ESTHER – THE RIGHT TIME, PLACE AND REASON

 

In September, Pastor Jensen will begin an 11-part message series entitled, “Esther – The Right Time, Place and Reason” based on the book of Esther.  The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon around 587 B.C.  Babylon was conquered by the Persian empire in 539 B.C. and the following year, the Persian king (Cyrus the Great) allowed the people of Judah to return home.  However, some exiles chose not to return home.  The story of Esther involves a group of those who chose not to return home but lived in the Persian capital of Susa.  In this historical narrative filled with many twists and turns like a suspenseful novel, one sees the hand of God at work.  The Lord uses Esther and her cousin Mordecai to save His people in Persia from annihilation at the hands of the wicked Haman.  The key verse in this book consists of Mordecai’s advice to Esther – “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

 

On a literary note, the Book of Esther is divinely crafted into an “inverted parallel structure” which means that it highlights a successive reversal of fortunes.  Here are the themes and messages we will share from the book of Esther.  Note the reversal of fortunes in this book’s literary structure as presented in the themes and messages we will cover.  Note:  A-E and E’-A’ emphasize the inverted parallel structure.      

 

A  The Pitfalls of Persia’s Prideful King

    “The Pitfalls of Pride that Tempt the Powerful” (1:1-22)

B     Esther becomes Queen and Mordecai Saves the King

        “Witness Divine Deliverance through a Dynamic Duo – Part 1” (2:1-23)

C         Haman is Elevated to Power and Decrees the Destruction of God’s people

            “An Evil Man Has an Evil Plan That’s Quite Grand” (3:1-15)

D             Esther and Mordecai Consider Reversing Haman’s Decree [4:1-17]

               “For Such a Time as This, Be Willing” (4:1-17)

E                Esther’s First Banquet and Haman Plans Mordecai’s Execution

                   “Human Intention and Divine Direction – Part 1” (5:1-14)

X                    THE PIVOT: Haman is Humiliated & Mordecai is Exalted

                      “What Goes Around Comes Around!” (6:1-14)

E’               Esther’s Second Banquet and Haman Executed Instead of Mordecai

                     “Human Intention and Divine Direction – Part 2” (7:1-10)

D’             Esther and Mordecai Carry out a Plan to Reverse Haman’s Decree

                “For Such a Time as This, Get Going!” (8:1-8)

C’        Mordecai’s Rise to Power and Counter Decree to Save God’s People

           “A Godly Man and God’s Saving Plan That is Truly Grand! (8:9-17)

B’    Esther and Mordecai Save the God’s People

        “Witness Divine Deliverance through a Dynamic Duo – Part 2” (9:1-19)

A’ The Blessings for God’s Humble Servant, Mordecai

     “The Grace of God that Blesses the Godly” (9:20-10:3)

 

In the 2020’s, we have experienced some unprecedented events in our nation and in our world.  God’s people will increasingly need to stand up strong for Him in the face of evil.  Could it be that He is calling us to “not be silent” and stand up against evil “for such a time as this?”  The Book of Esther demonstrates the gracious sovereign hand of God working through His people as they follow His lead and take a stand for what is right.  We invite you to join us this Fall at the 8:00 or 10:30 AM Worship Service as we dig into this fascinating story of God’s providential protection and His servants’ willingness to serve for such a time as this--at the right time, place and reason.