The king said, “Who is in the court?”
Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him. His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.”
“Bring him in,” the king ordered. When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”
Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’ ”
“Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”
So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”

I am not sure many Christians understand what it means to be fully submitted to God these days. I see many who like to live a “pick and choose” gospel. They follow the Bible loosely, picking the commands of God they want to obey, and making up their own righteousness standards and rules “as they go” for the rest of it.

It is not until we LAY EVERY SINGLE LAST THING DOWN at the foot of the cross of Christ, that we begin to understand the cost of being Jesus’ disciples and the blessings of being fully submitted to him!

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬-‭27‬) His point was not to go around hating others or yourself. But rather, in comparison to the full devotion of a sold out disciple, these relationships will take second place. Our actions in following God might upset our family or they may even put us personally into danger or hard personal situations. But it is our calling as a disciple of Christ and follower of God … to put God first always.

I have seen family and friends give up lucrative careers, sacrifice personal position or fame, even put their lives on the line to share and spread the gospel. I have, at times, been called to act in these extremely difficult ways too. When we stand with Jesus, we don’t always get recognized for the good we do right away.

Mordecai is a great example of a man who fully submitted to God’s will for his life. He honored the authority over him, even though it was largely sinful. And he did the right thing, telling King Xerxes about a plot to take his life, even though he had been hurt by the king. And how was Mordecai thanked at the time? He wasn’t. But now, later, we see why. God saved the recognition of Mordecai for a truly historic day. Mordecai’s recognition would be much more valuable to Esther and the Jews when it was delayed.

What good have I done that I have not been recognized for, or even worse, punished for? Will I trust God to reward me at the right time, in the right way, to best accomplish his good plans?

Lord, what a powerful example of your divine providence and the great timing you have. You elevated Mordecai in the king’s mind at just the right hour on just the right day. Praise you for the ways you are working your plan to come through for me too!