A Better Party at a More Glorious Table

Introduction

Bottom Line

Jesus’ kingdom is far more beautiful and worth giving ourselves to for his glory.

Read Passage: Esther 1:1-9

Passage:

Esther 1:1–9 ESV

Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.

1. King Ahasuerus' Prideful Party (v. 1-4)

The book opens by giving the setting for the events.

Who: King Ahasuerus, the King of Persia (he’s also King Xerxes)

When: He ruled from 486-465 BC-This was during the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews. Some Jews had returned to Jerusalem, but others remained in exile, which must have included Esther and Mordecai.

Where: in the capital city of Susa

The book begins describing a 6 month party King Ahasuerus throws to celebrate himself.

This happens in the 3rd year of his reign, so it would have been about 483 BC.

He had his army and all of his officials at the party

He did this all to display the “glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.”

He didn’t want anyone in government or the army to doubt that he was the greatest leader and he deserved their honor and respect.

King Ahasuerus was convinced he was worthy of being the object of worship.

2. King Ahasuerus' Party for his People (v. 5-8)

If a 180 day party wasn’t long enough, following that, the King hosted another 7 day long banquet.

This banquet was for all the people who served in the fortress. Essentially it was a banquet for all the people who had just served to make the 180 party enjoyable for everyone else.

The descriptions of the of the decorations, including gold and silver couches, are all given to show the extravagance of the king and the riches of his kingdom.

Each cup was different and a royal edict declared there was no restriction to the amount of alcohol that each person could be served.

Eat, drink and be merry for you can trust the king and his kingdom. He wanted all of his servants to know he was worthy of their commitment.

3. Queen Vashti's Party for the Palace Women (v. 9)

But wait, there’s more. Queen Vashti decided to have her own party for the women of the palace.

We’ll get to more of that next week.

Application

1. The biggest empire built on earth will pale in comparison to God's kingdom .

2. Lasting worth is found in worshiping God, not seeking worship from others.

3. The Lord's Supper reminds us to forsake the fame and glory of this kingdom and live for the glory of God above all things.

While everything around us competes for our affection and attention, coming to the Lord’s Table reminds us we’re giving our lives to something more beautiful.

It points back at the reality that our King has given his life as the ransom necessary to redeem us.

It points forward to a kingdom and a home for us that’s eternal. This week I couldn’t help but be reminded of the book of Revelation and a celebration God’s people will be a part of.

Revelation 19:6–10 ESV

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Questions to Consider

1. What is competing for your worship?

Everything around you is competing for your affection and attention. What captivates you and draws you in that might not be leading you toward Jesus?

2. What does your life invite people to worship?

What are you celebrating?

What are you pointing people toward?

What are you finding satisfaction in?

3. How can you encourage others to find hope in Jesus?

Be present

Carry burdens

Have spiritual conversations-Don’t settle for less significant things all of the time.

Challenge

Consider the spiritual disciplines you practice. Make a plan for growth in Christ this year.