But Mordecai Bowed Not.
The sermon encourages listeners to stand alone in a crowd by relying on God's enablement and living in Christ, rather than relying on human resolve.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the unwavering courage of Mordecai, who refused to bow to Haman despite societal pressure and the fear of standing alone. He illustrates the importance of divine strength in resisting the temptation to conform to worldly values and highlights that true power comes from God, not from our own resolutions. Meyer encourages believers to seek strength from Christ in the moment, rather than relying solely on their determination. He calls for Christians to stand firm in their faith, becoming pillars of truth inscribed with God's name amidst a world that often sways in the opposite direction.
Text
But Mordecai bowed not. Esther iii. 2.
THERE was stern stuff in this old Jew. He was not going to prostrate himself before one so haughty and so depraved as Haman, albeit that he was the king's favourite. To be the only one in a city office that does not laugh at the questionable story; to stand alone on shipboard against the gambling mania; to refuse to countenance cleverness which is divorced from cleanness, and genius which is apart from goodness ‑‑ this is to do as Mordecai did in the gate of the king's palace.
Only God can give this power, since of ourselves we are as reeds shaken by the wind. Sooner might a single ear of wheat resist the breeze that bends all its companions in the same direction, than we stand alone, whilst all our associates bow, unless God Himself enable as. But God is prepared to enable us. Listen: "I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." But the mistake we are so apt to make is to brace ourselves up by resolution and firm determination, in anticipation of some impending struggle. To do this is to fail. Live in Christ, look up into his face, derive from Him strength for the moment and at the moment; and often wrap about thee that exceeding great and precious promise, "I will make him to become a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out; and I will write on him the name of my God." Oh to stand pillar‑like amid men, bearing up the temple arch of truth, and inscribed with God's name, whilst the crowds go and come on the pavement beneath!
"Greatly begin! though thou have time
But for a line, be that sublime ‑‑
Not Failure, but low aim, is Crime!"
Sermon Outline
- The Courage of Mordecai
- The Source of Courage
- The Power of God's Promises
- The Importance of Faith
- Not relying on human resolve
- Looking to God for strength
Key Quotes
“I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — F.B. Meyer
“I will make him to become a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out; and I will write on him the name of my God.” — F.B. Meyer
“Greatly begin! though thou have time / But for a line, be that sublime -- Not Failure, but low aim, is Crime!” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We should live in Christ and look to Him for strength in times of struggle.
- God's promises, such as being a pillar in the temple of God, can give us identity and strength in Christ.
- We should not rely on human resolve, but rather on God's enablement, to stand alone in a crowd.