Major Themes in Esther: I. Idolatry Leads to Destruction: a. It is short-lived and unsatisfying. b. Its inability to satisfy drives him into a rage. c. It will end in his destruction.

II. 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. i. The king chooses Esther (2:17) ii. Mordecai overhears a plot (2:21-23) iii. Esther won the favor of the king (5:2) iv. Haman walks in as the king ponders (6:4) v. The king rewards Mordecai (6:10) vi. Haman’s begging is seen as assault (7:8) vii. Mordecai is exalted (8:2)

Esther 6:1-13 – The Sleepless King and the Providence of God Coincidence or divine sovereignty?  It just so happens that Mordecai overheard a plot against the king.  It just so happened that the king could not sleep the night before Haman asks to execute Mordecai.  The scribe just happened to read the chronicles of Mordecai’s heroic act.  Haman happened to come in as the king pondered how to reward Mordecai

These are not coincidences; but the sovereign hand of God protecting his people.

We comprehend him not, Yet earth and heaven tell, God sits as sovereign on the throne, And ruleth all things well. – Paul Gerhardt

God is quietly overruling all pagan attempts to destroy his people. In the face of this wicked desire to annihilate the Jews, God is committed by covenant to accomplish his plan of worldwide redemption and new creation. God will not allow his people to be destroyed. He will keep his covenant promises. Through these people God will provide the Savior of the world.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.

God is faithful to keep his covenant promises. He acts with sovereign power to thwart wicked plans to kill his people. He acts with sovereign power to save his people – even in a pagan nation. He acts with sovereign power to provide the Savior of the world.

The Good & Sovereign Rule of God  Even when we do not see him, God works for the good of his people.  God overrules wicked plans to deliver his people.  God rules sovereignly to keep his covenant promises to provide the Savior of the world.

In the New Testament, Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Mt 6:10 Your kingdom come, establish your loving rule over all the earth. your will be done, Do your good and perfect will on earth as it is in heaven. just as the angels do your will in heaven, perfectly accomplish your will on earth.

What are we doing that is NOT God’s will? • Living separate, selfish lives

What would we be doing if we were doing God’s will? • Doing good, being loving, being selfless, sharing the gospel, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.