8:1-7 While we should not expect earthly rewards for being faithful to God, they often come—and in unexpected ways. Esther and Mordecai were faithful, even to the point of risking their lives to save others. They were willing to give up everything, and God rewarded in proportion to their all-out commitment in ways they could not have foreseen.
8:8 Haman’s message had been sealed with the king’s signet ring and could not be reversed, even by the king. It was part of the famed “law of the Medes and Persians.” Now the king gave permission for whatever other decree Mordecai could devise that would offset the first, without actually canceling it.
8:15-17 Everyone wants to be a hero and receive praise, honor, and wealth. But few are willing to pay the price. Mordecai served the government faithfully for years, bore Haman’s hatred and oppression, and risked his life for his people. He was faithful in obscurity. The price to be paid by God’s heroes is long-term commitment, whether or not they receive recognition. Are you ready and willing to pay the price?