God, the Lord Who Governs History
(Esther 4:13-16)
This year marks seventy-five years since the outbreak of the Korean War. On June 25, 1950, North Korea initiated a sudden invasion, igniting a conflict that endured for more than three years and brought countless sacrifices. Yet by the grace of God, the United Nations forces intervened, preventing the communization of our nation and enabling us to preserve freedom and democracy. Thus, all of history unfolds under the divine providence of God, who even now governs the rise and fall of all nations throughout the world.
1. A situation of despair confronting the people of God
Among the people of Judah who had been taken captive to the Persian Empire was Esther, a young woman of graceful and beautiful appearance. Having lost her parents, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who cared for her as his own daughter. By the grace of God, Esther found favor in the eyes of King Ahasuerus and was chosen to become queen. Meanwhile, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman above all the other officials and issued a command that all the people should bow down to him. Yet Mordecai, who worshiped God alone, refused to bow to Haman, even at the king’s command. In his fury, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews and, having obtained the king’s approval, issued a decree throughout the empire permitting their annihilation and the plundering of their possessions (Esther 3:13?14). Though Mordecai and the Jewish people had done no wrong, they found themselves in danger of complete destruction.

2. Faith expressed through prayer and determination
When the Jewish people faced the threat of annihilation, they mourned deeply, fasting and crying out to God in prayer (Esther 4:3). Esther, too, when confronted with the danger that her people might be destroyed, resolved to go before the king despite the law that approaching him without a summons could result in death. Yet with unwavering faith, she declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:15?16). Thus, faith demands a determination. When we advance in faith, holding firmly to the Word of promise with a faith of absolute positivity, God’s miracles are revealed. A praying people shall not be destroyed (Psalm 50:15). When we, like Esther, approach God in prayer with desperate determination, He will surely hear and answer.

3. God, who governs history
After completing her fast, Esther put on her royal garments and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, appearing before King Ahasuerus with grace and beauty. When the king saw Esther standing in the court, he extended to her the golden scepter in favor and asked her what her request might be (Esther 5:2?3). Esther revealed her Jewish identity and earnestly pleaded for the life of her people. She identified Haman as the one who had plotted the destruction of the Jews. The king granted her request, delivering the Jewish nation from destruction, and Haman was hanged upon the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:10). God turned a day of despair into a day of salvation, and what appeared to be failure was transformed into a path of victory. Likewise, our lives remain under the providence of God. Even in the midst of suffering, when we move forward in faith, God will surely work.




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