In the last three articles I’ve been discussing the question, ‘Should Christians serve in government?’ We’ve already looked at Joseph and Daniel and how they were used by God to serve in government. Today’s final article will look at Esther, Mordecai, and Nehemiah.

As a result of her sterling character and unique beauty, Xerxes, the king of Persia, chose a God-fearing Jewess as his queen. As the first lady of the world super power of that day, Esther used her influence to save the Jews from the treacherous plans of Haman, one of a king’s closest deputies who wanted to exterminate the Jews. In the end, Haman was executed and Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, was promoted in his place. Had she not used her influence, her people might have been annihilated throughout the empire.

Mordecai, also a God-fearing person, became the prime minister after wicked Haman was hung. He too, was used by God to save his people from annihilation. Mordecai was second in rank to King Xerxes and “held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews” (Esther 10:3). Mordecai used his God-ordained government position of authority and power for God and for the good of people.

 Then there was Nehemiah, who was a royal cupbearer for Artaxerxes, another Persian king. A cupbearer was a high-ranking official. Since kings were concerned about plots to poison them, cupbearers had to guard the king’s cup carefully and even taste his drink before serving it to ensure it was safe. A cupbearer had the king’s confidence and as a result was able to exert great influence in the royal court. God later used Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and his cupbearer position aided towards that end. He served as the provincial governor of Judah where he recognized the injustice of the system and ordered the wealthy Jews who had profited unfairly to return the lands and houses of their poorer Jewish neighbors.

God needs willing vessels to reach out to the perishing world. The witnessing vessels He uses can be Christians in government service. Salt and light are useful only when they are in the right place fulfilling their functions. God’s people can and should serve in government and use their godly influence appropriately. God is still asking, “Whom shall I send? Who shall go for us?” Jesus is still commanding us to go into ALL the world and make disciples of all. The creation is groaning in expectation for the manifestation of the children of God. God wants to use His people in all kinds of roles: pastors, teachers, musicians, lawyers, doctors, electricians, plumbers, and even those in elected government service. People are not ineligible to serve in government because they are Christians. Rather, some with the appropriate gifts may be better suited to serve because they are Christians.

Pastor Ray Ballmann
Word of Truth FL Church