The Faith and Patience of Esther and Mordecai (1)

Beloved, grace and peace to you in the matchless name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we gather again in the presence of the Father today.

Last week, we stood together at one of the most dramatic thresholds.

Recorded anywhere in scripture.

We watched Esther.

Prepared through fasting.

Persuaded through Mordecai's word.

And finally resolved in her own spirit.

Lay aside the safety of the palace.

And go into the king.

Unsummoned.

Not knowing whether she would live or die.

We watched the king's hand extend the golden scepter.

Before she had spoken a single word of her request.

And we left her standing in the throne room with the king's own questions still ringing.

What is thy petition and what is thy request? Today we pick the story up exactly where we set it down.

And what unfolds from here is one of the most complete reversals recorded anywhere in the word of God.

A decree of death overturned into a decree of life.

A gallows built for one man becoming the very instrument of his own end.

And a family raised from the edge of extinction into a position of national influence today.

That would outlast everyone in this drama.

This is Esther and Mordecai.

For such a time as this.

Part 2.

Before we go further.