Esther 10:2.

”All his acts of power and might, together with the full account of the greatness of Mordecai..are they not written in the annals of the kings of Media and Persia?”

It is a fact, that Mother’s Day is far more celebrated than Father’s Day. Interestingly, this has a historical precedent in Biblical times.

Books, songs, films and names abound in memory of queen Esther, yet I do not know of any in honour of Mordecai, her cousin. However, a careful bible reader will notice that Mordecai was the true hero in the book of Esther.

Here is why I say so:

— Mordecai was the real architect behind Esther’s rise to power.
(Es 2:7-11)
He mentored his little orphaned cousin from an early age and directed her as to what to do till she became a queen. True greatness indeed lies in raising others to become great.

— He engineered Esther’s appearance before the king to save the Jews.
He warned, “for if you remain silent at this time relief and deliverance for the Jews will come from another place…” (Es 4:14). Indeed great people speak wisdom and make great statements.

— Mordecai is the real hero at the end of the story.
The last verse in the book of Esther says Mordecai became second in rank to King Xerxes and was highly esteemed among his fellow Jews “because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of the Jews”. (Es 10:3)

Dear friend, if you are not being celebrated today or you are little known in society, be encouraged by Mordecai’s story and be the best that you can be for your family, friends and society.

True greatness is determined by the Lord not men. The bible says “…for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God”. (Luke 16:15)

I salute all fathers today who are doing their best for their families. You are the true heroes of your generation.

Further reading : Esther 10:1-3.