The story of Mordecai and Esther in the Book of Esther is a testament to that very idea.
Think about Mordecai. He was deeply concerned for Esther's safety after she was taken to the king’s palace. The text tells us Mordecai made sure to check on her every single day. Ginzberg, in Legends of the Jews, emphasizes that this seemingly small act didn't go unnoticed by the Divine. The reward for Mordecai's concern was immense: God promised him that the well-being of the entire nation of Israel would eventually be entrusted to him. And for his humility, for not seeking greatness, God vowed to honor him above all others. Powerful, isn't it?
It's a classic example of middot keneged middot – measure for measure. You act with kindness, you receive kindness. You act with concern, you become a guardian.
Then there’s Esther. Imagine the pressure she must have been under! King Ahasuerus, in his attempts to discover her origins, threw lavish parties, probing her with insistent questions. But Esther, according to Legends of the Jews, remained steadfast. "I know neither my people nor my family," she would say, explaining she lost her parents in infancy. It's a poignant image, this young woman carrying such a heavy secret, navigating the treacherous waters of the court.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The king, eager to show favor to Esther's people (even though he didn't know who they were!), decided to release all the peoples under his dominion from taxes and imposts. He believed this would surely benefit her nation. A seemingly random act of generosity, born from a king's affection for his queen.
But was it random? Or was it another ripple effect, a consequence of Mordecai's initial kindness, Esther's courage, and the Divine plan unfolding?
What this shows us is that even when we don't see the full picture, even when things seem chaotic and uncertain, acts of goodness – chesed, kindness – can set in motion events that have far-reaching consequences. And sometimes, the smallest gestures can lead to the greatest blessings, not just for ourselves, but for the entire world. So, what small act of kindness will you commit today?