pramsay posted on March 14, 2006 10:24 1154 views

I’ve never been too swift at figuring out my family tree once it goes much beyond my immediate family. For example, I can’t tell you who my 2nd cousins once removed are – probably because I don’t have the concept straight in my mind. But I think I have this straight: when we read in Esther 2:7 about Mordecai’s uncle’s daughter, I think it means Esther was his cousin. If that’s not right, I am sure someone will let me know.

Both Esther’s parents died and an older cousin, Mordecai stepped in and assumed responsibility for her. Mordecai had been taken captive from Jerusalem and was now living in Persia with little Esther. It was a heathen country and Mordecai’s God was not respected or honored in that land. As Esther matured, the Shushan palace officials selected her to join other young women who may be favored by the King. Eventually one of the women would be selected to be the new Queen.

Here’s what I found interesting: Mordecai made it his daily business to check in on Esther to see how she was getting along. Esther 2:11: “And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did and what should become of her.” Now that’s what I call commitment – he checked in on her every day! He made it his business to ensure she was safe and doing well.

“Mordecai – please give me some space. Don’t crowd me. You’re always hovering – breathing down my neck! I’m an adult now. Let me go. I’ll manage with my peers just fine. It’s time for me to spread my wings – let me fly on my own.” No, there is no indication that Esther ever said that or even thought like that. She was a spiritually minded young woman and the purpose of her life was to honor God and His people. She valued every bit of advice Mordecai gave her. She knew it was for her good and for God’s glory. The checks and balances were a preservative for her.

Daniel had an accountability circle when he was in Babylon – three other God-fearing friends. The Apostle Paul checked in on Timothy from time to time. It’s a very unhealthy sign when a Christian resents someone calling them to see how they are doing. It’s a very scary signal when a young person wants to become more ‘anonymous’ by moving to a city to distance himself from other christians. Sometimes shepherd-like christians try to connect with the christian, but the response is always vague. “I’ll see what’s on – maybe I’ll be able to make it.” or “I’m not sure – I’ll be in touch.” Trouble may be brewing.

(The other possibility is – maybe I am not connecting with the young person, or I don’t have their confidence. If I have called a person 42 times and never got a positive response yet – maybe I am becoming annoying. Perhaps I should tell another christian about my burden and concern and allow them to do the shepherding.)

If you don’t already have a spiritual mentor who is watching out for you, talk to someone you respect and ask them if they would watch out for you and give them the permission to check up on you. Surprise check ups as well as regular ones. In a local assembly, one of the roles of an overseer is to…”watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief: for that is unprofitable to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

And if I am ever asked or if someone ever asks me to watch out for them, may the Lord give me the burden of heart to do it with the faithfulness, consistency and love of a Mordecai.

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