Continuing the discussion from the previous article, we learned that there were 11 months from Haman’s order allowing people to kill Jewish people throughout the Persian empire on a specific day (which had been selected “randomly”), until the fateful day itself. Imagine getting advance notice of your death sentence – 11 months would be a long time for the Jewish people to live in fear of government-sanctioned execution.
After this first decree was issued, there were a couple of months (or so) from Haman’s order until Esther (a Jewish woman who had been named queen) brought it up to the king, at her cousin Mordecai’s request.
However, after Esther tipped off the king about what was going on, Mordecai was allowed to prescribe a second decree (permitting the Jewish people to defend themselves), which was written up on the 23rd day of the third month. So, there were still almost 9 months from Mordecai’s decree to the day when Haman’s order (which had to remain in effect, due to Persian law) was due to take place.
To be clear, Haman’s attack on God’s people during ancient times wasn’t a surprise to God. God knew that this would happen even long before Haman got the idea, even back when God had made promises about (and to) the Jewish people. However, in God’s plan, He had already placed Esther and Mordecai in just the right roles – close to the king – within the Persian empire. Esther had won the king’s favor (allowing her to visit the king unannounced) and Mordecai had overheard a plot against the king (earning him a positive place in the king’s records). Even the king’s inability to sleep one night worked into God’s plan.
Similarly, it was no less God’s plan for the pur to select a date that was far enough out for the rest of the pieces of His plan to work together. Not only was there time for Esther to muster up the courage to ask the king for help (and justifiably so, since she could have faced execution from the king for appearing before him uninvited), but there was still plenty of time after that for the Jewish people to prepare. God didn’t have to wait to see how the “dice throw” turned out, and then adjust things to match. No, He either foreknew or controlled the timeline, even when it appeared to be governed by a “random” roll of the dice (or its ancient equivalent)
I think that having a good communication system for the Persian king’s decrees was also part of God’s plan, along with what appears to have been available “translation services” for the king’s decrees. In the same way, other Christians have shown how God prepared the world for Jesus’ birth, including the fact that the widespread Greek language and Roman roads could get the good news about the Savior distributed effectively throughout the region.
During the events recorded in the book of Esther, God prepared everything – even while His people were being ruled by a foreign nation – to save His people from impending destruction.
God’s timing is always perfect. You may know that, and maybe you’ve even said that, but do you (and I) remember that when we’re in the middle of God’s plan? Of course, we’re living through God’s plan right now, since His plan encompasses all of time and every person, but do we realize it?
Looking back, it’s joyful to see how God has worked for good in our lives previously (or in the lives of others, like His people in the time of Esther and Mordecai). However, it’s more challenging to remember that He is still working when things look bleak.
If you’ve just seen God miraculously knit things together, working in your life to do something amazing, it might be your “Purim” celebration (i.e., the festival when Jewish people remember their rescue from Haman’s decree). If so, give glory to God. Celebrate with others. Rejoice and be glad. (Don’t forget to show love, mercy, and compassion to those who may have caused you trouble in the first place, though, when and where God calls you to do so.)
On the other hand, if you feel like all is lost, you currently only see “Haman’s decree”, and you don’t see how God could get you through, trust Him that He is still working. I’m not saying that God will use a queen and a whistleblower to help you this time. In fact, His promises that you’re counting on might not come to full fruition until we move into eternity with Him. However, He is no less prepared today in your life than He was in the ancient Persian empire, and His promises are just as valid. Trust in that today.
And, wherever you are today, keep an eye out: maybe you are the one that He has prepared to change things for others today, being in just the right place at the right time with the right background! When He calls you, may you have the boldness that Esther showed, the integrity of Mordecai demonstrated, and the faith that God has your back.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for July 28, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, July 28, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The Bible and Archaeology, by J.A. Thompson, © 1962, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., p.166-171.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Esther & Daniel, by Mark Mangano. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 