Esther 5 (2)

Esther 5

Recap

Read Passage – Esther 5

Introduction:

Plans…we all make them and all of us make them differently.

Illustration: Laura stops at all stores as she gets to them, I get everything on the right and then everything on the left.

Both Esther and Haman make plans, but they originate from two different places.

This morning I want us to see how plans rooted in a love for God and his word are different then plans made that are rooted in a love for self.

Plans rooted in a love for God (1-8)

Filled with Faith and often reflect God’s favor (1-2)

After praying and fasting Esther dresses herself in her royal robe, and enters the throne room.

The throne room was special place where all attention was drawn towards the King and his thrown.

Esther has no idea what will happen or how Xerxes will responds but in faith she makes the plan to enter into the throne room before the king.

The writer tells us again that, “she won favor in his sight” and he extended the scepter to allow her to speak.

Despite all the possibly anxiety and fear, Esther acts in faith, as she has no idea what is about to happen.

Selfless (3-4)

Esther finds favor with the king and he ask what her request is…remember no one goes before the king unless invited.

We see a different King then we have previously seen in this story…the normal drunk, power hungry King, seems to know something and ask Esther what her request is

He even offers her half the kingdom…Can you imagine this guy rules the most of the known world and would offer half of it to his Queen.

It would seem this is Esther’s opportunity, the king is in a giving mood…why not ask that her life and Mordecai’s be spared? Because she is being selfless

She invites both the King and Haman to dinner…

Why invite your enemy…I believe we see some boldness…Esther is going to make her request in front of her enemy.

She is also being strategic….

Strategic (5-8)

The King responds by immediately calling for Haman to come and join them at this feast.

After eating the King ask again what she desires…and again offers half the kingdom

It appears again she misses the opportunity…is she getting cold feet. (Me trying to ask my father in law if I could marry Laura)

Rather than requesting pardon for her people, she invites them to another feast.

She isn’t just asking the King to pardon the Jews…she is going to ask him to (1) reverse a law, (2) To back track against one of his own advisors, (3) The retraction could be costly (Haman won’t pay), (4) She will have to identify her identity.

This is removing him from his “power seat” and bring him to her level…(taking someone to lunch).

Don’t miss the fact that a lot is at stake her.

Challenge: Focus and be obedient to the “what’s” even when you don’t know or understand the “why”

Lets look at different plan that was being made.

Plans Rooted In Self (9-14)

Haman leaves the feast “joyful and glad of heart” maybe he’s had few drinks.

In his mind all is well. Until he seeks Mordecai…

Filled with idolatry (9)

When Mordecai won’t bow down, or “tremble” it sends Haman’s blood pressure through the roof…

Filling him with wrath…He goes from joyful and glad of heart…to anger and wrath….Another overreaction…but this overreaction is the first step in making his plan

It filled with idolatry…the idol of self.

Reflect your own significance (10-13)

He momentarily restrains himself and goes home…when he gets there he pulls a play out of Xerxes playbook.

He throws a little party to honor himself.

V11 says he recounted his splendor and greatness to his friends and family.

Even Queen Esther invited him to the party...and tomorrow I get to go back.

V13 – but none of it matters because of Mordecai

What robs you of your joy?

Result of listening to “yes” men, rather than convictions (14)

Bad counsel fuels the fire within him…

You should feel this way honey…just get rid of him…

Build the gallows, ask King Xerxes for a favor and then go and enjoy a meal with King and Queen.

This pleases his flesh…and he does so.

We are left with a cliff hanger…

Question: Do your plans eliminate anyone who stands in the way (14)

Conclusion:

Death sentence over their heads…Need someone to intercede…The one who interceded has to put their life on the line.