Esther 6:1-2 Part 1

Esther 6:1-2  Part1

I.     Reading the Book of Records

1  That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to

     bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read

     before the king.

2  And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

A.               Providence of God’s Timing

It is said that 6 years had past since Mordecai’s honorable actions saved the king’s life but the deferment of his reward once again reflects upon the providence of God and His timing for the utmost good of mankind.  And further, when God might be more glorified in the preservation of his people or destruction of their enemies.

a.             God’s glory should be paramount to every Christian.  It is certainly paramount to God.   Why? Reason number one is simply because HE IS GLORIOUS; the awe of His person, His achievements, His beauty that inspires feelings of wonder or joy, His worthiness of praise.  Reason number 2 is that He might draw mankind into His eternal salvation.  Consequently, at times, He uses our lives to bring Him glory.

Spurgeon:  The salvation of men is a grand aim, but it must always be in subordination to the glory of the Lord, that his arm may be revealed, and that all flesh may see.

b.             We can see the providence and glory of God in the story of Lazarus.   See John 11:3-7

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, lay sick.  Therefore the sisters sent a message to Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick."

4  When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of  God may be glorified through it."  

5  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

6  So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

                7  Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

c.             Stayed two more days!  Stayed two more days!  How could Jesus turn away from this urgent need?  Surely NOW was the time to act.

Have you ever felt this way?  Have you ever cried to the Lord with a similar complaint?  I need an answer NOW!  Hasten Your reply and its results!  But God’s providential timing is perfect for meeting your need and more importantly, magnifying His glory.

What Happened to Lazarus?  After four days in the tomb, Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus.  John 11:45 says that: Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. God’s providence, God’s Glory!

David stated in confidence of God, Ps 31:15 My times (my experiences, perpetual fortune, continuing future) are in your hands!

Spurgeon:  What becomes of us is of small consequence compared with bringing glory to His great name.

d.                Ask Yourself: 

·    Will you accept and even receive comforted by the fact that God’s timing for YOU is perfect?

·    Are you willing for the Lord to use you and your present circumstances until it will bring Him the most glory?