Est 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Est 10:3  For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.  Our Lord says: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). The proud and arrogant Haman was brought low according to Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” On the other hand, the humble Mordecai was promoted to the second position in the kingdom (Esther 10:3). The book of Esther ends with the greatness of Mordecai. What makes Mordecai great is not because of his position in the kingdom of Persia. No doubt he was the second most powerful man in Persia under King Ahasuerus. But he didn’t behave like Haman. Many in this world cannot handle power when it is given to them. History tells of men and women who had become so powerful that they were consumed by it. For example, Queen Jezebel misused her power and murdered an innocent man to get his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-15). Mrs Potiphar abused her status as the boss’ wife and tried to seduce a male servant (Genesis 39:7-23). And, when she did not succeed, she accused him of sexual assault and had him put in prison. What about Herod “the Great”? He massacred innocent children because he was afraid one among them would replace him as king of the Jews (Matthew 2:16-18). Modecai was not consumed by power. He remained humble. Power did not change him. Instead, he used his power to do good. His goodness made him great. He used his power to serve his people. When the king advanced him, he did not disown his people the Jews, nor was he ashamed of his relation to them. Do you know of someone who, when he has gotten success, status, and wealth, despises his friends and relation? He has become great in this world but not great in character. He seeks his own wealth and welfare and not the welfare of those others. Paul wrote: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).                    Mordecai did not seek his own wealth, or the raising of an estate for himself and his family, but of his people. His greatness did not make him forget or disown his brethren. His humility and benevolent spirit won their hearts. The Scripture says he was “great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren” (v.3). People respected him not because of his position but his character. In this world, those in authority demand respect from those below them. People may accord them an outward show of respect but their hearts aren’t showing the same. This is because they aren’t great in character. Greatness is something everyone craves and not everyone can have it. The sons of Zebedee wanted to be the greatest in the kingdom of Jesus (Mark 10:35-37). Jesus told them the greatest is one who serves: “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:44).                                                                                                                              If we want to be respected, we first need to ensure that we are actually worthy of it. Leaders who are admired and respected have earned their admiration and respect. In the church, people respect leaders who walk the talk. They are faithful, spiritual, serving, loving, benevolent, and godly. Like Mordecai, they do not dwell in their position; they just do what they are supposed to do: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). Be a leader people respect! That’s true greatness.