After we left off with Haman being destroyed, we now see that the tables have turned. The people who believed that they would destroy the Jewish people now find themselves being destroyed. God has turned the tables. God has made all things right. Esther teaches us to have courage, yes. But it also teaches us to trust that God will, in His way and time, make all things right. God will always make a way.

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Good morning! It’s great to be back with you after being away last week for school. Today, we’re continuing our study in Esther, and we’re nearing the conclusion of this remarkable story. For today’s session, we’ll be covering most of Chapter 8 and into Chapter 9, up to verse 19. These chapters begin to tie up the narrative of Esther, highlighting themes of reversal and divine justice.

To quickly recap: Haman’s plan to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people was exposed by Queen Esther to King Xerxes. In an act of poetic justice, Haman was executed on the very pole he had prepared for Mordecai. Now, Esther’s bravery paves the way for the salvation of her people.

Chapter 9, verse 1, sums it up beautifully: “On this day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned, and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” This verse encapsulates the core of Chapters 8 and 9: the complete reversal of fortunes. As the great theologian Michael Scott humorously put it, “My, my, my, how the turntables…” Indeed, the tables have turned. Those who sought to destroy the Jews are now subject to their power and authority.

Esther is given Haman’s estate, and Mordecai rises to a position of honor at the king’s right hand. The Jewish people go from facing annihilation to being empowered and victorious. This narrative demonstrates God’s ability to “flip the script,” sparing His people and bringing justice where it seemed impossible.

This reversal reminds us of apocalyptic literature in the Bible, such as the Book of Revelation. Revelation was written to an oppressed group of Christians suffering under Roman persecution. It foretells the ultimate downfall of evil (represented by Babylon) and the triumph of God’s kingdom, symbolized by the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. Similarly, in Esther, we see that what appears hopeless is transformed by God’s intervention.

Early in the story, King Xerxes’ decrees seemed immutable, even when manipulated by Haman to target the Jews. Yet, God had a plan all along. Through Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s faithfulness, the impossible became possible. God turned the tables, restored hope, and ensured His people’s survival.

The Book of Esther teaches us several lessons, but one central theme stands out: God’s faithfulness to His people. Even when circumstances seem dire, God is at work, orchestrating events for their good. The Jews were on the brink of annihilation, yet by the end of the story, they are not only spared but exalted.

This theme echoes throughout Scripture. For instance, in Galatians, Paul contrasts the sons of Abraham: Ishmael, the son of works, and Isaac, the son of faith. Ishmael’s birth came from Abraham’s attempt to fulfill God’s promise through human effort, resulting in lasting consequences. Isaac, on the other hand, was the child of promise, born through God’s miraculous provision when it seemed impossible.

As Paul explains, we are children of Isaac—children of faith. We are not saved by our works or efforts but by God’s grace through faith. As Ephesians reminds us, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Faith is the key to pleasing God and experiencing His blessings.

At the same time, faith motivates us to action. As James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead.” While our works don’t save us, they are a natural outgrowth of our faith. Martin Luther once said, “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” Faith calls us to be active participants in God’s plans, using our hands and feet to serve others and fulfill His purposes.

However, it’s tempting to take matters into our own hands, especially in challenging situations. We often feel the urge to fix things ourselves, relying on our strength instead of trusting God. But Esther reminds us to balance faithfulness with trust. We are called to do our part but also to trust that God will deliver, restore, and make things right in His time.

This message resonates in our lives today. Whatever challenges you’re facing, remember that God is faithful. He sees your struggles and is working behind the scenes to bring justice and restoration. As the prophet Zechariah reminds us, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.

So, let’s be faithful in our work, trust in God’s timing, and have confidence that He will turn the tables in our lives just as He did in Esther. Thank you for joining me today. We’ll finish our study of Esther tomorrow. Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!