Waves of Destiny

Waves of Destiny

“ Who knoweth whether thou art come into the kingdom for such a time as this?” These powerful words rang in the ears of Queen Esther, uttered forcefully by her beloved guardian and cousin, Mordecai the Jew. Taken from Esther 4:14, this eternal challenge formed the basis for our sermon on Sunday given by sister Poh Gaik.

The story of Esther is largely based on destiny, and in an exciting narrative shows how a series of “coincidences” overturned an alarming threat of extinction for the entire Jewish people into a great victory for them. In an unprecedented turn of events, the royal Queen Vashti was deposed for an act of disobedience to the mighty King of Persia. A search was called in all the land to find a new beauty who would be queen, and to the surprise of everyone, a poor, orphan Jewish girl was chosen, and she quickly rose to become queen of the most powerful empire in all the earth. Coincidentally, a wicked man called Haman also rose to power at that time and he, offended by a certain stubborn Jew who refused to bow to him, launched an evil plan to exterminate the entire race of God’s people.

Mordecai the Jew immediately turned to his precious child, Esther for help, but she was at first horrified at the thought of approaching the king unbeckoned, something no one ever did. He persuaded her further and drew attention to the possibility that it was destiny that brought her there, and she agreed soberly to do her best to help, but called for a fast by all the Jews to invoke divine power and favor. On the third day, Esther risked her life in approaching the king unbidded, but he showed favor to her, sparing her life, and even offering her up to half his kingdom. Wisely and patiently, she invited the king and Haman to a special banquet where she would present her request. That same night, the king himself coincidentally could not sleep, and called for the book of the Chronicles, the record of his reign to be brought in and read to him. Here, he discovered that Mordecai the Jew had uncovered a plot to kill him, yet was never rewarded for saving the life of the king. Coincidentally again, Haman happened to be there the next day, and the king asked him what should be done for a man who pleased the king. Haman, arrogantly thinking it was himself, suggested a lavish parade for the man in the city, and to his horror, Mordecai received that very glory. Shortly after, at the banquet, Queen Esther revealed to the king the evil plan of Haman to exterminate all the Jews, including herself, and the king’s rage could not be contained. Haman was hanged, and a new order was decreed which gave the Jews the upper hand, and they vanquished their enemies with ease.

Throughout the book of Esther, there is not a single mention of God or prayer, yet God’s hand is so clearly and marvelously at work behind the scenes at all times. A great man once said, there are no coincidences, only God’s appointments.

Some lessons on Esther

-         Each one of us is placed exactly where we are because of God’s will (Like Esther, let us be willing and ready to do his will with all that we have)

-         God is in control at all times (We must trust God always, in any circumstance)

-         God has strategic vessels (like Esther) in position to carry out His plans, but cannot carry it out without vital links (like Mordecai) (Keep in prayer and readiness to join God in His work at any time)

-         God’s promises are always fulfilled (Mordecai was confident the Jews would not be exterminated, even if Queen Esther did not rise up)

-         It is important to wait for God’s timing. Esther waited for the opportune time to present her request to the king

-         Arrogance and boastfulness help one along towards his destruction (Haman)

 God bless,

Jason