Forgotten, Despised and Unrewarded?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 6

When people don't honour you; when you are despised; when you are deprived of your deserving goodness in return for your good work; how do you respond?

Mordecai was in the same place of despise and was forgotten. In this chapter of Esther we can learn principles to respond in such a situation and to know what it takes to be honoured and used by God.

1. Forgotten: The king loses his sleep one night and reads the records and finds about how Mordecai saved his life (6:1,2).

We worship & serve a God who disturbs the sleep of people, so that we and our deeds may be remembered.

2. Unrewarded: Mordecai's deeds were forgotten and he did not receive any reward for the good deed of saving the king. It was found that nothing was done to him (6:3).

Yet, Mordecai was not seeking the recognition or reward and he was not worried for not being honoured for the good work. His worry is not self-centered; for he is worried only for the people who are facing destruction.

When we sincerely look at the needs & destruction of people, we will not be seeking rewards for ourselves.

Haman is the example of a man who is always self-centered; seeking to be honoured and rewarded all the time.

3. Nothing to Everything: Nothing was done to Mordecai for saving the king (6:3) and now the king orders nothing to be left out in honouring and rewarding him (6:11).

When we don't seek or expect anything, God surprises us! Don't spoil the surprise!!

4. Unelated: One of the most important learning is this. We can see a distinct contrast between the characters of Mordecai and Haman.

After Mordecai was rewarded and honoured, Haman went home mourning (6:12)

He could not withstand Mordecai's honour. Haman should have actually realized and repented for his mistakes.

Mordecai was mourning for the people (4:1) and Haman was mourning for himself (6:12).

Even after being rewarded, Mordecai shows no elation. He is not overjoyed or celebrating his honour. Mordecai was neither sad because of unrecognisition nor elated because of being rewarded. He just returns back to the King's gate.

Neither despise or rejection or unrewarding should affect us, nor recognition and rewards.

When we think we deserve honour or recognition and that we have received what we truly deserve, we have lost it. For only the Lord deserves worthy and "we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” 

Luke 17:10 NIV

When we work to be seen or recognised or appreciated and when we don't receive what we expect we will be discouraged. As a true Christian, our self is crucified with Christ and we work not for people, but for God. We will do our work excellently well, for we serve God. We will not be disappointed at the face of despise & unrecognisition.

Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor."
John 12:26 NRSV

Let's not seek the glory, honour and approval that comes people, but only from God (John 5:44).

Have a blessed day!