up giving it to the whole street. Isn't that how God works? When we act in obedience and faith, the ripple effect goes far beyond what we can see. In Esther chapter 10, is like that oak tree. Though it's a short chapter, it reveals the lasting legacy of righteousness through Mordecai's godly leadership and God's sovereign plan. As we get into discover how Mordecai's faithfulness created ripples of blessing for generations to come. When we look at the ripple effect of righteousness, and so One of the very first things that we see in Esther chapter 10, you know, there's no archaeological records of Mordecai being the prime minister during this time that can be found. There's a strange gap in the ancient records of Persia. In 465 BC, another man becomes prime minister. Mordecai did use his great power and influence to help others, but we see in chapter 10 that God is in control. and that there's worship, and there's all about serving Mordecai. But a plot intended to destroy God's people resulted in a fast which united and sustained them. And the book proves the truth of Romans 8, verse 31, that if God be for us, who can be against us? God is watching over His people. And a similar type event took place 20 2,400 years later in 1953, eight years after World War II, Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union unveiled a plan to exterminate three million Jews in the USSR. This data was confirmed by Lyudmila Sufanova, a Soviet librarian who worked in the top secret archives in Moscow. Stalin was a paranoid enemy of the Jews. And in 1930s, thousands were killed, even loyal friends, because after the first ambassador to Israel, Golda Meir visited the USSR. then it is stepped up efforts of killing more jewish poets writers artists jewish leaders in the satellite community communist nations and so it was charged that these leaders all charged with treason but in nineteen fifty three stalin accused jewish doctors are trying to assassinate him these doctors were uh... verified through the press and they festered anti-semitism in the nation. And this is exactly what Stalin wanted to do. He was just like Hitler. He wasn't nothing but a no-good-for-nothing liar, cheapskate, and piece of trash. Because Stalin planned to hang these doctors and use it as a catalyst to inspire the people to riot and eliminate at least two million of the three million Jews. He was just like Hitler was. A killer. and an annihilator of people. The surviving Jews would be sent to camps in Siberia and killed by angry masses on the way to the frozen frontier. Stalin read his doctor's plan for extermination of the Jewish people in the Kremlin at noon on uh... march the first nineteen fifty three in poland a bureau the leaders were told they would hang these doctors in red square all march the night for everyone to see the cabinet responded with a deafening silence and stalin curse them as he slammed the door behind the next day march the second seven days before this bloodbath was to be implemented stalin died of a stroke He laid in state for a week, was buried on March the 9th, which just happened to be the Feast of Perium. And if you have not learned anything from this book, learn at least that God is still in control. Trust Him with your life and you'll never regret it. And so, I'm looking at the closing of the great book of Esther and the significance of King Osiris, or Erxes, and Mordecai, because at some point during his reign, King Xerxes imposed a tax upon the people throughout the empire, a tax that was enforced to the distant shores of the nation, in verse 1. The emphasis on the territory controlled by the Persian Empire, by pointing out this system of taxation and the enormous territory of the empire, the author was likely stressing the substantial power and wealth of King Xerxes. Whatever the case, an account of his power, wealth, and achievements were recorded in the official records. And the history of the kings of Media and Persia, in verse 2, Mordecai's greatness was also recorded in these records. And in summarizing Mordecai's importance, the author stresses three facts about him. Number one, he was prime minister, second only to the king himself in authority. He was held in high esteem by many of the fellow Jews. And thirdly, he served the king and the people of the nation by working for the good of all the people and by speaking up for the welfare of the Jews, in verse 3. And know, as we look, and see the ripple effect of righteousness. Number one, we see the rich of godly leadership. Because in Esther chapter 10, verse 3, the Bible says, for Mordecai the Jew was next under King Haasalus and great among the Jews and accepted of the multitude of his brethren. God raised Mordecai to a position of influence to bless his people. The first thing that we see of the reach of godly leadership is a leader who served faithfully. Mordecai's leadership was marked by service, not by selfish ambition. In Mark chapter 10, verse 45, the Bible says, And so a leader who served faithfully, but secondly, a reputation built on righteousness. Because Mordecai was esteemed because his actions aligned with God's principles. And I'm glad that when we look and realize The principles, the wisdom of Proverbs chapter 22 verse 1 reminds us, a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. And the third thing, not only the reach of godly leadership is a leader who serve faithfully, a reputation built on righteousness, but thirdly, a legacy that inspired others. Through Mordecai's rise, the Jews were encouraged to trust in God. Matthew Henry said, a good man's example is the most powerful sermon. And so, when we look and realize that we see, secondly, the reward of faithfulness. Seeking the wealth of his people, in verse 3, Esther chapter 10, and speaking peace to all his seed, God honors those who seek the good of others over their own gain. And so, we see, secondly, the reward of faithfulness. Not only the reach of godly leadership first, but secondly, the reward of faithfulness. And so, God honors those who seek the good of others over their own gain. We see the reward of faithfulness leads to favor. Mordecai's commitment to God's plan brought him favor with the king and his people. In Psalms 84.11, we see the promises that it says, No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. And then, we see not only faithfulness leads to favor, but secondly, generosity brings joy. Mordecai's actions reflected his desire for the welfare of his people. In Acts 20, verse 35, it reminds us it's more blessed to give than to receive. And so, We see faithfulness leads to favor. Generosity brings joy under the reward of faithfulness. But thirdly, peace is the fruit of righteousness. Mordecai's leadership promoted unity and peace among the Jews. In James 3, verse 18, it says, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. And so, as we look and realize from all that God says, when we begin to look at the ripple effect of righteousness, amen, We look and we see, thirdly, the reign of God's sovereignty. Because in Esther 10, verse 2, the Bible says, And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai were unto the king at Bastion. Are they not written in the book of Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? Behind Mordecai's rise was the unseen hand of God orchestrating every event. And so the reign of God's sovereignty, first of all, we see God uses ordinary people. Mordecai was an ordinary man who became extraordinary through God's power. And in 1 Corinthians 1, verse 27, Paul says, God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Secondly, Not only God uses ordinary people, but God's plans are always perfect. Every detail in Esther from Haman's fall to Mordecai's rise reflects God's sovereignty plan. Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 assures us, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. And so, God uses ordinary people. God's plans are always perfect. But thirdly, God's glory is the ultimate goal. When we look at the reign of God's sovereignty, even Mordecai's greatness pointed back to God's glory. Psalms 115 verse 1 declares, Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory. And so, when we look in the closing book, of Esther and the significance, the emphasis of the vast territory controlled by the Persian Empire. By pointing out the system of taxation, the enormous territory of the empire, the author was stressing the substantial power and wealth of King Erxes. And whatever the case, the account of power, wealth, and achievements were recorded in the official records of the history of the kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai's greatness was also recorded in these records, but in summarizing Mordecai's importance, the author stresses, as he says these things, Mordecai is a strong example of greatness in that he lived his life serving other people. Only those who build up and help and nurture other people are greatly, truly great. Any person who is self-centered, who seeks only to build up himself and increase his own honor, wealth and position and authority or power is anything but great. And so, looking out for their own welfare and not the welfare of others. No man is an island unto himself. No person is to be focused upon himself or herself, paying no attention whatsoever to the needs of others. God has put us on earth to serve others, to help others, and when they have needs, to edify others and distinguish them better than ourselves. Loving one another, caring for, helping one another, nurturing, encouraging one another. This is the will of God for us, and it is the way to greatness. It was this that Mordecai acknowledged and practiced, and it is this serving others to be the major focus of all of our lives. King Xerxes and Mordecai eventually brought peace and prosperity to the entire Persian Empire. And in speaking about this, I'm glad that in the closing of the book of Esther, As the original Jewish readers read this account, they would have been struck by the way God was sovereignly protecting them, often when they did not even know it. Many things in the book of Esther happened that were beyond anyone's control except that of God, who oversees history. And the book of Esther is filled with irony, with ways in which events turned out unexpectedly and in the favor of God's people. Queen Vashti, a Persian, was disposed so that Esther, a Jewish, woman could become queen and save her people. Haman, once exalted, was brought low, and Mordecai and the Jews, once hated, were exalted and honored. A decree that would have wiped out the Jews that was overruled by one which led to the destruction of nearly 76,000 enemies of the Jews. No wonder Perium, was celebrated yearly with such a rejoicing to help the Jews remember that God is in control and that people should faithfully worship and serve their great God. In closing, of this great book of Esther, It closes with a picture of peace and prosperity for the Jews, and the author did not mention that God even one time in the book, but it's evident that he wanted his readers to see God's hand in persevering the Jews and the Feast of Purim that celebrates a historical event. that has been repetitively, many times over thousands through the years, over that time period that the Jews have often been in danger of annihilation by their enemies, but God has miraculously preserved them. And in many cases that the Holocaust, many Jews died while others were saved from such an end, God is still faithful to His promise to Abraham, to his descendants, that I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse, and all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you. In Genesis chapter 12 verse 3, the challenge of the book of Esther presents is that we must recognize when our time has come to act. And upon such recognition, we must immediately proceed in doing God's will, trusting in God's presence and favor. And I'm glad that through the books of the Old Testament, of the life in society of all that have been hostile to the gospel and to the believers that are scattered throughout the world awaiting the Lord's return. Although he is present and active now as much as ever, he's usually hidden behind the events of life that he's directing for his own glory and the benefit of his children. And the unbelievers can refuse to acknowledge Him. Those who have eyes to see are able to recognize His hand at work in the affairs of all of our lives and in a world in which hostility to the household of faith seems to flourish naturally throughout the world, and indeed, in which the atheistic explanations of the universe grow more trident, scientific, and convincing throughout the world, it belongs to the faith to hold fast nevertheless to our hope. that even in Christ that we who are promised is faithful and I'm glad all of the exciting drama of Esther that is over but the blessings go right on God preserved the Jewish nation so that we today can have a Bible We today can have a Savior and now it's our job to tell the whole world about this Savior and to seek to win as many as we can to the Lord because we are the King's couriers and we dare not fail. Esther reaches across the centuries, joins hands and says to the church today, be committed. And so in our closing of Esther chapter 10, talking about the ripple effect of righteousness. We see Esther 10 may be a short chapter, but it's packed with a powerful message. God blesses faithful leaders, rewards their righteousness, ensures His glory is revealed, and like ripples in a pond, Mordecai's actions created waves of blessing for generations. Imagine Mordecai sitting down at a feast saying, I may be second to the king, but I'm first to the buffet. Or picture him encouraging the Jews, remember no matter how big your enemy is, God's plans are always bigger and his plans don't require backup plans. Listen, are you living a life that creates a ripple effect of righteousness? You may need to reflect on how your actions impact those that are around you to give glory to God in all that you do. Hey, do you trust God to use your ordinary life for extraordinary purposes? We all need to believe that God can use you, me, wherever you are, just as he used Mordecai. And lastly, are you seeking the good of others and promoting that same kind of peace that we saw here in the book of Esther? Well, we all need to pursue the welfare of others with a generosity, with a love as Mordecai did as well. I hope and pray that you continue to bring the ripple effect of righteousness wherever you are, because the path to true honor and greatness We look at the dimensions of Mordecai's greatness and here in Esther chapter 10 And we begin to look and realize that just like the man that planted an old Single oak tree in his backyard decades ago begin to bless everybody in the entire neighborhood from the shade that ended up given to the whole street Lord Thank you for the example of Mordecai, who demonstrated that righteousness exalts a nation and that faithfulness brings lasting fruit. Forgive us, Lord, where we have fallen short. Help us to live lives that glorify you, leaving a legacy of faith and obedience. And for those who don't yet know you, We pray for their salvation, that they may experience the peace and the joy found in our personal Savior, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For your people ignite a fire within us to live with purpose, to seek the good of others, and to glorify you in all that we do in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, our Savior, Sovereign King that we pray to in Jesus' marvelous mighty name. Amen. you