The Radical Reversal

God at Work Behind the Scenes: Message Ten of Esther Series

Esther 8:1-17.

ETS: Esther and the Jews experienced a radical reversal because of the providence of God.

ESS: We should praise God for the way that He radically reversed our stories.

OSS: [MO: Devotional] {SO: I want the hearers to praise God because of His providence in their lives.} Cognitive: I want the hearers to know that Jesus died in our place so that we might experience a radical reversal in our own lives, similar to that of the Jews, where our lives are spared because of the providence of God. Affective: I want the hearers to feel the depth of God’s love as He has provided for us eternal life through Jesus when we only deserve death because of our sin. Psycho-Motor: I want the hearers to respond in praise and admiration for God because of His great love for us; I want the hearers to respond with compassion towards those who are still subjects of God’s wrath having not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

PQ: What are the stages of the general progression in the radical reversal?

UW: Stages

Intro.: [AGS]: Reversals are, as the name suggests, something that changes the direction of a story or outcome of an event. For instance, in writing, a reversal is a tool used to provide a twist in the plot, pulling readers further into the story. In football, a reversal is when the ball is being carried one direction only to be handed off to be carried in another direction, hopefully to bring about a positive play for the offense by tricking the defense. [TS]: Today’s passage records a radical reversal in the narrative of Esther. Esther and the Jews experienced a radical reversal because of the providence of God. [RS]: Each of us, in our lives, have the opportunity to experience a radical reversal. As sinners, God’s wrath is upon us. Yet, through Jesus Christ, His favor is granted and His wrath removed (because it is satisfied in Jesus Christ). This is a matter that should cause us to rejoice and praise God.

TS: Let us examine the stages of the reversal now.

The ring was released to Mordecai. (v. 2)

The same ring that was once given to Haman naturally placed in opposition to Mordecai has now been placed on the finger of Mordecai.

APPLICATION: God’s wrath was once upon us and His favor against us; yet, through Jesus Christ, now His favor is upon us and His wrath satisfied. (Rom. 5; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:8)

<NOTICE>: Verse 6 is the key for Esther and for us. She could not bear the thought of her people being destroyed. We ought to share these same feelings and burdens. We ought not be able to stand the thought of any person perishing and going to hell for eternity. We who embrace our identity in Christ acknowledge that we were created in the image of God. Thus, we should not desire that any person, created in God’s image, spend an eternity separated from the God whom they are created and called to reflect.

A new edict was written and sent out. (vv. 8-10)

A new edict reversing that which was already approved and sent out was now issued and approved by the King. Legally, the other edict could not be revoked; Yet, the results of the edict were reversed by the new edict.

APPLICATION: The old law was not meant to save us. It was meant to reveal to us our need for salvation. The new law, cancelling the effects of the old by fulfilling the requirements, has been written and initiated through Jesus Christ.

Permission was granted for the destruction of those in opposition to God’s people. (vv. 11-17)

By the providence of God, a radical reversal took place where the people of God who were once doomed for destruction are now provided for and protected. Those who are in opposition are now doomed for destruction.

APPLICATION: God’s providence in our lives directs us away from destruction. He takes care of those whom He loves and who are called according to His purpose.

CONCLUSION:

[1] Each of us, in our sinfulness, are deserving of God’s wrath. Yet, in His love, He chose to put His wrath on Jesus and grant to us His favor: grace and forgiveness.

[2] How ought we to respond to this? With praise, thanking God for His compassion and grace; With compassion towards those who do not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior, thus still being people of God’s wrath.