“15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. 16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honour. 17 In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.” NIV

Just before we move on into the last couple of chapters……linger…stay a little while longer…and observe…

How everything changed for Mordecai, and for the Jews. What a great turn-around. What a reversal. When all looked lost it turned out to be the darkest hour just before the dawn.

What a transformation took place, in that many decided it was safer to become Jews than to stay as they were. Only God!

Two other observations from these verses:

  1. Verse 15 calls to mind a line in a song: ‘In royal robes I don’t deserve…’;
  2. Our King’s Word brings us ‘’joy and gladness’’, and it is in itself a banquet (v.17).

But don’t miss the point that in this story the ‘weather’ changed suddenly and dramatically. God is able to do this.

PRAYER: Lord God, I feel at the moment like I am living in Esther part 1, where things look bleak and gloomy. But I thank you that you can cause us to live in Esther part 2, and I pray that in your great mercy you will.