Observation: The plot of Haman against Mordecai is about to unfold the very next day. However, the king cannot sleep, and in his unrest he is reminded that Mordecai once saved his life, but also that - at that time - nothing was done to thank Mordecai. He was not acknowledged, honored, or rewarded for his loyalty. It is now that the king corrects that oversight, and it is that timing that saves Mordecai from Haman's plot.
While Esther's work to undo Haman's larger plot against the Jews is already in motion, it is at this micro level - the actions of Haman to kill just one man - where the Lord acts exactly when needed. At the same time, this perfect timing required Mordecai to live with the fact that he had acted honorably toward the king, but had received no reward or even acknowledgment for an extended time.
Application: When it comes to the Lord's provision in our lives, we all talk often about his "perfect timing". However, we likely ignore our need for "faithful patience." This is beyond a type of patience where we just wait because ... well, because there is nothing to do BUT wait. If we need God's help, and it doesn't yet come, then we don't really get a choice. However, faithful patience means we also do not dwell on that, we do not care, we do not feel overlooked for forsaken. Beyond just saying we trust that God will still take care of us, we even just reconcile the idea that the Lord has something so important in mind in the future that waiting will make a future provision even better.
If Mordecai had been rewarded immediately by the king, then there would have been no action to take now. In addition, when Haman came and accused him and asked for him to be executed, the king could permit it even knowing the past ... perhaps he would have thought Mordecai had changed, or that he had grown arrogant due to his past reward. Instead, the fact Mordecai is never rewarded creates a scenario that saves his life, which is a reward far beyond what he would have received if the reward had been ... some gold provided real-time, or a feast years earlier.
I do not know if I am in need of God's protection and provision at this time. I suspect I will be in need someday. When that day comes, I am faithfully certain I will receive just what I need, just when I need it, and perhaps without even knowing I did need it. I hope I can be a patient as Mordecai.
Prayer: Lord, may your peace and patience be upon my heart at all times. I hope to wait upon you with joy, and maybe even with ignorance of need, as I certainly trust in your provision for myself and my family. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment