Introductory Thoughts
Loyalty may seem to go unobserved but eventually yields unexpected and momentous dividends. The story of Esther’s uncle uniquely exemplifies this point. Mordecai sat in the king’s gate in Shushan. One day, while he sat in the gate, he overheard two men plotting to kill the king. When Mordecai heard the news, he immediately repeated these words to Queen Esther, thus foiling the plot. The two men were tried, found guilty, and ultimately executed. At first, Mordecai’s loyalty seemed to remain unnoticed, but one night the king was troubled and could not sleep. His servants, by divine providence, read the record of Mordecai’s loyalty to him (Esther 6:1-3). Soon thereafter, Mordecai’s loyalty was rewarded (Esther 6:4-11). His loyalty most likely saved his life and spared the lives of countless Jews (see Esther chapter 7).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children):
Jonathans loyalty did not go unnoticed by David. Following Jonathans death in battle, David rewarded Jonathan by taking care of his son Mephibosheth (read 2 Samuel chapter 9). God also noticed Jonathans loyalty as He does ours (2 Chronicles 15:7; Ephesians 6:8; Hebrews 6:10).
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(For everyone): Have you been loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ? Does it seem as though sometimes your loyalty goes unnoticed? When will your loyalty yield rewards?
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In what ways did Mordecais loyalty eventually help others? How could your loyalty to the Lord be a blessing to others? Who could be hurt if you ceased to be loyal?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you to be loyal when it seems nobody notices.
- Ask God to remind you that your labour for Him is not in vain.
Song
When We See Christ
