Esther #3

Introduction:

Connection:

There’s a great scene in the Lord of the Rings—thousands upon thousands of orcs had stormed the people of Rohan at Helm’s Deep (the fortress that they were taking refuge in). The orcs broke down the outer gate and slaughtered many of the people of Rohan. The people had to retreat into the inner court of the castle—into the banquet hall. The King of Rohan had been without hope—hiding himself away while his own people were being destroyed by such wicked enemies. All hope seemed lost—the orcs had made their way to the banquet hall and they were breaking down the door.

It was at this point that the King and the fellowship decided to give their lives in battle—to ride and and to die with honour, not in shame while hiding away. If this was it, they were going to spend their lives fighting against the wicked foes—the orcs.

And as they rode out—outnumbered by the thousands—the sun was rising and they looked to the East—and there on the top of the hill stood a white horse with a white rider shining with glory and majesty—it was Gandalf who had summoned an entire army to come and bring deliverance to the people of Rohan! And it was so! Gandalf and the army rode down the hill to defeat all of the orcs and to bring victory and salvation to the people of Rohan in perfect timing!

Through this victory—there was redemption and reversal for the people of Rohan at Helms Deep. Though all hope seemed lost—Gandalf worked deliverance exactly when He had promised to.

Theme

Redemption and Reversal

Need

To learn to trust God to bring about His Full Redemption for the church and the Reversal of the schemes of our Enemies even in the midst of Suffering and Persecution.

Purpose

To Comfort the Saints in the Redemption that is secured by Jesus Christ our Great High Priest—to empower the Saints to fight against their spiritual enemies with the Word and Spirit—and to exhort the saints toward faithfulness as we continue our pilgrimage while in our spiritual exile; all the while pressing on with an unshakeable hope, knowing that when Jesus Christ returns He will bring full and final redemption and reversal for God’s people, the church.

Mention Text:

Esther 6:1-9:16 ESV

Summary/Recap of Last Week:

The Book of Esther takes place after the people of Israel had been sent into exile, judged by God—specifically, the Book of Esther is recounting the history of some of the exiles who remained in Persia, even after some Jews were permitted to return to the promised land.

Here is the plot recap from last week:

The King promotes Haman the Agagite and Mordecai grows in Boldness

The King is convinced by Haman and his plot to destroy the Jews

The King issues a Decree to Annihilate all the Jews in all of his Provinces

Mordecai and the Jews were Fasting with Weeping and Lamentation

Queen Esther and Mordecai Boldly form a Plan to Reverse the Decree

Queen Esther wins the Favor of the King and Seeks to Butter Him up

Haman Boasts in his Position and Plots to have Mordecai Hanged on a Gallows

This is where we pick up this morning—Haman has decided to present his plan to kill Mordecai to the King in the morning—but the King for some reason couldn’t sleep…

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

(1) The King Remembers and Honours Mordecai the Jew and Commands Haman to Reward him (6:1-11)

English Standard Version Chapter 6

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king’s young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Scripture tells us that God is sovereign over all things—and that He gives the gift of sleep at his will and in his timing. Thus when we see that the King had a spell of insomnia, especially in the context of this story in the Book of Esther—our ears should perk up and we should peel open our eyes to see God’s Providence and how He is going to move for His glory.

The King couldn’t sleep. So what did he do? Late into the night he gave orders to his servants to grab him the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles of the King—why?—probably to help him to sleep by boring him to death.

In God’s perfect providence and control—the King picked up the book that had Mordecai’s honourable deed recorded in it! All the way back in chapter 2:19-23 we are told that Mordecai saved the King from what was essentially an assassination! And remember what happened last week—Mordecai’s deed was “recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king” (2:23), but he wasn’t rewarded!

On the contrary, Haman the enemy of the Jews was rewarded! How could God allow such a thing to happen? Didn’t Mordecai deserve to be rewarded!? Yes—but God in his wisdom knew that for the purpose of redemption to be won, this reward needed to be delayed—until now.

And here we see it’s fulfillment—with a spell of insomnia the King reads of this heroic deed of Mordecai and says: “what reward has Mordecai recieved for this? And the response was: nothing has been done for him.

Let’s continue in verse 4:

English Standard Version Chapter 6

4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king’s young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?”

The King summoned Haman, who ironically and pridefully asks: “what should be done to the man whom the king delights to honour?” (v6).

Isn’t that great! God’s Providence is humorous at times. Here is wicked and prideful Haman assuming that He is going to receive more blessings from the King because of his great persona. Haman struts in ready to be blessed. Let’s continue:

English Standard Version Chapter 6

And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king’s most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’ ”

Not only does Haman outwardly expect a blessing from the King—he also says to himself that there is no one else in the Empire that the King delights more than me …

So Haman presents an elegant idea before the King—whoever the King delights to honour (thinking it was going to be himself), let royal robes from the king and a royal horse of the king and a royal crown be given. Let the King lavish this delightful servant with honour and nobility and let this servant be exalted in the sight of the people.

Haman was fully expecting this blessing to fall upon himself—Haman’s pride, in God’s providence, presented a plan that get’s entirely reversed! Haman comes in to present his plan to Kill Mordecai—and he presents a plan to bless himself—and let’s see what happens all because of a spell of insomia:

English Standard Version Chapter 6

10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

Wow. Imagine the fury and embarrassment that Haman would have experienced. Feel the irony! Haman’s very enemy was chosen by the King to be honoured and exalted—and Haman was appointed to be the one to bring the blessings of the robes and horses and crown and Haman himself had to proclaim this honour publically before the people!

God wasn’t idle—God was working all things for His glory, for the redemption of his people, through the reversal of the plans of his enemies! We must be patient and expectant that God has, is, and will work for His glory in all things—in his perfect and impeccable timing!

Let’s look at the second part of this story:

(2) Haman mourns the Blessings that have been Lavished upon his Enemy, Mordecai (6:12-13)

English Standard Version Chapter 6

12 Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

Haman runs back home mourning because of his pride, and he was so embarrassed that he couldn’t even lift his head in public (he had to have it covered).

Haman explained everything to his household and then his wife said: you moron! You’ve failed to kill Mordecai, and if Mordecai the Jew is in honour now, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.

What a great wife, aye?

Ironically—Haman’s wife knew that God had made covenant promises to God’s people and that if you bless them you will be blessed but if you curse them you will be cursed. God’s people are protected by God’s power, presence, and promises. Haman’s wife knew that if God was blessing Mordecai and Esther and the Jews—than no one could overcome them.

Note: Nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of Christ. The enemies of the people of God, the church of Jesus Christ, will all fall by the sword and will be crushed by the wrath of the Lamb—and that to curse the people of God is ultimately to curse the ultimate promised seed of Israel, Jesus Christ Himself who came to seek and save the lost—and those who curse Jesus, who are against Jesus, who fail to trust in Jesus—well, they will find Jesus coming against them on the last day, in his wrath and fury. Hear from Psalm 2:11-12

Psalm 2:11–12 ESV

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Jesus is the promised seed in whom all the promises are Yes and Amen—and to curse God’s people is to ultimately curse Jesus Christ who is the true Israel, the fulfillment of all the promises of the OT.

Beloved, you must run to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, you must kiss him in faith, trusting in His promised mercy and grace to all who believe—if you run to Jesus you will find refuge from the wrath to come, from sin, death, hell, judgement, and the devil—but if you fail to run to Jesus then He will dash you in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Oh to any and all who are here this morning—run to Jesus who is more ready to save you then you are to save yourself—all who go to Him will never be turned away—but if you don’t go to Him in faith, He will come to you in fury. Run to Jesus Christ the Godman who is the only Mediator between God and man, the only Saviour of humanity. “All who believe in Him shall never perish, but shall have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And for those who are trusting in Jesus you can rest secure, and God continues to call you to trust and obey and to walk with Him and for Him. Here this from one pastor:

Amen—if you are in a position of suffering and trial and hardship and pain—you can trust your God and Father who has proved in Jesus Christ the Son that He is faithful and gracious to you—if He has saved you, He will also guide you and protect you and ultimately will bring you home. Press on, beloved—through life’s firey trials—for the wicked shall surely fall—they will not overcome God’s people, because God’s Son is our Lord and Saviour.

Let’s continue to the third part of this story:

(3) Queen Esther presents her wish of Salvation for the Jews to the King and Reveals Haman’s Wicked Plot (7:1-6)

English Standard Version Chapter 6

14 While they were yet talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared.

7 So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”

Remember the 2nd Feast that Esther had planned with King Ahasuerus and Haman on the next day? Well here it is—but man, lot’s has happened overnight, hasn’t it!

The King and Haman and the Queen go in to feast—and at last Esther reveals her wish and plot of salvation for the Jews! She put’s herself on the line again, with godly risk and courage, trusting in Yahweh the Lord her God to help her and protect her. She says:

English Standard Version Chapter 7

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Esther doesn’t reveal at this point that she is Jewish, nor does she specify that it was the Jews who had been plotted against—she was easing her way into the much sought blessing from the King, in God’s Providence.

She says that her and her people had been sold to be destroyed and killed and annihilated—the holocaust that we saw law week.

The King in great fury arises and says: Who did this? Who has dared to do such a thing? Which is ironic because the King approved the Holocaust. Esther was being very careful with her words to seek to get the King’s blessing, not his curse. He wasn’t a very stable King, after-all. Nonetheless, Esther answer: it was a foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!

Esther had put her life on the line for God’s blessing of redemption and reversal—and in God’s perfect timing, the strings of the enemies of God were quickly being unravelled, and the King of kings and the Lord of lords was moving for His glory and for His people. Despite all of Esther and Mordecai’s failures and many compromises—the Lord graciously used them for His Kingdom Purposes.

Let’s continue:

(4) Haman begs for his Life but is hanged on the Gallows that he prepared for Mordecai which satisfies the Wrath of the King (7:7-10)

The Mega-Reversals continue! Pick up with me in verse 7:

English Standard Version Chapter 7

7 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king. 8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face

King Ahasuerus needs a minute—so he goes out into the garden and takes a chill pill—but in the meantime Queen Esther is harassed by Haman who begs for his life.

The text says that the king returned from his 5 minute breather and he saw Haman falling on the couch where Esther was—as he was begging for his life, which probably looked like something more than begging.

The King takes this as his final confirmation—Haman: will you assault the queen in my presence, in my own house? This was it—this was the fall of Haman the enemy of the Jews. The long-standing battle between Saul and Agag, now in Mordecai and Haman is coming full turn, and God’s promised curse upon the Agagites, Haman’s lineage, was proving true—his people would be judged and removed from the face of the earth. So what happens? Look at verse 9:

English Standard Version Chapter 7

9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” 10  So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.

Wow. The irony of these reversals just keeps getting better! Haman’s own wicked heart in planning to kill Mordecai, God’s son, upon a 75 foot tall gallows or pole—completely reversed—now Haman is hanged on his own gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai! And what is the fruit of all of this? The wrath of the King is satisfied—it is abated. Sound familiar?

Beloved—Satan is the ultimate enemy of God’s people who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he will devour—he is the father of lies, the god of this world who is blinding the unbelievers, he is the accuser of the righteous, the great deceiver and destroyer—and this Satan in his craftiness sets up a tree, a cross, and he seeks to destroy Jesus Christ the Son of God. Satan moves with all his might to kill Jesus Christ upon Calvary’s Cross. But the greatest reversal of all of history takes place at this very moment. The very tree that Satan puts up to kill Jesus upon is the very tree that destroys the works of the Devil—it is the very tree that accomplishes the redemption of the elect—it is the very tree that reversals the devils schemes upon his own head—it is the very tree whereby Jesus crushes the head of the Serpent—and what’s the fruit of this tree? The cross of Calvary? The wrath of the Father is satisfied and the mercy of the Father is secured for all who take Refuge in Jesus Christ the Lord and Saviour of mankind. The Apostle writes:

English Standard Version Chapter 3

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Run to Jesus—and trust in Jesus—for the true and ultimate and final redemption and reversal—He is faithful, sufficient, and worthy.

Let’s continue:

(5) Mordecai is Advanced to the place and position of Haman, and he receives the Signet Ring from the King (8:1-2)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

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.

Here we see that Queen Esther is blessed with a reign and rule over the enemies spoil and household—and Mordecai shares in this rule and blessing as he too is exalted and given the signet ring which once belonged to Haman. What a reversal!

Likewise, the Lord Jesus Christ after dying on the cross ascended to the right hand of the Father and He sent his Holy Spirit to apply the blessings of salvation and bring us into union with Christ our Lord—and as we are one with Him—we share in His heavenly reign and rule over all creation—we are blessed with Him with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places—and as bizarre at it might seem, we too will judge the world as we stand beside Jesus the ultimate Judge, as we share in His blessings of salvation, redemption, and reversal.

Only with saving refuge in Jesus on the Day of Judgment, saved from the wrath to come, and joined side-by-side with King Jesus—only here by faith can we rejoice in the hope of glory and cry out:

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! Nothing can stop our great King from accomplishes his saving purposes in this world—and the crazy thing is that He uses us as we share the Gospel and love our neighbour to bring the blessings of the Kingdom to all who believe.

Amen. Let’s continue:

(6) Queen Esther approaches the King again and a New Decree is Given which allows the Jew’s to Defend themselves from their Enemies (8:3-14)

English Standard Version Chapter 8

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?” 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.”

At last Esther reveals her Jewish identity, and pleads one final time for the deliverance and protection of the Jews, God’s people. Esther pleads four times: (1) if it please the King, (2) if I have found favour, (3) if the thing seems right, (4) and if I am pleasing in his eyes.

Craftily, heartily, and powerfully—Queen Esther wins the favour of the King once again—by the Providence and blessing of God Almighty—and a new Decree is put forward which allows the Jews in all the provinces to protect themselves—which secures their redemption and reversal.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

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, 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.

This Decree, with the seal of the King—secured the salvation of God’s people. And it was sent out speedily on swift horses with the command of the King.

The favour of the King was given by the favour of the King of kings—and thus God was faithfully fulfilling his promises to his covenant people even while they were in exile under pagan ruler. We too are God’s covenant people in exile in this fallen world, under pagan rulers, as we are waiting for the new heavens and new earth. Thus we can be confident, knowing that nothing comes to pass apart from the command of our God and Father—and as we seek His face, He has promised blessings from on high—in his perfect timing, for his perfect purposes. Seek the face of your God, Calvary—and He will pour out strength divine by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life.

The Decree is made for the self-defense of the Jews. What happens next? Let’s continue:

(7) The Jews rejoiced with Gladness and Honour in response to God’s saving plan through Esther and Mordecai (8:15-17)

Esther 8:15–17 ESV

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. The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 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.

Last week the people of God were weeping and mourning and lamenting over their suffering and persecution, over the sinful attacks upon them from the pagan world—but here, by God’s grace, and for God’s glory—they are filled with joy unspeakable for the saving acts of their God, who secures their protection and blessing and honour.

Oh beloved—as we journey through this barren land, oppressed by the wicked world—we must remember that weeping is for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Pain and suffering are temporary, but their end is blessing and bounty like no other. Hear from the Apostle Paul, who helps us to have this eternal perspective:

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

God help us Christians to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus our Saviour and the eternal life of eternal glory in the presence of our eternal God. God help us to be steadfast, to persevere, to press on—even through pain and hardship—as we spread the Gospel and live for the Kingdom—knowing that on the other side of glory is eternal joy and eternal reward in resurrection life without an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. This we know—God is Good and God is Sovereign and God is faithful to His promises—even to His people in exile.

Let’s look at the final part of the text for this morning:

(8) The Jews gained Victory over their Enemies and Destroyed all who tried to Kill them (9:1-16)

English Standard Version Chapter 9

9 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.

In God’s perfect timing the reverse occured, redemption came at last—the Jews gained mastery over their enemies—they defending themselves with Sword and Valor—and God protected them, blessed them, and caused His face to shine upon them. God’s hard-pressed people must remember that God’s faithful promises will never fail—nor will God’s faithful presence ever leave us nor forsake us. When all hope seems lost—the Almighty God and everlasting Lord of Heaven and Earth is on our side: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

English Standard Version Chapter 9

11 That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.” 13 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day’s edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.” 14 So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. 15 The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder.

16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies and killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder.

Not only was Haman hanged, but so were his sons. Not only was the Devil crushed and bound at Calvary’s cross—so were his children. There are children of God and children of the devil—believers and unbelievers—and the work of the Gospel at Calvary’s Cross secures mercy for those who believe, and justice for those who don’t.

Jesus and his people shall reign victorious, world without end.

Satan and his people shall be tormented consciously, world without end.

Look beyond the vanities of this world into heaven and hell, and for the sake of your own soul—run to Jesus Christ who is our great Redeemer, who Reversals the plans of the evil one—and come out on the winning side of world history, with King Jesus our Triumphant Lamb, and Victorious Lord.

(C) In Christ Jesus our God is a God of Redemption and Reversal—thus we can take up the Sword of the Spirit and Fight with Faith and Valor.

Jesus Christ is the only Redeemer from death, sin, and hell—and in Him is sufficient and eternal redemption:

Jesus Christ is the only Lord who equips us for battle by his Word and Spirit—in Him we have armour divine to live the Christian life:

And through it all—God’s grace will be magnified through our suffering, as He accomplishes his redemptive-purpose, brings us to glory when Jesus returns, and reverses the wicked schemes of the enemies of God.

Like Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, Jesus Christ will return in perfect timing, when all hope seems lost—and He will come on his white horse, bringing final redemption and reversal. Trust in Him—and live for His Kingdom. Press on beloved, for Crown and Covenant.

(C) In Christ Jesus our God is a God of Redemption and Reversal—thus we can take up the Sword of the Spirit and Fight with Faith and Valor.

Amen, let’s pray.