In the Presence of the King (Part 2) (Audio)

In the Presence of the King (Part 2) (Esther 8:1-17) Yearly Theme:  “Love Is…” Series Title:  Never Give Up May 26th, 2019   Something to think about:   Last week we learned that Haman’s demise came at the hands of Queen Esther, whom he didn’t know was a Jew herself.  The decree that he requested King Xerxes to make was to destroy all the Jewish people living in the empire.  As the decree was sealed with the king’s signet ring, it became an official edict that must be fulfilled.  However, in the presence of the king, along with Queen Esther, Haman would find the tables turned against him.  King Xerxes would have Haman impaled on a pole for inciting violence against the queen.   It would seem, at this point, the problem was remedied, but there was still the point of the official edict to exterminate the Jewish people throughout the 127 provinces of Persia.  It could not be revoked.  This is where we pick up Esther’s story today, and this is where we find a conclusion to the story of Esther and the people of Jewish descent…   Open your Bible to:  Esther 8:1-17   Queen Esther’s persistence to go the distance for the freedom and protection of her people is inspiring.  Many of us would leave well enough alone with regard to asking too much of the king.  We may feel like we shouldn’t press our luck.  But not Esther.  Esther respectfully and persistently presses further for the love of her people and protection from the king.   Here's the key point this morning:   Key Point:  “Love never gives up even when freedom is on the line.”   Esther’s commitment and persistence for the safety of her people wouldn’t allow her to give up, and there are two specific ways we can see this in this passage today…   For the love of her people.   Esther 8:5-6 (NLT), 5  Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. 6  For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?”   For protection from the king.   Esther 8:11-12 (NLT), 11  The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies. 12  The day chosen for this event throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was March 7 of the next year.   Something to take home:   Esther didn’t give up the fight!  Esther loved deeply and pressed in with persistence and boldness even when the odds were stacked against her.  Esther had nothing to prove, and everything to lose, by stepping into the throne room of Xerxes without permission.  We, on the other hand, have everything to gain, and nothing to lose, if we – who believe in Christ – approach God’s thrown with boldness.  Our King of kings, and Lord of lords, has a seat for us, has a place for us, not only in His palace, but by His side.  We who follow Christ faithfully, are sons and daughters of God.  So, what do we have to fear; what do we have to worry about in this world?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  We have love on our side, and it’s with love, in love, and through love that we conquer.   Key Point:  “Love never gives up even when freedom is on the line.”