For Such a Time As This

Nathan Ritchie

God at Work in the BAckground • Sermon • Submitted 6 months ago • Presented 6 months ago

Esther 3–5

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The Adversary

Haman the Agagite was a decendent of the Amalakites, particularly of the king Agag, who was destroyed by Samuel.

God had promised war on the Amalakites from generation to generation because of their treatment of Israel in the Wilderness.

Exodus 17:14–15 “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner,”

Deuteronomy 25:17–19 ““Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.” See also 1 Samuel 15.

Haman’s pride and jealousy caused him to want to destroy both Mordecai and all the Jewish people. This was a scheme inspired by Satan and by “lot” it was set for the day before Passover.

The Admonition

Mordecai made Esther aware of the situation through his sorrow and public mourning.

Esther was challenged to go before the king. Her initial fear was for herself, but Mordecai reminded her of two important principles.

God will always keep His Word and deliever His people.

God places us in positions to serve Him and others, not ourselves.

Esther turned to the Lord for help and courage!

The First Appeal

The first appeal was to prepare the king for Haman’s exposure.

Haman, in his pride, gloried in his high position, but could not find joy as long as Mordecai refused to bow to him.