Freed Up to Fight Back

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Freed Up to Fight Back

Esther 8:1-17

November 7, 2018 • Jeff Lyle

When Jesus taught His listeners the value of learning how to turn the other cheek, was He instructing us to never, ever fight back? Is pacifism a pillar of the Gospel? A comprehensive view of what the Bible says about fighting back does not leave the Christian in a position of being a doormat to his or her enemies. There are times when God calls us to protect and defend our lives. Scripture even goes so far as to declare that the Lord is “a man of war” (Exodus 15:3). In the continuing story of Esther and the Jews, there is still a date on the calendar when they will be attacked by their enemies. This message reveals the amazing providence of God and how He leads His children to fight back against a hostile assault on their well-being. We can also learn much about how we are to fight our battles.

The Pathway To Celebration

November 14, 2018 • Jeff Lyle

The story of Esther began with orphanhood, powerlessness and a seemingly silent God. In this final message, we witness the undeniable reversal by her God who, though invisible and quiet, was relentlessly working for Esther’s good. Now she is the most powerful woman in the land and, together with Mordecai, was positioned to save a generation of the Hebrew people. The story of the Christian also holds pain, loss and seasons where we find no visible evidence that God might be moving on our behalf. Yet, when the final chapter finds us, we will experience the thrill of our perfect victory, the fullest overcoming of every one of our enemies, and a never-ending reign in glory alongside our King. The pathway to our celebration is full of danger and battle. For those who never retreat, the victory is promised.

The Rock-Bottom of Rebellion

October 31, 2018 • Jeff Lyle

When we have been wronged, we all want justice. And we typically want it in a right-now type of action from God. Esther and Mordecai have been patiently waiting on the Lord to bring deliverance to the Jews. Haman has seemingly gotten away with his wicked plans. Yet, God is now going to completely reverse the course of all that is happening. God will balance the scales of justice in an astounding way. Rebellion against God will not go unaddressed. Haman is a wicked rebel and is about to find out what it means to hit a rock-bottom from which he will never bounce back.

What A Humbling Looks Like

October 24, 2018 • Jeff Lyle

Let’s admit it: we get frustrated when the bad guys win and good guys lose. We usually prefer quick justice. Haman, the proud and dangerous anti-Semite keeps walking in victory while the Jews are all about to die. In this message, we see the sovereign hand of God begin to turn the tide against evil Haman. Fewer things prove to be more satisfying in the book of Esther than the events in this chapter. We learn why it is so important to wait on God to take care of our enemies. He may seem to move slowly at times, but it is glorious when His moves begin to make sense.