Our study of mentors and their disciples in scripture continues with the relationship between Mordecai and his younger cousin Esther in the land of Persia under King Xerxes in or around 486BC.  In 586BC, Babylon had conquered the nation of Judah and taken them into exile.  In 539BC, King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and freed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.  Some of the Jews remained in Persia and Babylon. Mordecai and Esther were among those who remained in the capitol city of Susa.  Persia is modern day Iran.  He was the caretaker of Esther, his younger cousin.  Most of us know the story of Queen Esther.  Let me use this “ESTHERTORIAL” to refresh your memories.  

MYRTLE STAR

(a poetic Esther-torial)

Myrtle, Myrtle, you're the star…but how we wonder who you are?!!  
The kingdom of A-has-u-er-us had a queen who was the fairest.  
The king said, "Come!" Vashti said, "No!" So, the king said, "Girl, you gotta go,
We gotta show the whole world that you are queen no mo!"  
He sought a queen to wear her crown.  Now Mordecai lives in that town.  
He was raising Cousin Esther and in the palace God did place her.  
She was a beauty to behold.  She was a Jew if the truth had been told.  
Mary Kay® and Este Lauder® and Cover Girl® and Avon® powder:  
with just one look, the king would crow, "For a queen, we look no mo!"  
To the palace from the harem, she was chosen first among the women.  
Banquets, feasts and merrymaking, Myrtle Star was queen in the making.  
An evil plot to kill the king was revealed by Mordecai, it seems.  
The king was spared, the plotters hanged.  Five years later, things have changed.  
Deeds of Mordecai forgotten while wicked Haman gets a big promotion:
"Bow the knee and worship me because the king said do it, yessirree!"  
Mordecai said, "I won't bow!"  The Jews are in much danger now.  
Things in Susa are in confusion, fasting, weeping, facing sure destruction.  
"Myrtle Star, what will you do?  If your Jews are spared, it's up to you!  
If you are silent, they will die.  Are you content to live a lie?  
You were surely chosen queen; the reason why is clearly seen.  
Royalty was placed into your hand to save the Jews, a special plan."  
"But, if I go before the king, I could be the offering!  
Fast for me until day three.  I will go.  We will see.  
I count my Jewish nation cherished.  If I perish, then, I perish."  
Esther goes before the king, "Ask what you wish!  Anything!"
"Sir, the banquet hall has been prepared.  You and Haman must be there."  
Haman's pride and hatred grew, nip and tuck, until he knew
this old Mordecai just had to die and he'd make it happen by and by.  
"Build those gallows and Mort will see he can't refuse to worship ME!"  
The king awake one sleepless night heard a bedtime story about the plight
of Mordecai, the Jew, who dared reveal the plot and the king was spared.  
"Honor HIM, that's what we'll do and Haman, you will praise him too!"  
Haman ran right home to Mama.  She said, "Honey, these Jews are overcomers.  
You better drop this deal while you still can
cause Mordecai will be the man with the plan!"  
A banquet hall.  A joyful fest. A determined queen.  A worried guest.  
Myrtle Queen becomes the star, "King, here's who we really are…
my Jewish people are in danger here because of Haman, it is clear.  
My life I give in this endeavor for my people will die without your favor."  
A scepter raised.  A signet ring. A letter sealed, straight from the king.  
The Jews are spared, hip, hip, hooray! They live to see another day!  
On gallows built for Mordecai, the king said, "Hang that Haman high!"  
Haman learned that pride don't pay while Mordecai became the man of the day.  
Myrtle, Myrtle, you're the star.  NOW I will remember who you are!  
"Hadasseh."  That's your Hebrew name and it means "myrtle" just the same.  
"Esther" is your Persian name and that means "star" and we're so glad you came.  
The name of God is not written in this book, but His perfect plan is everywhere you look. 

Uncle Mordecai was not only the spiritual mentor of Esther, he was her only surviving family member and caretaker.  God used Mordecai to intervene in the plan of Haman to destroy the Jews in Persia.  He kept surveillance as she went into the palace.  The fact that he sat “in the gate” meant he had connections with the king.  He told her not to reveal her nationality.  Even after she became queen, she was silent for a time. He taught her the importance of fasting and praying to God and the importance of worship. 

When their lives were endangered by Haman’s plot, Mordecai sent his messenger to Esther to say, “…you are queen for such a time as this!”  Esther decided to risk her life by saying, “…and if I perish, I perish!”  They would fast and pray.  God would win the day.  His plan to protect His people through Esther began before the dawn of time!  He used Mordecai to mentor Queen Esther and save the Jews.  Your willingness to mentor will always honor God and help to accomplish His plans on Earth.