Journey Through Esther: Part 2

Esther 4:1-2,13-16

When the Water Gets Hot

Introduction: Have you ever done right and got in trouble for it?  There are times when doing what is right will place a person in an undesired situation.  The purpose of this sermon is to help us by giving us things we can do when the water gets hot. 

In this book, the name of God is not mentioned at all; however, the hand of God is seen in every chapter.  The reader discerns the finger of God throughout.  The book is an illustration of Divine Providence.  The Book of Esther fits in the category of “the historical books” of the Old Testament.  The Historical Books tell the story of the rise and fall of the Commonwealth of Israel.  In chapter 2 Esther had “A Date with Destiny.”  (Review chapter 3 regarding the king’s proclamation regarding the impending extermination of the Jews due to their not bowing down, 3:8).  What do you do when the water gets hot? What can we learn from Mordecai and Esther?

I.                  When the Water Got Hot, Mordecai Kept it Real (1-2)

·        He had no trouble expressing himself, even to the point of mourning and wearing sackcloth and putting on ashes.

·        It is o.k. to cry out to God when the water gets hot!

·        Phil. 4:6-7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

II.               When the Water Got Hot, Mordecai was Wise Enough to Seek Intervention (8,13-14)

·        Seek intervention from those who are in position to help you.  He felt like Esther could help.

·        Know that sometimes God has you in a place and/or position to help others as Esther was. (8, 13-14)

III.           When the Water Got Hot, Esther Sought Intercession through Fasting (15-16a)

·        Although prayer is not mentioned, in the Jewish culture fasting accompanied prayer.  Again, the name God is not mentioned, but his finger is in each chapter.

·        Esther did not ask them to do something she was not willing to do herself.

Conclusion: (16b) When the Water Got Hot, Esther was Bold Enough to Stand

·        “If I perish, I perish.”  To put it another way, “If I lose my life in this attempt to save my people, I shall lose it cheerfully.  I see it is my DUTY to make the attempt; and come what will, I am resolved to do it.”

·        There was another who was in a situation and the water got hot.  He said, “Father, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.”