Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 28– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Esther’s relative, Mordecai, was] seeking the wealth of his people.”

—Esther 10:3

Mordecai was a true patriot and, therefore, was exalted to a high position under King Ahasuerus. While there, he used his position to promote the prosperity of Israel. In this way, he was like Jesus who sits upon his throne of glory not to seek his own will but to spend his power for his people.

O, if every Christian would be a Mordecai to the church, striving according to his ability for its prosperity! If you are in a place of affluence and influence, then honor your Lord by testifying for Jesus among great men. Those of us have a close personal fellowship with the King of kings should plead daily for the weak among God’s people— the doubting, the tempted, and the comfortless. And let us all intercede for those who are in darkness and need to come to the mercy seat for forgiveness.

Educated believers may serve their Master greatly if they exercise their talents for the general good. They can impart their wealth of heavenly learning to others by teaching them the things of God.

The very least among God’s people can seek the welfare of the church; even if some are unable to give much, even their desire to give will be of value to others. It is both the most Christlike and the happiest pathway for a believer to stop living for himself. The one who blesses others ends up being blessed himself; on the other hand, to seek our own personal greatness is a wicked and unhappy way to live; its pathway will be filled with sorrow and its end will be fatal.

Dear friend, are you, to the best of your ability and resources, seeking the wealth of the church in your neighborhood? I trust you are not harming it with bitterness or scandal, nor weakening it through sheer neglect. Friend, unite with the Lord’s poor; bear their cross; do them all the good you can, and you will not miss your reward. [M&E]