Peer pressure is real, isn’t it?

I have work clothes, casual clothes, gym clothes, and gardening clothes. Just as we dress differently, we talk and act by the rules, specifically detailed or implied by the situation.

When we neglect to follow the rules of the setting, we suffer the consequences.

In Esther 3, we read that Mordecai stood strong and did not bow to expectations. Consequences followed.

The world’s idea of honor is different than God’s definition of honor.

King Xerxes had just promoted Haman, and Haman expected everyone to honor him by bowing down to him. The world honors position and power.

Mordecai refused to honor Haman. The reason? Mordecai was a Jew; no other reason was given. But we can speculate.

Haman was an Agagite. Agag was the king of the Amalekites who had attacked Israel when they left Egypt. God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites, 1 Samuel 15:2. Unfortunately, Saul did not honor God by obeying Him.

Was Mordecai honoring God when he refused to honor Haman?

“But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone,” Hebrews 2:9. [emphasis added]

Jesus stood strong, sought God, suffered death, and was crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering, His obedience.

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Mordecai stood strong, and later, we learn that He sought God. We see the strength of Mordecai in Esther 3.

Father, thank You for Mordecai. Thank You for showing us how to stand strong before our enemies. May we have the courage of Joshua and Mordecai as we face the world. Cause us to remember Your Word and know that You are with us. We want to honor You, Lord, for You are our strength and our wisdom. Amen.

May you stand strong and seek God first.