Esther (6)—Responding to an Unjust Law - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry … In every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes … the queen was deeply distressed.
Esther 4:1, 3–4 NKJV

Esther (6)—Responding to an Unjust Law
The decree to annihilate all Jews in the empire had been sent to every province to be published as law. The king and Haman sat down to drink (3:15). Consternation reigned among the Jews everywhere! The matter was grim indeed! What should, what could be done?

Mordecai showed his deep distress openly. He did not hesitate to let his feelings be known. Esther soon was made aware of what he was doing. Mordecai refused the new clothes Esther sent him to replace his sackcloth. He let her know fully what was happening.

What is the believer today to do in similar situations? Should he go to Facebook, Twitter, or other social media to complain as widely as he can? Should he begin campaigning to put pressure upon political leaders or organize public demonstrations against governmental injustices? Is this what his Lord did when He was here on earth where a harsh government had conquered, and its agents were oppressing His people Israel? We read nothing of the kind in the New Testament. No, He quietly went about doing good.

Mordecai’s distress and the distress of his fellow Jews was seen as they mourned and fasted and wept and wailed, as they lay in sackcloth and ashes. While prayer is not specifically mentioned in this book, it is obvious that in all humility they laid their need before God rather than trying to change the decree by their own efforts. We too will find that humble sincere prayer to the Lord will accomplish more than any of our own efforts!

-- Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.