A Passionate Plea

If you have your bibles open them up to Esther chapter 8. Pray with me…

I have titled the message this morning A Passionate Plea…

So the story took a big turn last week didn’t it. We Saw Esther truly take a stand. We saw all that fasting, and most likely praying, be put into action, by taking a stand for her people, resulting in the death of Haman. And that unfolded by her standing up for what was right by her calling out the evilness of the plan of Haman, and telling the King this man haman has put a literal death sentence on myself and my people, and we saw the consequences of her taking that stand, and Haman in a moment of fear went to plea for his own life to Esther rather than the king resulting in his death. Because he went to the foot of the queen alone, resulting in the king thinking he was trying to harm his queen, and what we saw was the gallows that were built for Mordecai ended up being the gallows that Haman hung on himself, and so we see in the story appear to turn in the favor of the Jews. But what we didn’t see last week was the reversal of the Edict that Haman had made. See Haman may be dead, but unfortunately the edict is still alive and well, and we see today that the death sentence is still on the heads of the Jews, yet Esther is not just satisfied with Haman’s death, her goal is still to save her people.

And if I could have you see just the main idea for the moment, it would be..

Esther pleads with the king to save her people, resulting in a new edict filled with hope.

Lets unpack this story together this morning , and see what God is trying to teach us.

First two verses says this…

Esther 8:1–2 ESV

1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

Few points this morning to take note of to supplement that main idea the first is this..

Haman’s loss becomes Esther’s and Mordecai’s gain.

Here the king learns something we have already known and that is Mordecai’s and Esthers realationship. And I am sure he begins to peace together some things because of the realationship.

Now remember, haman met the fate that he so desired Mordecai to have. He wanted Mordecai to lose his life in the same place he lost his, and you could say he got what was coming to him, because he came up with this horrific plan to have the jews fully executed. And what happened to him was just justice after all, because his death satisfied the king truly, and during that time if you were executed for a crime, someone else got all of your stuff.

So the consequences of the Haman’s actions came back on his family, now if you have followed along closely you know his family, and friends are not necessarily innocent in all of this. Remember, they often fueled Haman’s anger, and they paid for price for it as well.

And the one who got all his stuff was the king. ( Now even historians during the time noted that if someone was a traitor which is what Haman was deemed to be, the King would get to do whatever he wanted with his stuff, even his own family. )

So what the King does is he gives Esther and Mordecai everything that Haman had, and we know by studying this book he was one who had an abundance of possessions. So Esther who had really anything she could ever desire now had even more, because she had Haman’s property, his slaves, his wealth, and even Haman’s family.

And Mordecai appears to have just slid into Haman’s old role, as second in charge, receiving the ring once wore by Haman. If you are Esther, and Mordecai you think this is really great. We seem to be ok, but the reality is this death sentence is still hanging over the head of their own people, and something needs to be done.

And so we see Esther again go to the king. Listen to text..

Esther 8:3–6 ESV

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

second point this morning is this…

Esther pleads for her people.

She is really taking the responsibility of being a mediator seriously. So she again approaches the King and falls down at his feet. You see the passion in the text of her for her people. She didn’t just want Haman dead, she wants her people alive, and she want’s the death sentence removed that Haman brought against her people. And the King offerers her again his golden scepter signifying the fact that I hear you you can come and make your plea to me.

And so Esther uses her intelligence, and her beauty to really plead with the king here. Notice what she says… If key word I it please the king ( She is putting it on him and remember she told him already that if all the Jews are killed then you will take a great loss ) Then she shifts again with the word if… If I have found favor in your sight, which we know the queens beauty mesmerized the King, she goes on to add another if… If the things seem right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let us write an edict to revoke the letter that Haman wrote.

Remember the one that put a death sentence on my people, I can’t bear for this to actually happen, so if you love me king, you will revoke this..

And last week I mentioned the fact that a reversal of this Edict puts a king in a tough spot, because it tells his people, hey I was wrong for sending this out, my bad, should not have done that, kinda got tricked, that would not be a good look for this king.

So what could be done, what could be done to save Esthers people yet make it look like the King is not a total idiot.

Lets read on…

Esther 8:7–10 ESV

7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king’s ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s ring cannot be revoked.” 9 The king’s scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king’s service, bred from the royal stud,

Third point this morning is this…

The King allows a new edict to be written and sent out.

We learn something here in the text, and that is if an edict was written in the name of the king and sealed with his ring it cannot be revoked. To Esthers heart this isn’t good. Now to me it seems easier to just go against the rule that a king cant go against something he has said. I am sure you have went back on your word, and maybe just said your sorry, but the King did not want to do that.

But the King is still allowing a new edict to be sent out, so what is sent out must at least address the other edict somehow, and The King gives permission to do this to send it out to all of the providences in his name.

So what do they write? What does it say…

Esther 8:11–14 ESV

11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods, 12 on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king’s service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel.

Forth point to take note of this morning is this…

The new edict provides a message of hope.

If this edict looks familiar its because it looks a lot like the edict written by haman towards the jews, but now gives them the right to fight back if they attacked. See the old Edict did not allow the people to defend themselves, but now its written is such a way that really becomes an all out civil war. So two months after the original edict was written this is now in place.

Now at least the Jews had a fighting chance, and if we have learned anything throughout this book, they have the greatest defender of them all God. And the fact that they now have a fighting chance gives them hope. Now I think the words of the edict being so similar is interesting, now you might notice that this edict extends to women and children much like the other one, and you might have asked yourself, how can this type of edict come from someone who claims to be on God’s side.

Well for one we are not in that context, and cant truly know why they included it but I believe like one commentator these very words, Mordecai’s decree reverses Haman’s and therefore turns that promise of destruction back onto the enemies of the Jews, who were seeking to destroy them. Mordecai’s decree echoes the command of the Lord himself, who throughout the Old Testament declared holy war on the enemies of his people. Because that promise of destruction included the wives and children of the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15, so should the Hebrew be read in Mordecai’s decree in Esther 8:11.

Lets keep reading…

Esther 8:15–17 ESV

15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

If you remember after the first edict, many jews were crying out because of the fate they were dealt including Mordecai who was once in sackcloth and ashes, but he is now wearing the kings robes, and a crown something Haman never got to do for himself, and he got to make his own edict calling for a fight if someone attacked the Jews. People were no longer afraid to call themself jews because of this news anymore, but they knew they could fight back, and I believe they knew God was on their side, and he was in control.

Folks what I have always wanted you to see during this study of Esther is God is in control of everything.

In fact that is your 5th point today.

God is in control of everything.

That statement can’t just be a cliche either. Its something that we must understand. He is not in control of just the weather, or live or death, but everything. Something I read this week that I believe will be helpful to you is this… God administers the power and placement of his people.

Remember how the book starts off telling the reader of the greatness of Xerxes. Telling of all his riches, and that he controlled 127 provinces that expanded across the world. One man said.. But when we arrive at Esther 8, two of the three most powerful people in the Persian Empire are God's people. No matter how perceptive any reader might claim to be, only God saw that coming because he was an active participant in making it happen.

It didn’t surprise the Lord when Xerxes had this great power, because he gave it him, in fact one man said.. God does not just place his people in positions of power, but he places his enemies in their positions as well.

Remember he told Pharoah listen to Exod 9:16

Exodus 9:16 ESV

16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

He didn’t put Pharoah there to build this great empire, he put him in charge to show just how powerful God is.

In fact we see Jesus telling Pilate in John 19:11

John 19:11 ESV

11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Even people as strong as Pilate only have authority because the Lord granted it to them.

In fact the wisest man to ever live Soloman said in Prov 16:4

Proverbs 16:4 ESV

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

We must understand that God is in control.

One man said this, and I want you to ponder his words..

Take just a moment to bask in God's om.nip.ot.ence and sovereignty. And be encouraged that no matter who is the "current ruler of the land" in any land and at any time, God not only brings a person up but also brings a person down and moves his people into positions of power for his purposes.

We can clearly see God in in control today despite all the evil in this world Col 1:15-17 says

Colossians 1:15–17 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Can you see what I saw through the scriptures? That God is in control not just in the situation in Esther, but over everything, and that should change how you look at everything.

As we think about this story I can’t also help but mention something I have already mentioned before, and that is this..

6th point today.

Jesus is the mediator that we need.

If you don’t know what a mediator is a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.

So how does that work for believers? I think its best to let scripture explain it. If you flip to the right to the new testament Hebrews chapter 4 starting in verse 14 says this..

Hebrews 4:14–5:10 ESV

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

We have a God who as the text says.. Is the great high priest who offered up himself to the point of death who is alive. Who can relate to us and who is without sin. Who followed God perfectly in order that he be the source of life.

He sits in our place before God, so that we can be confident coming to him before all things.

John Piper would say.. “Jesus knows the battle. He fought it all the way to the end. And he defeated the monster every time.”

The Jews in the moment have the same problem we all have, and that is a death sentence, because the wages of sin is death, but as you can clearly see in the text in Hebrews we have an edict of life for those who believe in him.

We have someone who goes in our place like Esther did for her people, Christ goes before God as the priest, as the prophet, and as the king and he gives life to those who are his, and his are those who believe, but belief is not the end of the Christian life. In fact its only the beginning. I heard it like this…

Our salvation is not just an end in itself. May God use our being reconciled to him as a means of advancing the gospel in and through us, and then God will receive great glory.

Last point today is this…

Christians should be people who plead to God for the salvations of the lost and share the gospel.

In the book of Esther we see this pleading from her that her life and her peoples lives would be saved. And we should do the same. In fact reading this week. I read that the apostle Paul was one who pleaded for his own people.

In the book of Romans we see him say this in chapter 9.

Romans 9:1–3 ESV

1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Paul loved his people so much that he himself would take a curse on so his people would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I am not sure many of us would offer that to our people, let alone even our family, because if you are Christian you truly know how precious the gift of eternal life its.

But Paul shows us something that we need to see and that is we need to be broken for those who don’t know Jesus Christ. If you remember many months ago I talked about all the people in this area that don’t know Jesus, and all the people who are far from him and his bride his church, and yet we keep on living our lives in such a way were we so often do not live with the since of urgency of someone like Paul.

Now if you are familiar with CHURCH history there is man named Adoniram Judson, and he once said something, that pierced my heart which i read this week, “How do Christians discharge this trust committed to them? They let three-fourths of the world sleep the sleep of death, ignorant of the simple truth that a Savior died for them.Content if they can be useful in the little circle of their acquaintances, they quietly sit and see whole nations perish for lack of knowledge.”

Idk about you but that stings me. Because not only are many perishing around the world but many perishing in my own neighborhoods, and around this church, and i dont believe I am doing enough to get the message of the gospel to them. all of us have unique relationships try to make sure and tell everyone about Jesus, and plead with God in the same desperation that Esther did when she went to the king, and when Paul wished that his own people would know Jesus as well.

Can I ask you to respond to something that I read this and join me as I do all the things as well? These are not in your notes that is provided but reach out to me if you want them for yourself, and didn’t get to take note of them let me know…

Respond to this text by pleading to the Lord on behalf of someone or even on behalf of an entire group of right now that they would know the Lord? We all know people who don’t know Jesus start praying for them, pray for certain groups of people. Pray through our daily prayers with us. pleading to the Lord on behalf of someone or even on behalf of an entire group of right now that they would know the Lord.

Respond to this text by persevering in your pleading. Man I have to many times given up in my prayers on someone or something, and I am encouraged that Esther kept pleading for her people, and Jesus pleads for me.

Finally respond to this text by praising God for his power and his intercession. I dont want you to leave here today without understanding just how powerful our God is.

Isaac Watts said in the Hymn I Sing the Almighty Power of God. These words…

I sing the almighty power of God, That made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, And built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained The sun to rule by day; The moon shines full at God’s command, And all the stars obey.

Truly this is something we must see.

I cant help but ending our time today without addressing one little sentence at the end and I am not sure if you caught this or not, but at the end of the chapter it said. Many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them. Let me say something about this clearly, you can’t pretend something that you are not. You can’t pretend something you are not. Many people claim Christ and dont truly belong to him. You must have a personal relationship with him.

Do you know the one who is the only person who can intercede between God and man? That is Jesus Christ. Friends I have said this before, but Esther can’t save you, Mordecai can’t save you, the rulers of world can’t save you only Jesus can. and only by a realationship with him can you be saved. Respond today to the word of God, and let us pray…