Esther: Bright Star in a Dark Place

Chapter 6-7

by Samuel E. Ward

October 20, 2013

 

View PowerPoint slide presentation:  http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/esther-6-7-ss or http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/  for more of Pastor Ward's presentations.

 

Introduction

In the previous chapters in Esther we have observed . . .

 

I. God's Hand Prepares for the Future - The Dethronement of Vashti and Installation of Esther

II. God's Hand Rules in the Present - Mordecai's and Esther's contemporary situation

 

At some point, we may, like Mordecai, be moved to action because events demand it.  In that case, by faith we must rely on God to guide.  The way God moves to remove the threat to the Jews of Esther's day is the subject of chapters 3-8:

 

A. Haman's Plot, Esther 3 – Exterminate his enemy Mordecai and Mordecai's people from the empire.

B. Mordecai's Plan, Esther 4 –  Save Mordecai's people from destruction.

C. Esther's First Banquet, Esther 5:1-5 – The first step in Esther's attempt to have the king intervene in Haman's plot to destroy her people.

D. Haman's Second Plot, Esther 5:9-14 – The nature of Haman described and demonstrated.

 

Esther chapter 6 is pivotal in the story of the Jews deliverance as we see the circumstances reverse for both Haman and Mordecai.

 

E. Haman's Humiliation, Esther 6:1-14

 

1. The King Was Sleepless in Susa, Esther 6:1- 5.

 

a. How God used Xerxes' sleeplessness:

 

      to draw attention to Mordecai's vital service to the king, Esther 6:1-3.

 

Esther 6:1-3 (NIV2011) 1  That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. 2  It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 3  "What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. "Nothing has been done for him," his attendants answered.

 

What is trivial to us can actually be an important part of God's involvement in a larger strategy.  A simple issue of sleeplessness to Xerxes becomes a providentially inspired motivation for him to read the record of his reign. This led to the discovery of an unrewarded act of loyalty that actually saved his life.

 

      to interrupt Haman's plan to execute Mordecai, Esther 6:4-5.

 

Esther 6:4-5 (NIV2011) 4  The king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him. 5  His attendants answered, "Haman is standing in the court." "Bring him in," the king ordered.

 

b. How believers can use their  sleeplessness:

 

      to find comfort through a conference with God, Psa 63:6-8.

 

Psalm 63:6-8 (NIV2011) 6  On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8  I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

 

      to review God's promises of His protection, presence, and faithfulness during difficult times, Psa 119:147-151.

 

Psalm 119:147-151 (NIV2011) 147  I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148  My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149  Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws. 150  Those who

devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151  Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true.

 

c. What outcome can be expected from spending this precious time with God.

 

Psalm 4:8 (NIV2011)  In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

 

2. Haman Was Clueless Before the King, Esther 6:6-9.

 

a. Haman was blinded by his own pride and arrogance, Esther 6:6-9.

 

Esther 6:6-9 (NIV2011) 6  When Haman entered, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" Now Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?" 7  So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor, 8  have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. 9  Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!' "

 

Therefore, Haman was blind to these truths.

 

      Man's plans are futile if God is not in them.

 

Psalm 94:11 (NIV2011)  The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.

 

      Man's wisdom is foolish when compared to God's wisdom.

 

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (NIV2011) 18  Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. 19  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 20  and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."

 

      Man's wealth is not great enough to purchase eternal life.

 

Proverbs 10:2 (NIV2011)  Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.

 

Matthew 16:26 (NIV2011)  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

 

      Man's wealth, if any is left, will pass to another when he dies.

 

Psalm 49:10 (NIV2011)  For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others.

 

For many, the pursuit of material things and pleasure is the sole purpose of life.  For many, it is not until faced with the threshold of eternity before them, if then, that they understand that everything that they have piled up for themselves will be left to someone else.  As someone has observed, "I have never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer to the graveyard."

 

3. Haman Was Rankless Before the People, Esther 6:10-11.

 

Esther 6:10-11 (NIV2011) 10  "Go at once," the king commanded Haman. "Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended." 11  So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"

 

God, in His use of irony (making the ruler a servant), illustrates these biblical truths concerning the arrogant abuse of power:

 

Psalm 75:7 (NIV2011)  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

 

Luke 14:11 (NIV2011)  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

 

Proverbs 29:23 (NASB)  A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

 

4. Haman Was Powerless Before Mordecai, Esther 6:12-14.

 

Esther 6:12-14 (NIV2011) 12  Afterward Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, 13  and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" 14  While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.

 

Someone has said that "the devil is in the details."  While in some sense that may be true in that from small things come great consequences, it is more true that God is in control of the details.  Even when we are affected by evil, if we love God, that, too, will ultimately lead to God's purposes being fulfilled and our own edification.

The experience of Mordecai with Haman's attempts to destroy him illustrate well the principle in Romans 8:28-31. 

 

Romans 8:28-31 (NIV2011) 28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31  What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Eventually, even our enemies will see the hand of God over us and will retreat.

 

Psalm 56:9 (NIV2011)  Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

 

F. Esther's Second Banquet and Petition, Esther 7:1-10

 

1. The Request of Queen Esther Before the King – Spare the life of Esther and her people, Esther 7:1-4

 

Esther 7:1-4 (NIV2011) 1  So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther's banquet, 2  and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, "Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted." 3  Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4  For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king."

 

2. The Revelation of Haman as the Architect of the Plan to Exterminate Esther's People, Esther 7:5-6

 

Esther 7:5-6 (NIV2011) 5  King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, "Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?" 6  Esther said, "An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!" Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

 

3. The Rage of the King Raining Down on Haman, Esther 7:7-8.

 

Esther 7:7-8 (NIV2011) 7  The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. 8  Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, "Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?" As soon as the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

 

a. Xerxes' uncharacteristic restraint, Esther 7:7a

b. Haman's desperate plea for pardon from Esther, 7:7b

c. Haman's unfortunate posture when the king returns, Esther 7:8a

d. Xerxes' explosive rage which brings his wrath upon Haman, Esther 7:8b

 

4. The Ricochet of Haman's Plot Back to Himself, Esther 7:9-10

 

Esther 7:9-10 (NIV2011) 9  Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, "A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman's house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king." The king said, "Impale him on it!" 10  So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.

 

Those who are keen on the promises of God should understand that the promises made to the wicked are just as true as those made to the righteous.

 

      God promises to judge the world for their evil, which they practiced without regard for the God Who is witness against them.

 

Isaiah 13:11 (NIV2011)  I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

 

      God promises to judge individuals for their deeds which were recorded in God's book of deeds.  To their chagrin, they will find that their deeds will condemn rather than exonerate them.

 

Revelation 20:11-15 (NIV2011) 11  Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12  And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13  The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15  Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

      God promises to avenge the death of those who are killed for their witness to God and His word.

 

Revelation 6:9-11 (NIV2011) 9  When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10  They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11  Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

 

The Greatest Promise

 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV2011)

Esther: Bright Star in a Dark Place

Chapter 5

 

by Samuel E. Ward

 

October 13, 2013

 

View PowerPoint slide presentation:  http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/esther-5-ss-27180565 or http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/  for more of Pastor Ward's presentations.

Introduction

The book of Esther is an incredibly meaningful book, particularly to those facing persecution. We will see how it is meaningful to Christians, but it has always been a very meaningful book to Jews as well, particularly when they have been faced with those seeking to destroy them as Haman did in Esther's day and as Hitler did in ours.

Because the book of Esther records the deliverance of Jews from persecution in the fourth century B.C., Hitler forbade its reading in the concentration camps where they were imprisoned.  What he did not count on was that because so many Jews were well-schooled in their scriptures, Jewish prisoners were able to reconstitute it from memory and then read it in secret.  It gave many of them hope in the possibility of deliverance.  It came for some but not before millionsof others had been slaughtered.

Christians under persecution find hope in Esther's story, as well.  The New Testament gives hope that extends beyond an earthly deliverance to a heavenly one.  Paul wrote about his hope even in the face of death.

 

2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV2011)  The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Let us continue to learn through Esther how . . .

 

      God's hand has prepared our future.

      God's hand rules in our present.

 

Be reminded that in the previous chapters in Esther we have observed . . .

 

I. God's Hand Prepares for the Future - The Dethronement of Vashti and Installation of Esther

II. God's Hand Rules in the Present - Mordecai's and Esther's contemporary situation

 

At some point, we may, like Mordecai, be moved to action.  In that case, we must rely on God to guide.  

 

A. Haman's Plot, Esther 3 – to exterminate his enemy Mordecai and Mordecia's people from the empire.

B. Mordecai's Plan, Esther 4 –  to save his people from destruction.

 

Mordecai's plan involves the influence of Esther as queen to gain the aid of King Xerxes in stopping Haman's plot to exterminate the Jews.  It begins with . . .

 

C. Esther's First Banquet, Esther 5:1-5 – the first step in Esther's attempt to have the king intervene in Haman's plot to destroy her people.

 

1. Preparation for Esther's Approach to the king, Esther 4:15-17

 

Esther 4:15-17 (NIV2011) 15  Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16  "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." 17  So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

 

a. The purpose of Esther's banquet was to petition clemency for the plight of her people.

b. The risk of Esther's going to the king uninvited to make her request was death.

c. The courage of Esther would mark her as true heroine in Israel's history forever.

 

Esther's only request from her people was that they fast for three days.

 

Pastor Mark Copeland reminds us that the Israelites fasted for at least these reasons:

 

      Forgiveness of sin (Moses, Ahab, Daniel)

      Restoration of loved ones to health (David)

      Protection of His people from danger (Ezra)

      Deliverance from enemies (the Israelites)

 

Because they were seeking God's favor, FASTING WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS BE ACCOMPANIED WITH PRAYER.[1]

 

Though we do not have God mentioned anywhere in the book of Esther, it is in this act of Israel's fasting in the face of national crisis that we do see God's "fingerprints" revealing His presence in the heart of His people.

 

2. Presentation of Esther before the king, Esther 5:1-5a.

 

Esther 5:1-5a (NIV2011) 1  On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2  When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3  Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you." 4  "If it pleases the king," replied Esther, "let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him." 5a  "Bring Haman at once," the king said, "so that we may do what Esther asks."

 

a. The moment of truth for Esther – Would the king receive her?

b. The response of grace by Xerxes – "Whatever you desire is yours."

c. The invitation to a banquet – "Come to dinner today, and bring your friend, Haman."

 

3. Protocol for Esther's Request Established, Esther 5:5b-8.

 

Esther 5:5b-8 (NIV2011)  5b  So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. 6  As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted." 7  Esther replied, "My petition and my request is this: 8  If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king's question."

 

a. The king's grace was extended to Esther at her first banquet.

b. Esther's invitation to a second banquet was extended to the king and Haman.

 

D. Haman's Nature Described and Demonstrated, Esther 5:9-14.

 

Pride violates the first and greatest commandment because pride loves self rather than God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. Pride is behind every other sin because every sin says to God, "my will be done." Hell's theme song is "I did it my way!"

 

C.S. Lewis describes pride in his book, Mere Christianity:

 

There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves. … There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. …

 

[Pride] is the complete anti-God state of mind. …

 

Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others. …

 

[P]ower is what Pride really enjoys: there is nothing that makes a man feel so superior to others as being able to move them about like toy soldiers. … If I am a proud man, then, as long as there is one man in the whole world more powerful, or richer, or cleverer than I, he is my rival and my enemy. …

 

Pride always means enmity—it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God. …

 

In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. …As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. …

 

Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.[2]

 

1. Haman's personality-type has a pathology well-described in Proverbs.

 

      A foolish false sense of security, Pro 14:16-17a.

 

Proverbs 14:16-17a (NIV2011) 16  The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. 17a  A quick-tempered person does foolish things.

 

      A set of seven characteristics that are abhorrent to the Lord, Prov 6:16-19.

 

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV2011) 16  There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17  haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18  a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19  a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

 

               A pre-disposition to sin due to pride and arrogance, Prov. 21:24.

 

Proverbs 21:4 (NIV2011)  Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

 

      A proneness to persecuting the weak in pursuit of power and adulation, Psa 10:2-3.

 

Psalm 10:2-3 (NIV2011) 2  In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. 3  He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

2. Haman's actions demonstrate his prideful and arrogant nature, Esther 5:9-14.

 

Esther 5:9-14 (NIV2011)  9  Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. 10  Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, 11  Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. 12  "And that's not all," Haman added. "I'm the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. 13  But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate." 14  His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself." This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

 

a. Haman's spirits were affected by Mordecai's refusal to show reverence to him.  ENRAGED

b. Haman's ego was inflated by the importance he placed in his invitation to Esther's banquet.  CONCEITED

c. Haman's satisfaction was unfulfilled as long as Mordecai is still in sight.  MALICIOUS

d. Haman's acceptance of the suggestion to cruelly murder Mordecai proves the depth of his wickedness.  WICKED

 

Conclusions

 

1. Scripture teaches us that pride has many consequences.  But those who are wise in their own understanding are not likely to seek God's counsel or hear His warnings.  They, in effect, have brought destruction upon themselves.  How foolish is that?  Consider these consequences of sinful pride:

 

Proverbs 11:2 (NIV2011)  When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

 

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV2011)  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

 

Proverbs 29:23 (NIV2011)  Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

 

     James 4:6 (NIV2011)  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

2. Esther chapter five is as much about revenge as it is pride.  The Bible also speaks to this:

 

Revenge is forbidden by God.

 

Leviticus 19:18 (NIV2011)  "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.'"

 

Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV2011) 17  Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18  or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.

 

Proverbs 24:29 (NIV2011)  Do not say, "I'll do to them as they have done to me; I'll pay them back for what they did."

 

Vengeance belongs to God.

 

Romans 12:17-19 (NIV2011) 17  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

 

Forbearance is modeled by Christ.

 

1 Peter 2:23 (NIV2011)  When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

 

Another way is shown by God.

 

         Proverbs 20:22 (NIV2011)  Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

---

[1] Mark A. Copeland, http://executableoutlines.com/fa/fa_01.htm, 2011

[2] C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 

Esther: Bright Star in a Dark Place

by Samuel E. Ward

 

October 6, 2013

 

View PowerPoint slide presentation: http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/esther-4-ss or http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/  for all of Pastor Ward's presentations.

 

Introduction

 

Too often Christians have a sense that a particular action ought to taken or biblical view expressed that would be just the thing needed at a time to meet a need or make a point.     These feelings of "oughtness" need to be given serious consideration before dismissing them and leaving it to someone else who you might be deemed better "qualified" to handle them.  Why?  Because this is exactly the way the Holy Spirit works.  Our consciences belong to Him.  He is the one that empowers, directs, and if necessary, gives us the words to say when we testify concerning Christ.

 

Acts 1:8 (NIV2011)  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

 

Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV2011) Mt 19  But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20  for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

 

In the story of Esther, we have seen her replace Vashti as King Xerxes' queen.  This was the result of a refusal on Vashti's part to allow her to be displayed at a banquet among the king's drunken officials.  Esther was chosen to bring comfort to the king after a major military campaign against the Greeks that left him severely depressed.

Esther happened to be related to an official of Xerxes' court, Mordecai, who was also a Jew and ministered at the king's gate.  Haman, an Amalekite, was honored by the king with a high position of authority in Xerxes' kingdom, the king required all the royal officials to kneel before Haman whenever he passed.  Mordecai refused. 

Haman was offended by Mordecai's defiance and upon hearing that he was a Jew, influenced Xerxes to write an unalterable law that he hoped would lead to the extermination of all Jews in the Persian kingdom .  He based his request on the false charge that Jews were belligerent toward the king and likely to rebel sometime in the future.  The Jews and Haman's ancestors had a long-standing feud that stemmed back to the days of the Exodus when the Amalekites sought to prevent Israel from passing through their territory. 

In review, we have seen how . . .

 

I. God's Hand Prepares for the Future

II. God's Hand Rules in the Present (Mordecai's and Esther's contemporary situation)

 

God begins His sovereign plan to protect His people in chapter three.

 

A. Haman's Plot, Esther 3

 

Haman's plot to destroy the Jews leads us to Mordecai's plan to rescue his people.  The chart indicates where we are in the whole scheme of the story of Esther and the deliverance of the Jews.

 

B. Mordecai's Plan, Esther 4.

 

1. Mordecai's bitter mourning, Esther 4:1-3

 

Esther 4:1-3 (NIV2011)  1  When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. 2  But he went only as far as the king's gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. 3  In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

 

a. Mordecai's mourning was a public display, Esther 4:1.

 

Mordecai was mourning an impending disaster.  The slaughter of innocents qualifies as an cause for mourning.  In our day we should be mourning the execution and persecution of Christians around the world.  We should be heartbroken over the aborting of babies and the euthanizing of others of any age. 

 

b. Mordecai's mourning was excluded from the king's gate, Esther 4:2.

 

Mordecai's hope seem to lay in the hands of an unbeliever to whom he had no access but perhaps could at least gain notice.  We in America still have recourse to address grievances through our laws but even that does not guarantee a favorable hearing or resolution.  Nonetheless, we should state the biblical position on moral issues for the purpose of effecting change and bringing justice to those without the power to obtain it for themselves.  That being said, the church has no mandate to accomplish these changes through violent means.  If society continues down an immoral course, Christians are to obedient to God's Word as members of His holy nation and leave judgment of civil governments to God (Rom 12:19).

 

c. Mordecai's mourning became a national demonstration, Esther 4:3.

 

Mordecai's mourning spread throughout the kingdom among the Jews.  It is entirely appropriate for the church to establish national days of focus for such issues as abortion, persecution of Christians, and such.  It is by these means that public awareness is raised and facts not otherwise known are published. 

 

2. Esther's great distress, Esther 4:4-9.

 

Esther 4:4-9 (NIV2011)  4  When Esther's eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5  Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why. 6  So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate. 7  Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8  He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. 9  Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said.

 

a. Mordecai's mourning was brought to Esther's attention, Esther 4:4:a.                

b. Esther's attempt to bring him inside the king's gate with proper clothes was rejected, Esther 4:4b.

c. Esther's attendant was sent to ascertain the cause of Mordecai's mourning, Esther 4:5.

d. Mordecai's evidence of Haman's plot against the Jews were delivered to Esther, Esther 4:6-8a.

e. Mordecai's instructions to Esther was to beg for mercy from the king on behalf of her people, Esther 4:8b.

 

Whoever coined the term "silent witness" to describe the actions and behavior of Christians surely must know that unless at some point words are used to explain to what those actions and behaviors give witness, they do little in terms of Christian witness.  These people are merely good and, perhaps, kind people.  of which there are many unbelievers who might be so described.

Esther was a kind, winsome, beautiful person that might have described many unbelievers in Xerxes' harem.  But when she identified herself as a Jew with convictions rooted in her own faith, she became a testimony to the strength and validity of that faith.

Matthew 5:13-16 applies directly to this point.

 

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV2011) Mt 13  "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14  "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  15  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

3. Esther's justifiable fear, Esther 4:10-11.

 

Esther 4:10-11 (NIV2011) 10  Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11  "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."

 

God's Word gives us other examples of those who shrank from their faith when they felt their lives were threatened.  Among them are no less than the disciples who had walked and witnessed the works of Jesus for themselves.

 

Mark 14:44-46,50 (NIV2011) 44  Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46  The men seized Jesus and arrested him. . . 50  Then everyone deserted him and fled.

 

Luke 23:44-49 (NIV2011) 44  It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45  for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46  Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47  The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."  48  When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49  But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

 

John 20:19 (NIV2011)  On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

 

The scriptures give counsel that should guide us when we are intimidated to silence due to the fear of men.

 

      Fear of men is a trap meant to separate us from our true security in the Lord.

 

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV2011)  Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

      Fear is best overcome by giving it to the Lord in prayer.

 

Psalm 34:4 (NIV2011)  I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

 

      Fear of man is misplaced when viewed in light of the greater power of God.

 

Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV2011) 1  The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2  When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.  3  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

 

4. Mordecai's illuminating insight, Esther 4:12-14.

 

Esther 4:12-14 (NIV2011) 12  When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13  he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14  For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

 

Mordecai was certainly aware of God's promises to Israel.  Even though he had not returned to Israel to rebuild with others who had gone before, he evidently maintained a  relationship with God just as many others of God's people in captivity.  One promise in particular might have been the source of his message to Esther.

 

Jeremiah 46:28 (NIV2011)  Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you," declares the LORD. "Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished."

 

With this promise in mind, he could confidently say that God would protect His people in Persia regardless of Esther's decision.  But Esther must consider that she was the means by which deliverance would come.  Either way, there were no guarantees that she and her family would survive if she kept silent.

 

5. Esther's courageous faith, Esther 4:15-17.

 

Esther 4:15-17 (NIV2011) 15  Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16  "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." 17  So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

 

Whether Esther had the same depth of confidence in God as reflected by Paul in Philippians is not known. 

 

Philippians 1:19-21 (NIV2011) 19  for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

In one sense, however, her act might be considered even more courageous considering her experience with God in crises was not as extensive as Paul's.  And yet she resigned herself to accept life or death as the consequence of doing the right thing for her people.

This puts Esther in line for the blessing Jesus gave all future believers who trusted  in Him, many unto death, without seeing any of the works His first disciples witnessed.

 

John 20:29 (NIV2011)  Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

 

Conclusions

 

1. Life can throw some very terrifying situations into our path and terror will most likely be our initial reaction.  We may, like Mordecai, feel like wailing and crying while we fall into despair.  If, however, we allow the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work through our prayers, He promises to turn the confusion and terror we express before God into intercessory requests on our behalf.  His are just the right words that need to be heard in the Father's throne room.

 

Romans 8:26-28 (NIV2011) Ro 26  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

 

2.  God is a God of peace.  He wants us to experience peace not as the world gives it, but as only He can give it because He is also the God over all circumstances.  He has a plan.  Once the knee-jerk fear is passed, God is ready to immediately step in to comfort us with His presence and the knowledge that He has a plan.  It may be different than what we would expect, but it will be for His purposes and our good if we love Him enough to release our fears to Him.  Deliverance is inevitable; the means of that deliverance has innumerable possibilities.

 

Romans 8:28 (NIV2011)  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

Philippians 1:19-21 (NIV2011) 19  for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

Psalm 23:4 (NIV2011)  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.