In a Sleepless Night

Danube International Church

Media

In a Sleepless Night

The Hiddenness of God

April 14, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 6

The sermon explores how a sleepless night for King Ahasuerus leads to a providential turn of events. Unable to sleep, the king orders the chronicles to be read, stumbling upon Mordecai's past deed of saving his life. This sets the stage for a series of ironies and reversals, culminating in Haman inadvertently honoring Mordecai instead of seeking his demise. Through this narrative, the sermon highlights God's hidden providence working through ordinary events to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

In the Courts of Kings

January 21, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 1

What does a lost Persian battle at Marathon and a king's rash rule making have to do with the Jewish people in exile? Esther chapter 1 explores and answers these questions. Listen and see how the seemingly Hiddenness of God is really about God at work even when we can't see it.

In Our Pain

January 28, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 2

How do you deal with painful situations in your life? Do you have a numbing solution of your choice? Esther chapter 2 explores the Hiddenness of God in our pain and challenges our solutions. How does Ahasuerus deal with his pain of a lost battle? How does Esther deal with the pain of living in exile without mother or father? Sometimes our pain and sin lead to compromise and we believe the world's false promises. But Esther's story reminds us that those things will not disqualify us from the opportunity for later obedience. God is not finished with us yet.

In the Pressure of Persecution

February 4, 2024 • Rich Millhouse • Esther 3

Esther chapter 3, explores the theme of "The Pressure of Persecution" and the chain reaction of decisions and actions. Haman's rise to power, Mordecai's refusal to bow down, and the subsequent plot to annihilate the Jews illustrates the power of destructive anger. However, just as an edict of destruction and murder is sent by couriers throughout the empire, so Jesus would proclaim an opposite message of healing, liberation and forgiveness sent out by his messengers, the church.