Today, we conclude with the amazing wrap up of “Esther: Silent Sovereignty.” Doomsday had been set for the destruction of the Jews (3:13). A counter-decree was issued (8:11-12). What would happen on the fateful day? What lessons are we to learn?
Providence Fulfills Promises
June 23, 2024 • Pastor Mark Johnson • Esther 8
Providence is God’s purposeful sovereignty or “the hand of God in the glove of history.” The entire Book of Esther, without mentioning God’s name, illustrates His providence fulfilling His promises to His people. As New Covenant believers, we rightly relish Romans 8:28. God’s people the Jews, even in their exile in the days of
Esther, could count on the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:3.
Esther 8 continued to sort out the fortunes of Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews in Persia. Notice the God sightings even though He is not mentioned directly!
Salvation Through Judgment
June 16, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 6:14—7:10
Psalm 73:27 promises that God will vanquish all his enemies. In Esther 7, God sovereignly brings the evil Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to an end. Though God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, themes of the gospel run throughout. We see that God delivers justice against all evil-doers, but provides grace for all sinners who turn from their sin and trust in him.
Tables are Turned
June 2, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 5:1—6:13
God certainly isn’t the only one who makes plans — we all like to think that we are in control and we all make plans for the future. However, God’s plans are the only ones that ultimately prevail (Landon Dowden, Esther). God can quickly and sovereignly turn the tables on our selfish dreams and goals. Esther shows us we can trust
that God uses seemingly insignificant events and the decisions of less-than-perfect people to fulfill his promises. We can take confidence in the fact that all of Satan’s plans will be frustrated, and all of God’s plans will be accomplished.
Where is God?
May 26, 2024 • Pastor Mark Johnson • Esther 4
The Book of Esther provides a powerful illustration of God’s sovereignty in “working all things together for the good…” (Romans 8:28). Surprisingly, God’s name does not appear in Esther. The account leaves “God shaped holes.” Nowhere are those holes more evident than in chapter 4; however nowhere is God more needed or more active. Do you ever ask, “Where is God?”
The Enemy of the Jews
May 19, 2024 • Pastor Mark Johnson • Esther 2:19—3:15
It is sad to see antisemitism growing in our country! Why is hatred of the Jews so rampant? How does “silent sovereignty,” the theme of Esther, provide comfort and hope in a world like ours?
Sovereignty in Sin and Suffering
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 2:1–18
On the surface, Esther 2 might sound like a fairy-tale. A beautiful Jewish lady is chosen by the rich King of Persia to be his Queen. However, on closer inspection, Esther 2 is a nightmare filled with great sin and suffering. We might wonder: “Is God still in control and does he still care for his people?” Answer: God is and he does. God’s sovereignty over sin and suffering means believers can experience security and peace no matter their circumstances.
Drinking Parties & Divine Providence
April 28, 2024 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • Esther 1
Welcome to our series in Esther: Silent Sovereignty! The name of God is not found in the book of Esther. He appears to be hidden. God’s people who were living in Persia may have wondered if God was really with them, or if he had abandoned them. However, the sovereign fingerprints of God are all over the book of Esther. In a chain of seemingly ordinary events, God fulfills his covenant promises through his providence. The book of Esther shows believers today that even through pagan rulers and ordinary events, God is ruling over all things for the benefit of his people and the glory of his name.
