Closing Remarks

God at Work Behind the Scenes: Message Twelve of Esther Series

Esther 10:1-3.

ETS: God honored Mordecai’s commitment to serve others.

ESS: We should strive to serve God by looking out for others.

OSS: [MO: Consecrative] {SO: I want the hearers to commit to serving one another.} Cognitive: I want the hearers to know that God honors selfless service and sacrifice. Affective: I want the hearers to feel the joy of knowing God’s hand of provision about their life when they serve Him. Psycho-motor: I want the hearers to commit to serving one another in love, looking out for the good of those around them.

PQ: What takeaways do these final versus offer?

UW: Takeaways

Intro.:

TS: Let us examine a few takeaways together now.

God works even amidst wicked leaders. (v. 1)

King Ahasuerus was still king. He was not a godly man. He was a wealthy, powerful, selfish man. Remember chapter 1? He was king of the most powerful empire during his time, and he flaunted his wealth.

Yet, God worked in the kingdom even amidst the pagan leader.

APPLICATION: God still works even when evil leaders are leading. He is always at work behind the scenes.

God uses those who are often overlooked and considered unimportant by the world. (v. 3a)

Mordecai was now the second most important and powerful person in the kingdom of Ahasuerus. It didn’t begin that way, though.

To begin with, both Esther and Mordecai were “nobodies”. Yet, because of God’s favor and provision, they were granted positions of influence.

APPLICATION: Often, it is those whom the world considers unimportant and overlook that God uses the most. 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

God blesses those who look out for the good of others. (v. 3b)

Throughout the narrative, both Esther and Mordecai looked out for the Jews and spoke on their behalf. They constantly displayed selflessness.

This verse details that Mordecai “continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants.” Thus, he continued this selflessness.

APPLICATION: As seen throughout the narrative, God blesses those who look out for others. When we live selfless lives, putting others before ourselves, God honors it.

Conclusion:

[1] Though God may not be mentioned in Esther, God is at work all throughout the narrative. In your own life, it may not be obvious that God is working, but He is constantly at work in your life.

[2] Perhaps you need encouragement today to know that God is working behind the scenes. Maybe you just need confidence before speaking on behalf of others to know that if you are doing so out of obedience to God, He will honor that and work through that.

[3] What hinders you from serving others today, remaining confident in God’s hand at work in your life?

A song comes to mind for me called, “God is in This Story” by Katy Nicole:

“God is in this story; God is in the details; even in the broken parts, he holds my heart, he never fails; when I’m at my weakest, I will trust in Jesus; always in the highs and lows, the One who goes before me- God is in this story...

If it reads like addiction If it reads like disease He's the One who frees the prisoner He's the healer of all things If it reads like depression If it reads broken home He's the One who holds your sorrow He won't leave you here alone”

Will you resolve today- that in your broken parts and the weakest moments- to let Him hold your heart and to trust in Him?