God’s Got This (2)

OVERVIEW

Title: A King and His Limited Power

READ: Esther 1:1-9

Throughout our lives, leaders in our lives will come and go And over the years, well experience many leaders—especially in political or other secular contexts— who do nut love God While being under ungodly leaders can be discouraging and, at times, frightening, we should remember that our security does not rest in any human. Our security is with the King of kings, who reigns from Heaven. Because of God's sovereignty, all human power is limited. Ahasuerus was an ungodly leader, but God still showed Himself to His people even under the teign of this wicked man.

INTRODUCTION

One of the strongest themes in the book of Esther is the providence of God.

The word providence can be broken up into two parts: pro and video:

Pro— earlier than; prior to; before

Video— from Latin viddere, to see

When we speak of the providence of God, we are speaking of His ability to see things beforehand and to provide for needs before they arise.

When the Lord sent the Jews into Babylonian captivity. He already saw the day that the Babylonians would fall to the Persian Empire, the Persian Empire would then have a king who would allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple. That king was Cyrus.

2 Chronicles 36:22–23 KJV 1900

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.

When the Babylonians destroyed the temple, the Jews could not see how their homeland would ever see restoration. But God did! God had a plan of restoration for Israel, and He knew whom He would use to accomplish that plan.

Sometimes God will use even wicked men to accomplish His purposes.

King Ahasuerus was the grandson of King Cyrus.

During Ahasuerus' reign from 485-465 BC, he ruled over 127 provinces.

Undoubtedly, this king was the most powerful man in the world at that time. Ahasuerus had many accomplishments, but none of them happened without God overruling in all his affairs. Though Ahasuerus was powerful, he was limited.

Remember that every ruler in the world today is limited by the sovereign hand of God.

1. THE REALM OF PERSIAN POWER

Even the vast realm of the Persian Empire—great as it was—was finite. It was limited by the hand of God.

A. ANALYZED GEOGRAPHICALLY

The Persian Empire was great in many ways. One of the most obvious ways was in its size.

The Persian Empire had 127 provinces, including Judah. These provinces spread from India (which would include modern day Pakistan) to Ethiopia This was the largest world empire up to this time. As this empire expanded geographically, it also expanded militarily.

In Daniel 7, Persia was represented by a bear, an animal that is awkward and ponderous, killing with brute force and strength.

The Persian army was brutal and strong When Ahasuerus (commonly known by his Greek name Xerxes) fought the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis in 480 HC, he had 100,000 soldiers and 1,000 ships. He had a standing army at that time of 2.5 million.

This empire was a vast, mighty military power.

A. ANALYZED GEOGRAPHICALLY

B. ANALYZED MONETARILY

Not only was this empire strong geographically; it was also impressive monetarily.

Through the empire's successful military conquests, the rulers had acquired significant wealth. King Ahasuerus used his wealth to promote himself.

1 SHOWN IN A FEAST

Esther 1 shows us the king s elaborate feast as a public display of his wealth to all attending.

Esther 1:3–4 KJV 1900

In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

The purpose of this feast was for the king to show all the riches of his glorious kingdom. This celebration was for all the king's leaders, princes, and nobles and it lasted for six months.

Many scholars believe that Ahasuerus was bringing in his political leaders to entice them into another war against Greece.

We learn from this ordeal that there are times someone offers a gift or a meal just for personal gain.

We should beware of being lured by flattery or bribery into something we would not otherwise believe is prudent or right.

Proverbs 23:1–3 KJV 1900

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: For they are deceitful meat.

This king loved to gloat his apparent greatness to all. He wanted others to notice how impressive he was.

We may not have a vast empire or the resources to throw a six month party, but if were not careful we may resemble this king at times. We are prone to desire attention and honor. Lack of recognition often angers us and may cause us lo become resentful and bitter.

At this feast, we see the worst of the flesh. This was a party for the king to show off his power.

2 SHOWN IN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS

Notice in verses 6-7 the different colors that were used to decorate the palace.

Esther 1:6–7 KJV 1900

Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

The palace at Shushan was undoubtedly unique. Archaeological studies done there have verified its extravagance.

Ivory imported from Ethiopia and India adorned this structure ‘Ihe blue and white shouted of Ihe kings royal status to all attending the banquet. Outside the palace, observers could see the glistening of this building even from a distance. Inside this palatial structure, the king had three separate banquets. One was fur the key military leaders and officers, one was for the men of Shushan, and one was for the women.

All these facts point to the incredible wealth of this king This monarchy had attained many precious metals and resources from the vast regions of the conquered territories. His possessions boasted of his wealth to all present at the banquet

When we see a wicked ruler who seems to have the wealth of the world at his disposal, we must not be intimidated, tor we serve Someone far greater.

All the monetary and military strength of this world still cowers at the name of Jesus, the God Who rules over all.

Ahasuerus was a wealthy military leader, but he was not a threat to the plans of God. God knew all along how He would use King Ahasuerus in the bigger sequence ot the story He had planned for Israel.

A ANALYZED GEOGRAPHICALLY

B. ANALYZED MONETARILY

C. ANALYZED PROPHETICALLY

As noted earlier, during the Babylonian Empire, Daniel had prophesied that Persia would rise up ns a great bear.

Daniel 7:5 KJV 1900

And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

Ahasuerus may have thought that no one was greater than he was, but the whole time, God was using Ahasuerus to accomplish His purposes.

Though this king had become the most powerful human being on the planet, it was not without the Lord’s sanctioning. The Lord was the one who allowed him to ascend the throne, and the Lord was the one who fully intended to bring him down.

A. ANALYZED GEOGRAPHICALLY

B. ANALYZED MONETARILY

C. ANALYZED PROPHETICALLY

D. ANALYZED SCRIPTURALLY

The Bible has much to say about rulers who reject God. In any conflict of God versus man, God always wins.

For instance, consider these people in the Bible who learned that God is stronger than their greatest intentions.

Pharaoh had to learn this lesson in Egypt as God proved His might through the ten plagues and then drowning Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea (Exodus 7:3-5).

Nebuchadnezzar learned this lesson in Babylon when he was humbled from his pride and driven away from the men of his kingdom to live with the animals and eat the grass (Daniel 3-4).

Belshazzar learned this lesson al his blasphemous banquet when he saw the finger of God writing on the wall (Daniel 5).

Sennacherib learned this at the gates of Jerusalem when the Angel of the Lord smote his 185,000 troops just by His presence (Isaiah 36-37).

Herod Agrippa I learned this as he was dying, being eaten by worms after receiving glory that belonged to God (Acts 12:20-23),

As we analyze Ahasuerus scripturally, we recognize that he did not submit himself to the authority of God.

He thought he was the ultimate authority, and his pride would eventually bring his downfall.

We must remember that all authority comes from God and that only Jesus Christ is Lord. One day every leader will how to Jesus!

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV 1900

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Many leaders In America today have forsaken the guiding biblical principles of men like President George Washington, who said In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789.

"Whereas it Is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.'”

Pragmatism, being guided by what “seems” to work rather than conviction and truth, is often the lamp that guides many modern politicians.

While it is discouraging to subject ourselves to ungodly leaders, we must recognize that their time is temporary and controlled by almighty God.

No matter who is in the Oval Office or any seat of prominence, Jesus is Lord.

If He chooses to use corrupt kings, presidents, or rulers to accomplish His will, He can.

May we as Christians never forget that we are on the winning side because our allegiance is to Jesus Christ.

The Persian power was vast, but the power of God has no limits.

1 . THE REALM OF PERSIAN POWER

2 .THE REVELATION OF A WICKED RULER

King Ahasuerus was a wicked ruler because he had a wicked heart. Notice what the story of Esther reveals about his heart.

Esther 1:10–11 KJV 1900

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

This scene at the feast reveals four wicked conditions of Ahasuerus' heart:

Adulterous

Alcoholic

Angry

Arrogant

These four sins were prevalent in the Persian Empire, and they still bring down men and women today.

Ahasuerus wicked heart led him to issue a disgusting, illicit command.

A. AN ILLICIT COMMAND

Historians and Bible commentators tell us that Ahasuerus had a harem that housed young women chosen to be kept for the king’s immoral lusts.

“Ahasuerus could not control is passions in regard to women. He had a large harem and kept adding to it."-John G. Butler

Ahasuerus was a king that had built a great citadel in Shushan the palace, yet he couldn't build his own character because he failed to control his passions.

1. ENCOURAGED BY ALCOHOL

After seven days of drinking at the banquet, Ahasuerus was in high spirits from wine.

We are reminded that alcohol leads to the breakdown of control over your own spirit.

Proverbs 16:32 KJV 1900

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 25:28 KJV 1900

He that hath no rule over his own spirit Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

When a man is given over to alcohol and lust, he will make wicked demands of others. In this case, Ahasuerus demanded that his queen—his wife—be paraded before all these leaders to show her nudity.

While police reports are replete with proofs of the toxic effects of harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol, approval ratings of these substances continue to rise.

Marijuana, for example, has gained significant popularity in the last several years.

In 2022. Pew Research found that 59 percent of Americans believe that marijuana should be legal for recreational use. Of the 5,098 adults answering this question, 72 percent of those between the ages of 18-29 were in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. while only 30 percent of those over 75 were.

Although many Americans approving of marijuana don't take it themselves, many do claim to drink alcohol. A Gallup poll from 2022 found that 65 percent of adults over 21 say that they drink.

Alcohol is dangerous on many levels, and God prohibited His people from drinking it.

The nation of Israel did not drink strong drink during their wilderness pilgrimage.

Deuteronomy 29:6 KJV 1900

Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the Lord your God.

The priests were instructed not to drink wine or strong drink while serving in the Tabernacle.

Leviticus 10:8–9 KJV 1900

And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

The Nazarites were forbidden from drinking not only wine, but the skin or seeds of the grape.

Numbers 6:1–4 KJV 1900

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

The Bible warns repeatedly against drunkenness. And the way to avoid drunkenness is to avoid the first drink of alcohol!

Proverbs 20:1 KJV 1900

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

“First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, and then the drink takes the man!” - Japanese Proverb

The consumption of alcohol brings thoughts, actions, and habits that you don't want to have.

Proverbs 21:17 KJV 1900

He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

The king's wicked behavior was encouraged by alcohol. Alcohol then prompted irrational anger.

2 ADVANCED BY ANGER

Esther 1:12 KJV 1900

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

After Queen Vashti refused to make a spectacle of herself, the drunken king was enraged. His drinking gave way to his uncontrollable temper. He then made the rash decision to remove his queen from her position.

When people are controlled by their anger, they make foolish, hasty decisions.

Proverbs 14:17 KJV 1900

He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: And a man of wicked devices is hated.

James 1:20 KJV 1900

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Ahasuerus' illicit command for his wife was birthed in drunken anger. Sadly; it was tolerated in an imrnor.il culture

A. AN ILLICIT COMMAND

B. AN IMMORAL CULTURE

Pagan cultures sexually objectify women. This is true currently and has also been true historically.

Christ, however, elevated women in society.

And wherever the gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached and obeyed throughout the world, women find liberation and respect

As Paul wrote to the church at Galatia in the first century, he emphasized the intrinsic value of women. Women, just like men, need a Savior and find salvation through Christ.

Galatians 3:28 KJV 1900

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Yet, throughout the world today—from the Middle East to the United States—you will find people who objectify women. And the ancient Persian empire was no exception.

When Christian men today struggle with immoral thoughts, often their wives are the ones who suffer for it.

Too many men fall prey to the sexual perversion rampant in our culture.

Instead, men must purpose to keep their eyes on the lord and their minds pure before the Lord and their wives.

Of all people, Christian men should be the most virtuous and respectful of women, particularly their wives. Christian husbands should treat their wives as the bride given to them by God and as someone He values greatly.

Loving your wife involves showing her kindness in day-to day life.

A couple came home from the hospital after having their first baby The exhausted mother asked her husband. "Will you please change the baby’s diaper?”

The husband replied, "I'm busy right now, but I’ll do the next one ”

The next time the baby needed to be changed, the wife reminded her husband, "The baby needs to be changed again, and you said you'd change the next one.”

Confused, the husband replied,"! didn't mean I would change the next diaper. I meant I would change the next baby."

Perhaps this new father still had a few lessons to learn about showing kindness to his wife?

When you consider the wickedness and degradation of women in the ancient Persian empire, the sovereignty of God in using Esther—a woman—as the hero of the story is especially remarkable.

1. THE REALM OF PERSIAN POWER

2. THE REVELATION OF A WICKED RULER

3. THE REASONING OF UNGODLY MEN

When men rebel against God, their reasoning becomes skewed. King Ahasuerus made an unreasonable request of his wife. After being asked to humiliate herself in front of all these drunk men she refused.

A. THE REFUSAL OF QUEEN VASHTI

Women were forbidden to be in the banquet with the men so the women had their own party. When Vashti was summoned to the men's banquet, she refused.

Esther 1:12 KJV 1900

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

A. THE REFUSAL OF QUEEN VASHTI

B. THE CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORS

Enraged by her rejection, Ahasuerus consulted with more ungodly, unreasonable men.

What should he have done? How should he have responded? Humbly. “Yes, Vashti, you are right. What I asked of you was wrong.”

Esther 1:13–15 KJV 1900

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment: And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;) What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

As the king consulted with his advisors, he was clearly in the wrong; yet he construed Vashti to be the rebellious one.

Knowing that they were speaking to the most powerful man in the world, the king's advisors told him what he wanted to hear, not what he needed to hear.

Christians today are similarly templed to tell the world what they want to hear in order to avoid censure or being "canceled." When we do this, however, we are no better than Ahasuerus’ cowardly counselors.

Sixteenth-century reformer Hugh Latimer was a well-known preacher of his day.

He once had the opportunity to preach in front of King Henry VIII, a monarch remembered in history for burning churches, killing two of his six wives, and generally being harsh and brutal.

As Latimer prepared to preach in front of this egregious Tudor monarch, Latimer knew that the message the Lord wanted him to preach was a message that would enrage the king.

Latimer reminded himself that though King Henry VIII, who had the power to imprison or execute, was in attendance, Latimer was preaching before “the King of kings and Lord of lords; before Him, at whose throne Henry VIII will stand.”

Based on this, conviction, Latimer preached the truth. Although Latimer would later be burned at the stake under Queen Mary I, on this occasion, King Henry VIII did not retaliate against him.

May we have the boldness to speak truth, no matter what kind of power the enemies of truth may have. No ruler of this earth is any match for God.

A THE REFUSAL OF QUEEN VASHTI

B THE CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORS

C. THE COMMAND OF THE KING

After the king's pointless meeting with his advisors, he made a rash command.

Esther 1:21–22 KJV 1900

And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

The Persian king had seven counselors who advised him in state matters and had the right to approach his throne.

They also knew how to flatter the king to secure their positions and get what they wanted from him. Their foolish advice, given out of selfish motives, encouraged the king to make his command.

1 A VINDICTIVE COMMAND

The king punished Vashti for a wise decision that she made—a decision that naturally brought attention to the foolishness of the king.

She lost her position as queen, and now none of the women in Persia were safe from this wicked king.

I find it interesting that, while the king could have had Vashti killed, he did not. God only allowed Ahasuerus to “go so far.”

One of them would become the next queen, whether she wanted to or not.

The command was rooted in Ahasuerus desire to avenge himself, and it was also given to inflict an unjust punishment.

2 A PUNITIVE COMMAND

Once a law was written by the Medes and Persians, it could not be revoked.

Yet, the vindictive, punitive command against Vashti was all done to cover up for a king who was drunk, acted inappropriately, and now wanted to save face.

The law he passed punished both Vashti and the women who would be considered as the next queen.

Throughout history, ungodly leaders have been put into powerful positions. Without the Bible as their moral compass, these leaders often make unreasonable choices that affect nations.

But God is still on the throne!

1. THE REALM OF PERSIAN POWER

2. THE REVELATION OF A WICKED RULER

3. THE REASONING OF UNGODLY MEN

Now, let’s notice how God intervenes even when men make foolish choices.

4. THE RULING HAND OF GOD

Do you ever look at what’s happening around you and ask, “Where's God? Does He see what’s happening? Is He ever going to do something about it?”

Friend, no matter how dark the world may seem, God is aware of everything that is happening. He has not forgotten you. He loves you and He is working on your behalf!

God sees a much bigger picture that we may never understand here on earth. Even when we don't understand, we can rest in knowing that He is the one in control, and He is good.

Stories such as Esther’s help remind us of these truths.

A. THE PERCEPTION OF MAN

Sometimes in the hurt and confusion of the present, we think that wickedness always wins.

But that thought is untrue. Sinful choices lead to tragic destinations. And in the end, God always wins.

Proverbs 16:25 KJV 1900

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

A. THE PERCEPTION OF MAN

B. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

Throughout this tragic story of King Ahasuerus—a story that parallels many tragedies happening today—there was a God in Heaven who was at work.

The whole time, He was working to elevate a young Jewish girl named Esther all the way to being the queen of the greatest empire in the world.

Despite the carnality, drunkenness, and foolishness of Ahasuerus, God brought this Jewish girl into a place of prominence where He would use her to bring freedom to 750,000 Jews living in Persia.

We can’t always understand how God is working, but we can always know that He is at work.

The situation with Vashti, though difficult, prepared the way for a queen that would be used lo bring great glory to God. Only God could have seen how this would unfold.

Isaiah 55:8 KJV 1900

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Sometimes when we think everything happening around us is only evil, God is doing something behind the scenes to bring His plan to pass.

CONCLUSION

Do you have a ruler or leader in your life that doesn't follow God?

Perhaps you've had an unreasonable boss, unjust judge, or ungodly political ruler.

Or maybe you have been dealing with unfair circumstances.

Even when you are going through an oppressive situation, God is with you.

He has a purpose.

Just as God placed Esther in Persia, He has placed you where you are for the time that He has prepared for you.

No matter what authorities you may deal with, He is always on the throne.

If you find yourself discouraged as you look around, shift your locus to your ultimate authority- God Himself!

God is not a capricious ruler who will make hasty decisions to your detriment.

He is wise, purposeful, and righteous in all that He does.

Rest in knowing that nothing happens outside of His control!

Psalm 37:7 KJV 1900

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Whatever situation you may be dealing with today. Gods got this!