Adoption.
Esther was early left fatherless and motherless, and in her orphanage found a friend and benefactor in Mordecai, her cousin, and evidently her senior by many years. He adopted her, and treated her as his own child. Under his roof and protection she lived, until, for her beauty, she was selected for the household of the king. This is but one of many illustrations of the practice of adoption issuing in signal advantages to both parties.
I. Observe THE ADVANTAGES ESTHER SECURED through Mordecai's adoption of her as his own daughter. Her wants were supplied; a home was provided for her, a suitable education was given her, and her character was trained-to habits of obedience and piety. She was protected from the temptations which might otherwise have assailed a beautiful orphan girl. And in due time her station and her work in life were pointed out by Divine providence.
II. Observe THE BLESSINGS WHICH ACCRUED TO MORDECAI HIMSELF through his adoption of Esther. His home was brightened by the presence of a bright and lovely daughter; his heart was gladdened by her filial affection and gratitude; his solicitude and care were rewarded by her attention to his wishes and compliance with his admonitions. And, more than all, the time came when his adopted daughter was the agent in saving his life and the life of the community and people to which they both belonged. Never could he regret having received Esther as his own child. Ever must he have looked back upon his adoption of her as one of the wisest acts of his life; as one which God manifestly smiled upon and blessed.
III. Consider THE LIGHT WHICH ADOPTION CASTS UPON THE RELATION BETWEEN GOD, THE DIVINE FATHER, AND THE CHILDREN OF HIS SPIRITUAL FAMILY. It is to Divine, adopting love that we owe our position of privilege, happiness, and hope. "What manner of love hath the Father bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God?" Happy we if we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father! What obligations to gratitude and affectionate obedience are connected with the pity of God and the grace of Christ, through which we have been received into the heavenly family!
Practical lessons:—
1. There may be those, people of good means, and childless especially, who may do wisely, who may exercise true benevolence, by adopting an orphan child, and receiving such a destitute one into their home. How much better this than subscribing to an orphan asylum, excellent and useful though that may be.
2. Adopted children are laid under a stringent obligation to recompense the kindness shown them by their benefactors, by their obedience, devotion, and anxiety to serve and please. Scarcely inferior to the claim parents have upon their own offspring is that they have upon the children they have adopted as their own.
3. Great is the mercy of God, who invites us, "by nature children of wrath," into his spiritual family. There can be no question more momentous for each hearer of the gospel than this: "Am I a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus?"