Good News Couriers

Notes:

 Good News Couriers    See Session Slides Here

There is no mention of God, prayer, worship or faith in the book of Esther. No prediction of the Messiah either. It seems there is nothing spiritual in this book. But we see God’s hand. Also, a beautiful typology.

  • In the providence of God Esther became Queen to the King of Persia.
  • She was a Jew. Her uncle, Mordecai, told her not to mention her race.
  • Mordecai had an enemy, Haman the Agagite. He was a high-ranking official and advisor to the King of Persia. Agag was a king of Edom. Edom descended from Esau. Thus, the conflict between Jacob and Esau.
  • The personal animosity of Haman towards Mordecai spilled over to the whole race of Jews. Haman had a wicked plan to commit genocide.
  • The date was determined by casting lots (pur). The 13th day of the 12th month was chosen.
  • The means was to be by the law of the king. It would be universal. Genocide.
  • There is only one who could intervene – Esther. But the king has not asked to see her for 30 days. No one could enter his presence unless summoned by him. It was considered a capital offense.
  • Esther 4:14-16. Mordecai urges her to intercede for her people. The king extended the golden sceptre.
  • Esther revealed the plan of Haman, and Haman was destroyed on his own gallows, Psa. 9:16,
  • The decree could not be revoked but a second decree was issued, more powerful than first.
  • The salvation of the Jews depended upon this new decree going forth.
  • Speed was of the utmost importance, Esther 8:10,14.  
  • Satan’s animosity towards God led to his attempt to wipe out the human race, made in His image.
  • The two decrees are likened to the law and the gospel. Both from the hand of the same King.
  • Satan will use the law, but never the gospel.
  • The function of the law is to bring a knowledge of sin, Rom. 3:20; Rom.7:7; Rom.3:23; Rom.5:20.
  • Rom. 3:19. The law is ‘the silver needle which draws the golden thread of the gospel’ (Spurgeon).

 The golden sceptre and the second decree

  • If God requires a perfect life and we don’t have it, then how can we be righteous?
  • Jesus intercedes for us.
  • He fulfilled the righteousness of the law on our behalf.
  • He first had to be born under the law,  Gal. 4:4-5. Then He had to fulfill the law in its entirety, Matt.5:17-18
  • He is the end of the law, Rom.10:4. Its destination. He fulfilled every minute detail of it.
  • Throughout Matthew we read that Jesus fulfilled what was written in the prophets – Matt.1:22; 2:15,17,23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:54, 56; 27:9, 35. In the same way He also fulfilled the Law.
  • But something more was needed for it to be fulfilled, Matt.3:15. It demanded judgment for sin.
  • Jesus exhausted its curses and judgments. It all fell upon Him until, ‘It is finished!’
  • ‘Till’ shows the law had a task to perform and will continue until it is completed. The law is long-lasting; not ever Its duration is until its fulfillment. It cannot be fulfilled if it is always continuing. It was an interim measure, Gal.3:19, 25.  
  • The first decree cannot be cancelled. But it can be superseded. The law was not set aside, but fulfilled.
  • God’s message now is the gospel.
  • Satan was defeated upon his own gallows, 1 Cor.2:7-8.
  • We have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. We are couriers of good news.
  • The biggest mistake is to believe that if we are not under law we will be lawless.
  • God’s answer to sin is not law but grace.
  • Grace will take us much higher than law ever could.