Bow or Stand?

And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. - Esther 3:2

Haman was powerful and arrogant. Mordecai was humble and principled. Haman was Persian. Mordecai was Jewish. A clash between the two was inevitable. Under Haman's influence, the king had issued a decree stating that all citizens must bow in Haman's presence. Mordecai, alone, refused. He stuck out like a power pole in a bean field. He refused to hide his heritage or his allegiance.

While we in America will most likely never face serious harm for following Christ, we face daily the temptation to bow to convenience, ease, or an ever-changing anti-biblical culture. Are we willing to traverse the high road with our Master even though it is clearly more difficult and requires more effort.

When obedience to God demands that we stick out our necks, do we bow or do we stand?

Hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian. - Polycarp