Esther 5-10

“This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’” (6:9). One of the great twists of Esther’s story centers on who gets honored. Haman dreamed of honor and did everything to achieve it, but he acted dishonorably and lost everything. Mordecai did not seek honor but simply did what was right (6:1-2), fearing no one and manipulating no one: he “neither rose nor showed fear” when the powerful Haman walked by (5:9). Yet Mordecai ended up wearing a royal robe and crown (6:8).

The only recognition worth seeking is the Lord’s. If we genuinely “work for the good” (10:3) and seek his kingdom, we can leave our reputations and honor to him.