Hadassah, That Is, Esther.
God prepares deliverance for His people before the devil's plans are made, using human instruments to achieve His purposes.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the hidden yet powerful presence of God in the story of Esther, illustrating how God orchestrated events for the deliverance of His people even when His name was not mentioned. He highlights that God's preparations for salvation were in place long before the threats against Israel arose, showcasing His sovereignty and foresight. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and to remain patient in the face of adversity, reminding them that God has already prepared a way of escape from their troubles. The sermon reassures that God's plans are greater than any evil schemes, and He will ultimately protect and deliver His people.
Text
Hadassah, that is, Esther. Esther ii. 7.
THROUGH this one girl‑life God was about to save his people, though He was all the while hidden from view. The peculiarity of this book is that there is no mention of the name of God; but there is no book in the Bible more full of the presence and working of God for his own. His name is clearly in the watermark of the paper, if it do not appear in the print.
We know that the meshes of evil plotting were laid for the hurt of Israel long before the fatal decree was made for the destruction of the entire nation; but here we find that God has begun his preparations for deliverance long before. In the beauty of Esther, in the position her uncle held at court, in the favour she won with the king, in the discovery through Mordecai of the plot against the king's life, there are the materials of a great and Divine deliverance. God was clearly beforehand to the devil. The angels of light were on the ground before those of darkness were marshalled.
It is a sweet thought to carry with us always: God prepares of his goodness for the poor. He prepares the good work in which we are to walk, and the deliverances by which He will succour us in the hour of need. Do not dread the foe, be not fearful nor dismayed, as he draws his net around thee; God has prepared a way of escape, so that thou shalt be able to bear it. In the meanwhile, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; trust in the Lord; wait for the Lord; be silent to the Lord. He is more farseeing, his plans more far‑reaching, his help more certain, than all the stratagems of evil. God laughs at them. Into the pit they have dug, thine enemies shall fall.
Sermon Outline
- God's Preparation for Deliverance
- The Beauty of God's Preparation
- The Certainty of God's Help
- God's plans are more far-reaching than evil's
- God's help is certain and reliable
Key Quotes
“God was clearly beforehand to the devil.” — F.B. Meyer
“God laughs at them. Into the pit they have dug, thine enemies shall fall.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him when faced with evil plotting.
- Trust in God's goodness and help, knowing that His plans are more far-reaching than evil's.
- Do not dread the foe, but trust in God's certain and reliable help.