ESTHER 4-5 –
GOD’S
·
Esther’s
acceptance of her assignment-- intercession on behalf of her people
·
Haman’s pride leading to his demise
I.
God commissioned Esther . . .assigned her, appointed her. . .
a. for such a time as this (thru Mordecai’s
request of Esther (see vs. 4:8)
II.
Esther responds . . . .If I perish. . . I
perish! (vs. 4:16b)
a.
Recognizes
God’s favor (see 2.9, 2:15 favor with
all)
b.
Puts
aside her fear (see vs. 4:11); Shows
her courage!
c.
Seeks
God--Called for people to fast/pray 3 days for her (vs. 4:16)
d.
Puts
on her royal finery (vs. 5:1) – dresses for success! Her rightful position!
e.
Responds
to God’s call – her assignment; her appointment—she did it AFRAID!
III.
God went ahead of Esther and
prepared the way
God prepared the King to show favor
to Esther
a.
The King immediately showed favor as soon as he saw Esther (vs. 5:2)
b.
30
days since she had seen him
c.
Rule was that you could be
killed for going uninvited (vs. 4:11)
d.
See 2:15, 17 – God prepared the King to give
Esther what she wanted (vs. 5:3)
e.
See
also Vashti – some regrets – remember vs. 2:1
IV.
God directed Esther’s steps
a.
Esther waited -- 2nd banquet to expose Haman
(vs. 5:4,8) – Wisdom & Authority
b.
Haman’s pride and anger
grew and he became more power hungry (vs. 5:9-5:13)
V.
Sin will always reveal itself – Haman’s pride – he got greedy!
a.
Sin
always recruits a crowd – (vs. 5:10, 14)
b.
Haman wanted to be 1st – not 2nd in
command (witness vs. 6:7-9)
c.
His
blinding pride – see vs. 6:7-9 Use what the King uses. . . .
VI.
Haman’s Pride
a.
Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit precedeth a fall – Prov. 16:18
b.
3 sins – lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride
of life—1 John 2:16
c.
7 things
God hates – Proverbs
6:16-19 – pride (proud tongue), lying, false accusers.
. .
VII.
God’s
a.
“Foreseeing”,
“Providing for the future
b.
God’s continuous activity whereby
He makes all events work out according to His
purposes.