Text: Esther 110

Topic: Why coincidences are really God's plan

Introduction

The Book of Esther is the only book in the Bible where the name of God is not mentioned. But one feels his presence there, dominating everything behind the scenes.

Through the eyes of the emperor's valet, we can see God's sovereign hand at work even when the valet sees only coincidences.

Events are unfolding that appear to be unrelated, yet God is in them.

Xerxes (Ahasuerus) suffered a major military defeat and fell into a fit of depression.

There is no queen to console him, and his valet Harbona, noticing his need, suggests that a new queen be found among all the empire's virgins.

Esther, a Jew (though not known as such), captures Xerxes' heart and becomes his queen.

Haman, Xerxes' favorite adviser, has a problem with the Jews in the empire.

Seemingly random events bring all the necessary "players" into human view.

Crises appear to be crises, but they really are God's hand at work in human tensions.

Haman can no longer tolerate the disrespect of the Jews, especially of Mordecai, its representative to the imperial council.

Haman obtains Xerxes' signature on an irrevocable decree to annihilate the Jews on December 13th.

Through hearing royal history, Xerxes learns of the loyalty of the Jews, and particularly of Mordecai.

Mordecai, knowing that Esther is a Jew, sits in sackcloth and ashes and seeks Esther's attention to tell of the plight of her people.

Esther decides to make a feast for Xerxes in order to tell him of her people's plight.

Maybe Esther is queen for such a time as this.

To understand God's sovereignty, it is crucial to understand God's timing.

Haman builds gallows to hang Mordecai and unleash the annihilation of the Jews.

Esther holds two luncheons for Xerxes at which Haman is present, and finally tells Xerxes of Haman's plot.

Haman reacts with horror and Xerxes believes he is molesting Queen Esther—a personal offense.

Haman is hung on his own gallows (set apart for Mordecai).

Xerxes issues a new decree to give the Jews security and freedom to worship.

To the outside observer, these coincidences seem to work together.

Conclusion

God is sovereign over all human events, past, present and future.

We can see God's hand at work in the past, and know that his sovereign will is unfolding both today and in the future.