Impact
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Handout
God’s providence
God’s providence
I know I have asked before, can you see God’s providence in your life?
What would be an example of God’s providence in your life?
Can you think of things that demonstrated God’s providence in book of Esther?
(transition) Tonight we will finish our look at the book of Esther. How God’s providence, God’s promise, God’s protection worked out in people who were willing to be courageous. These last few verses teach us that God uses ordinary people (Mordecai, Esther) to accomplish his extraordinary purposes (save God’s people; protect the seed line to the Messiah). It shows God calls for courage in face of adversity. And that actions can have significant consequences on others.
Mordecai’s promotion
Mordecai’s promotion
1 Now King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the accomplishments of his authority and strength, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?
3 For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.
Anything stick out to you in these few verses?
Tribute, what does tribute mean (v.1)?
According to bible.com it means “lay a tax upon.”
What does the King say about his accomplishment and the greatness of Mordecai, (v.2)?
They are all recorded in the chronicles in the kings of Persia and Media.
What exaltation does the king offer for Mordecai (v.3)?
That he was lifted up to be second only to the king
That he had favor with many kinsmen
That he looked out for the good, the welfare of his people.
Leadership and justice prevail
Leadership and justice prevail
1 And King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea.
In the spirit of true leadership, King Ahasuerus’s imposes taxes across the empire, calling all to participate in their country, their community.
Jesus spoke of rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is His. We are called to be good citizens in our community in our workplace in our family.
We see the example from Mordecai of leading by integrity, and how he approached things brought about compassion from the King.
What we say, what we do is a direct reflection on who we serve.
Justice did prevail here, what was meant for evil by Haman, was turned to good through Esther, Mordecai and the King.
Legacy recorded: Legacy of courage
Legacy recorded: Legacy of courage
2 Now all the acts of his power and his might, and the account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
The Chronicles recorded everything that happen for posterity purposes. And we hold the Chronicle of our King when we have the bible in our hand and read those words. We can learn about a legacy of courage through the pages, and here the courage of Mordecai, and unspoken in this verse, the courage of Esther.
How did the king, how did Mordecai get their power?
By God, even if His name is not mentioned.
Does God have power in your life? Do you acknowledge and embrace His power and working in your life?
In this verse you see the records of the greatness of the courageous acts of Mordecai, in which the king advanced him. Mordecai was not looking for recognition, just to save the king. It is recorded as a lasting legacy that you and I can read and learn from.
Christ calls for us to “fear not,” and to walk courageously. To live courageously for God’s kingdom on earth as His people, building up His kingdom.
Favor through faithfulness
Favor through faithfulness
3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
Mordecai was a man of integrity and discernment too. He knew the promise, knew God would prevail and protect the Jews. He kept quiet for a time about his heritage until it was no longer time, but to step up and out by faith.
“Mordecai’s rise to a position of power represents the culmination of a journey marked by integrity, courage and faithfulness to God.” (logos.com/commentary)
Mordecai cared for his people and God put him in a place to protect his people using Queen Esther.
Mordecai by his courage and faithfulness found favor with the king and the people.
How can the Lord use you to demonstrate courage and faithfulness?
Lessons from Book of Esther
Lessons from Book of Esther
“It has been well said that the Book of Esther is a record of wonders with a miracle. (Spurgeon)
Even though God’s name is not used, God’s power is seen all through the book, and there are many things we can see, and learn from the book.
God’s divine providence
God arranged for the noble Queen Vashti to lose her place
God arranged for a gathering of all the virgins, a competition to gain the king’s favor. Esther being a part of this preparation and competition.
God arraigned special favor in Esther, through Hegai in the year of preparation and Esther found favor among all the other women.
God arranged for Mordecai to have access to Esther and the affairs of the kingdom.
God arranged for there to be a 11-month delay from the edit to it being carried out.
God arranged for another edict to be handed down that would protect the Jews
God arranged the protection of Mordecai from Haman’s plot using Haman’s pride against him.
God arranged for Haman’s anger, the Kings sleepless night to happen at the same time, and provided the chronicles showing Mordecai’s history in protecting the king.
God’s hand in history does not rule out our responsibility to take action. To be courageous. Esther and Mordecai were critical instruments for God’s use.
God has given us free will, Haman had free will and you can see the consequences to it.
You have free will and have consequences to your choices, be them good or bad.
I like what the Enduring Word commentary said on this.
“God’s will is accomplished, and yet men are perfectly free agents; Haman did as he pleased, Ahasuerus did what he wanted, so did Mordecai and Esther. We see no interference, no coercion — they all do their will, and bear full responsibility, yet God works out His eternal plan for the ages through it.”
God, in his providential plan in Esther allows his people to be tested. As seen in other books, greatly tested at times. We must not think that we as God’s people are immune from trials, Jesus even said
33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
In this verse some simple truth:
The Lord spoke truth
The Lord prepared man to have peace.
The Lord said there would be tribulation
The Lord said “but take courage.”
The Lord reminded them that He has overcome the world. Speaking as if it was already a done deal before he went to the cross.
Now back to lessons from Esther.
God may allow many trials to come about, He did with Mordecai and with Esther.
It was a great trial to Mordecai when he refused the kings edict to pay homage to Haman.
It was a great trial for Esther to go before the king uninvited it could have cost her; her very life.
Application from Esther
Know God’s providence, even when you do not see it.
Courage: May we be people of courage and advocacy in spite of what could be negative responses. We need to be willing to be courageous for others.
Triumph: Esther shows God’s providential triumph. May we know that God works out all things for the good, even when all things are not good. We need to be people of faith.
And wanted to close out tonight, close out this book, this series with “Impact.”
Mordecai, Esther, and even King Ahasuerus made in impact for the kingdom.
We as individuals can make an impact for the kingdom when we step out by faith and know God can use us to impact our family, our community, our church.
One final thing we can get as a take away from Book of Esther. The book, through its narrative demonstrates that individuals (Mordecai, Esther) through faith and bravery, can have a great impact on their community and history. What you do, what you say can make in impact, so keep at it. Let’s make an impact for Jesus following the examples we have seen and learned from Esther.
(Prayer) (Exit
