You don't see the name of God mentioned at all in the book of Esther. Yet, you see God at work all throughout the story to raise up a woman of great faith to save His people! And the same is true of our stories. Even when we can't see God clearly, we can trust that He is always at work, bringing about His good purposes in our lives!
Setting the Stage - Esther 1
In this message, we get introduced to the major players in the story of the book of Esther, and look at the setting in which this story takes place. It is a sad tale of drunkenness and debauchery. However, despite the deviance of the king and the people, God is at work, orchestrating and setting things in place for His good purposes, so that a young woman full of faith might be used to save God’s people.
Trust the Force - Esther 2
In this message, we continue to follow the story of Esther. And we find Xerxes lonely and regretful. His servants decide on a plan to make him better. The plan is nothing short of objectifying, adulterous, and sinful. Yet, we see God use the sinful desires and sinful actions of sinful people to accomplish His good purposes.
When Evil Seems to Prevail - Esther 3
In this message, we are introduced to the villain of the story of Esther—Haman the Agagite. We find him to be a prideful, prejudiced, deceptive, and evil man. Evil seems to be prevailing in this story! Yet, we know that God is still working. From this part of the story, we discover what we can be doing even when evil persists and surrounds us.
For Such A Time As This - Esther 4-5
In this message, we find what Mordecai and Esther’s response is to the decree that orders for their people to be wiped out. Mordecai encourages Esther to think that she just may be in the position she is in for a reason. And Esther decides to act in courage and faith in order to plead for her people!
When God Keeps the Receipts - Esther 5-6
In this message, we see Haman seek to get vengeance on Mordecai by setting up gallows to hang him on. But at the same time, the king is reminded of how Mordecai saved his life, and seeks to honor him! In a great irony, Haman is humbled, and Mordecai is exalted! From this story, we learn that God sees all things, and keeps watch over the evil and the good. And we can trust Him to do what is right concerning both.
The Turnaround Moment - Esther 7
In this message, we see what transpires between Esther, Ahasuerus, and Haman at the second banquet. It’s another reminder in the story that God will enact justice on the wicked and will reward the righteous. And we specifically look at the timing of it all, as we learn that we can trust God, not only in His fulfillment of promises, but also in His timing!
Irrevocable, But Not Irredeemable - Esther 8
In this message, we learn about how the law of the Medes and Persians, that had called for the annhilation of the Jews, would be undone. The law was one that could not be revoked. But it was not an irredeemable situation. God was at work reversing all things!
You Are The Evidence! - Esther 9-10
In this message, we see how the story of Esther concludes! The day comes when it is allowable by law for people to come after the Jews, kill them all, and take their stuff—the day where the Jews are allowed to defend themselves by killing and plundering the possessions of all who would attack them. And there is a great day of victory for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire! But it doesn’t stop there. The Jews establish a way to remember and celebrate this deliverance, so that all future generations would remember God’s faithfulness at work.
We hope that this study in of the book of Esther has been helpful to you in understanding the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in your life, even if you can’t see Him at work in the present moment!
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