The Good and Sovereign Rule of God a. God places us in time and space for His good purposes. b. Even when we cannot see him, God works for the good of his people. c. God moves sovereignly to keep his covenant promises. d. God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. e. God works when his people pray.

Esther 8:1-2 Jesus binds the strong man (Satan) & plunders his house (Mk 3:27). Does that mean that Christians always get rich in this life? No, Christians may be wealthy, but this points to a future glory – Christians will share in the inheritance with Christ

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Rom 8:16-17)

Esther 8:3-6 - She is not satisfied with wealth. She does not just sit back in her newly-found comfort. She cannot be comforted by wealth – she weeps and pleads with the king. “How can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people?” (v. 6) She cannot be silent in the face of this edict of death that Haman wrote.

We should be thankful for God’s blessing but cannot be satisfied by our comfort. We should have a conviction against the wrongs around us. Abused children, single mothers raising their children, the utter disregard for the unborn, the powerful devouring the weak.

Our love for God compels us to be like him: a father to the fatherless, a defender of weak, seeking justice and goodness If we are truly going to follow Christ, we will spend time helping others? We will give money to ease suffering. We will bow before God to plead for salvation for the lost to.

Look at the influence of one woman and one man have on an entire nation.

Esther 8:7-14 Problem: the Jews could kill the family of their attackers? A response to Haman’s edict, perhaps a deterrent against attack – they didn’t.

Haman wrote an edict of death. Mordecai wrote an edict of life.

Esther 8:15-17 – When the righteous rule, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Prov 29:2)

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Matthew 5:13a)

The righteous influence of God’s people Do not be pacified by comfort – one way to lose saltiness Fan the flame of conviction for what is right Sacrifice time, money, and emotion to do good Intercede in prayer for others

Father’s Day: Esther 2:7 – One of God’s calling on men is to take on responsibility – especially for providing for and raising children.

Mordecai’s younger cousin was orphaned, so he saw the need and raised her. Mordecai was “bringing up” Esther, for she had neither father nor mother. Hebrew word: aman’ – means to support, sustain, to be faithful.

Support – providing for needs – financially AND time Sustain – being a source of strength – being there in struggles Faithful – being a person your family can depend on

Men, one of God’s primary calling for us is to be a strong support of our families. We are called to be a source of faithful providence and guidance.

The word aman’ can also mean “to believe in” Men, our words to our children have incredible power to build up or tear down. Be careful how you speak to your children. Use your words to build confidence in your children.

Supporting, sustaining, faithful, and believing.