WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN A BAD THING GOES GOOD!
9/23/09 Esther 8:1-17 S__ L__ R__
1. Hebrew Word Found in Esther 9:22
a. “turn” – overthrow; overturn; transform
b. Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing: You have put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
c. Principle is seen in Joseph’s famous words Gen 50:20
… you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …
Genesis 50:20 (MSG)
Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, …
A. ESTHER’S ENRICHMENT V. 1
1. Possessions
a. What Haman would have done evil w/Esther good
b. Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Job 27:17-18 He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver. 18 He builds his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper makes.
c. Goods, estates, money – valued by use not by cost!!
2. Confessions
a. Significant statement at end of verse
b. … Esther had told what he (Mordecai) was unto her.
c. No more lies; no more closet Jew
d. Diff. Between Lie and Truth
i. Don’t have to remember what you said!
ii. Free to speak what you should
e. Not sure that Esther had one restful night since edict
i. Do or say or not do or not say – She was a JEW
ii. rest assured when the killing started someone would tell
Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 28:26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
Proverbs 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.
B. MORDECAI’S ADVANCEMENT V. 2
1. Presence of the King .. Mordecai came before the king
a. No end of Wealth
Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
Philippians 4:19 (AMP) And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
b. No sound of Weeping
i. joy of being in King’s Presence overshadow all sorrow
ii. King was the answer to all of one’s fears, needs etc.
iii. Death or banishment could result in pagan kings court
iv. Our KING - Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
2. Power of the King v. 2
a. Status – only 2 people could wear;
i. King or one That the King gave the ring to
b. Strength
i. signature or authority – wrote as the King
ii. stamp of approval
Luke 15:20-24 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
c. Security
i. Only one who could take it off was the one who put it on!
ii. Romans 8:35-38 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
C. E & M’S CONSTRAINMENT Vs. 3-6
1. Reality of Deliverance Experienced Vs. 3-5
a. Both Knew that they were no longer in danger
b. Safest thing – forget the rest of the Jews
c. No hope for them anyway
d. What would you think of some one
i. speeding toward a bridge that was out
ii. suddenly out of darkness a person stood in path – flag
iii. slid on breaks; still hit the man; jumped out; dieing breath
iv. bridge is out – sure death – tell those who are coming
v. instead of telling – turned away and rejoiced at on safety
vi. everyone behind you would surely die!!
Coward? Criminal? – No word to strong
2. Desperation of Undelivered is Exposed V. 6
Romans 9:1-3 (MSG) At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. 2 It’s an enormous pain deep within me, and I’m never free of it. I’m not exaggerating—Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It’s the Israelites... 3 If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I’d do it in a minute. They’re my family.
D. KING’S ENCOURAGEMENT Vs. 7-8
1. Remember Your Enemy is Defeated V. 7
a. Haman the Jew hater is dead
i. skirmishes still to be fought – war is won!!
ii. can now fight in victory when before fought in defeat
b. Devil our Archenemy is beaten
i. Calvary was to be Satan’s triumph became his tomb!!
ii. Death and sin were defeated there & Satan’s time limited
c. we too have some skirmishes but we fight in victory
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2. Remember Your Resources are Unlimited V. 8a
a. Esther 8:8 (MSG)
So go ahead now and write whatever you decide on behalf of the Jews; then seal it with the signet ring." b. Our King has made us the same offer
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
3. Remember Your Requests are Conditional v. 8b
a. Mordecai could not violate or cancel a preceding order
i. no man ever issued an order or said a thing that is infallible
b. Our King also has conditions
John 14:13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
c. Repeats it in a very clear statement
John 14:14 If you shall ask any thing in my name,
I will do it.
d. James 4:2-4 You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not. 3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. 4 You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
E. MORDECAI’S ENGAGEMENT Vs. 9-14
A. Followed the King’s Instructions Vs. 9, 11-12
1. Did not Cancel the Decree, -issued a new one same day
2. Now they had authority to stand and fight
i. prior to this decree resistance would’ve been met w/army
ii. now Army and officials could choose to help Jews or kill
B. Utilized the King’s Resources Vs. 10, 14
1. Sad truth is that many Christians never utilize
2. Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
F. MORDECAI’S ENDORSEMENT Vs. 15-17
1. He Walked in His Authority Vs. 15a
a. Put on His Royal Garments
b. Mordecai went out from the presence of the king
2. People Witnessed his Walk Vs. 15c
a. Diff was when Haman strutted people saw him!
b. When Mordecai went out the people saw the King!!!
3. His Walk Encouraged Others Vs. 16 -17
a. Jews had 4 things
1) light – prosperity; glow of God’s blessings
2) gladness – joy in worship; joy > Lord; joy > provision
Psalms 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Psalms 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3) joy – glee that welcomes others; cheerfulness that draws
4) honor – value & dignity
b. Gentiles Became Jews
1) Because they could see the King Blessings on Mordecai.
2. Because they cold see the King’s Person on Mordecai
ENRICHMENT
ADVANCEMENT
ENCOURAGEMENT
ENGAGEMENT
ENDORSEMENT
