April 6, 2025 Preaching | Ptr Peter Tan-Chi
The story happens in the city of Susa, the capital of the Medo-Persian empire (Esther 1:1-2). King Xerxes held a banquet that lasted 180 days, to show how rich and powerful the kingdom was (Esther 1:3-4). The king called for the queen, but Queen Vashti refused to follow the order which angered the king (Esther 1:12). She did not respect her husband and embarrassed him in front of all the other leaders. She was banished and removed from her royal position. This led to the search for a new queen.
Mordecai, a Benjamite, exiled by Babylon was taking care of Hadassah (Esther), an orphan (Esther 2:5-6). In the search for a new queen, Esther found favor with the official in charge (Esther 2:9). To multiply God’s favor, follow Esther’s example in:
1) OBEDIENCE
Esther found favor and kindness in everything she did because she was obedient to Mordecai’s instruction to keep her Jewish descent a secret for the time being (Esther 2:10,15, 17). Mordecai also was essential in the entire story–- he was witness to a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23). Mordecai intervened, which saved the king, and was recorded in their history books.
Obedience brings blessings. It implies that we show humility, honor, respect, and trust. We are to obey our parents because there’s blessing in obedience (Ephesians 6:1-3). Servants must obey (be submissive to) their masters, even if the masters are unreasonable, “for this finds favor” (1 Peter 2:18-19). Sometimes, by obeying, we suffer unjustly, but God is the one to reward. Wives are also commanded to submit to husbands and win them even without a word (1 Peter 3:1-2)! Many times, it’s not easy to submit to authorities, but we are to honor and respect them.
2) FAITH
Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We must have the faith that God is there, and that He is good – He is a “rewarder” for those who seek Him. Faith comes from “hearing” the word of God (Romans 10:17). To walk by faith, we must remember:
– The object of true faith is God and His Word
– Faith is not the absence of fear
– Faith is doing what you know is right and leaving the outcome to God
– Faith is dependence on God
– Faith is positive expectation
– Faith will be tested
This is exactly what happened in the story of Esther. Haman, the enemy in the story who came to power and influence, was offended that Mordecai would not bow down to him (Esther 3:6). He was so angry and schemed to kill the entire Jewish race!
When Mordecai heard of the edict, he asked Esther to use her influence to save her people (Esther 4:8). Esther could lose her life if she went to the king without being summoned (v.11). But Mordecai challenged Esther – if she kept silent, God will save His people, but she and her family will perish. What if she was put there in that position for “such a time as this” (v.14)? Esther responds in faith – asking Mordecai to have everyone pray and fast for her. We are to trust in the Lord in times when we are afraid (Psalm 56:3-4). By faith, Esther stepped forth to talk to the king – as faith is courage in action – and the king graciously listened (Esther 5)!
3) WISDOM
How do you have wisdom? Ask from God, who gives it abundantly (James 1:5)! Wisdom is from God; it comes from the Word of God, our true source of wisdom (Psalm 119:97-100). Through life experiences and problems, God teaches us wisdom (Psalm 119:66-67). Esther showed wisdom in the rest of the events in chapter 5 – she first invited the king and Haman to a banquet. She depended on God for the “right timing”. On that night, the king could not sleep and asked for the Book of Records to be read before him (Esther 6:1 onwards). In the process, he finds out about what Mordecai has done, but nothing is done for him. The king called for an official – and in God’s timing, Haman was in the court, initially to ask permission to hang Mordecai. It turns out that while Haman thought honor would be given him, the king wanted to honor Mordecai instead! In all these, we see GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND TIMING! Esther took the opportunity to ask the king to preserve her life and revealed Haman’s wickedness and edict to kill all the Jews, leading to his death (Esther 7). Mordecai was honored by the king. Even the edict to kill all the Jews was reversed. The Jewish people were victorious, and they established “Purim” – a festival to commemorate God’s goodness in saving them.
God gives us favor to bless others. His purpose will be accomplished with or without us. The cost of obedience may be costly, but it is more costly not to follow Him. We will never know what blessings we would have missed if we did not obey Him in faith!