My Brother's Keeper

Daily Reading: Esther 2

And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. (Esther 2:11)

Devotional Thought: Reading Esther, our modern-day sensibilities may be offended.  Yet, it is simply a reflection of that time, and we are best served to check our modern cultural lenses at the door. 

While the people of God were in captivity, they longed to go home, but they continued to live out their lives in the culture and community where God had placed them.  In Esther we find two captives doing just that.  Esther was queen in the palace and Mordecai was a citizen outside the palace.  Since Mordecai was Esther's cousin, he was concerned for her well-being.  He made a habit of walking in front of the palace to check on her every day.  He didn't talk to her every day, but he did watch for her and make himself available to her.  I get the sense, too, that he prayed for her.  He also communicated with her from time to time as he had opportunity.  Mordecai encouraged Esther, challenged her, and guided her according to the need.

What a great lesson for us today!  The Church is "in captivity."  We long for our heavenly home, but we live out our lives here with purpose.  Let us be faithful to one another, as Mordecai was faithful to his cousin Esther.  We can make a habit of checking with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  When we miss seeing them, we can contact them.  We should pray for them.  On occasion we can communicate with them to encourage, challenge, and guide.

Who are your fellow "captives"?  Are you watching over them?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you have placed people in my life who watch over me, pray for me and encourage me.  Help me to do the same for them. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 116:15-19

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,

19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!