8-20-23 Pastor Tim Baker "Great Reversals", Esther 9:1-19

The motivation for this downshift in style is theological. Because Mordecai’s decree expressed God’s ancient decree of survival for his people and the destruction of their enemies, it was a done deal before the day dawned. The decree in effect guaranteed the outcome. The author is showing it is God’s decree, his word, that assures the survival of his people; the rest is just detail. But it is important detail, because it shows that God’s word is truly effective in the outworking of human history. God is capable of doing exactly what he says he will do, even centuries after he says it. This episode highlights the powerful efficacy of God’s word as it is actualized in history through flawed, and even evil, people. Karen Jobes - NIVAC