The Battle Over Worship

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Esther 1:1-3:15

And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.  Esther 3:2 (NKJV)

There is always a battle over worship.  God reserves all true worship for Himself.  Scripture says that He is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5 and 34:14).  He wants our whole heart and will not share it with any other. 

The world and the devil seek to divide our heart by asking (or demanding) that we offer token allegiance from time to time.  "Just bow the knee for a few moments!"  "Just say a quick word and then you can go on your way."  We might think this is so insignificant that we can "fudge" for a moment and God would understand.  God would, in essence, look the other way.

Mordecai stands in the heritage of a long line of men and women who would not bow the knee.  He would not cave in under temporary, passing pressure.  He would not defile his heart.

The result, as we shall see in this wonderful book of Esther, is that he brought down a firestorm of persecution not only on himself but upon all the Jews in Persia.  This is also the setting for a powerful intervention by God. 

Scripture says that "the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (II Chron. 16:9)  God is looking for those who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for Him.  Just like Mordecai, God will show Himself strong in behalf of such people.