God's Delivering Nature

 

It is time to put together everything we've learned so far regarding how the god of this world moves the courses of the world and contrast that with how God moves to understand how we can walk by the spirit and be more than conquerors in real life situations.

Esther is the true story of how God delivered his people during an horrendous, unprovoked attack that threatened to wipe out their civilisation. God will rescue anyone from any situation, in any culture, in any country, at any time when they turn to him for his help and believe for deliverance. Regardless of how bleak or impossible things may appear, God can always make a way to escape.

Esther 1:1
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

India borders China in the north, and Ethiopia is well down into Africa. This king would have ruled everywhere in between too, including most of Europe and the Middle East. Powerful dude. One hundred and twenty seven provinces under his rule. One day he decided to hold a summit at the palace and invited all his top leadership from around the world to attend.

Esther 1:2-4
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:

When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

Every dignitary in his government was invited, every ruler of every province. They all trundled in on their chariots and camels to fanfare and pomp, dressed in their finest robes, and flanked by their best soldiers. The crowds would have been lining the streets as these powerful world dignitaries arrived at the palace. Security would have been immense. This was a summit of world leaders who were coming at the behest of one of most powerful kings of all time, and they were arriving at probably the most lavish palace ever built. This wasn't just a weekend affair either, this was a State occasion that was to last six months.

In trying to comprehend the enormity of this event, consider that they didn't have television, radio, phones, computers, internet, or public transport. There was no way to communicate over long distances except by personal couriers on horseback. This event would have taken some planning. The invitations alone would have taken weeks just to post and deliver. Some of these dudes would have had to travel for weeks just to get there. Accommodation and food for these travelling dignitaries and their attendants would have required camel trains with formidable military escorts.

With his entire world leadership around him, the king would have wanted to use the opportunity to spend quality time with them. He would have held hundreds of councils, discussing everything from the security of the kingdom, to increasing its income, to stabilising trouble spots, to discussing future world affairs. The king would have wanted detailed reports on what was going on in every province. All the while, they were banqueting and being entertained. There is nothing in our modern world to compare to the magnificence of this occasion. Presidential State visits to the UK are afternoon tea and biscuits compared to this.

Esther 1:5,6
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;

Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

To conclude this grand summit, the king arranged for a banquet in his gardens. People today talk about wealth, but really, we have no concept of wealth on this scale. These gardens were what we refer to today as the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Marble pillars on beds of gold. Jewelled tapestries laced with gold hanging everywhere.

Esther 1:7
And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

Their goblets were made of gold, each one hand crafted and individually engraved, and there were hundreds of them. The king's dinner set alone was worth more than most modern politicians' entire estates. And while the men were having fun, the women were having some fun of their own!

Esther 1:8-11
And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.

Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

These chamberlains would have been top men in the kingdom, not just in authority but also in education and ability. As well as being top diplomats with the best education available, they would have been his personal bodyguard, warriors trained in combat and close quarter battle. The fact that God has actually named them individually is a glowing testament to their prowess and professionalism.

During the feast, the king decided to show off his wife because she was an amazing woman. He obviously loved her, and he wanted his entire world leadership to meet the girl. He was proud of her and wanted to show her off. What higher compliment could a woman have from her husband?

Esther 1:12
But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

Oh dear, his lovely wife told him to beat it. Can you imagine the shock wave of whispers that would have hissed around the banquet? Can you imagine the king's humiliation and embarrassment in front of his entire world leadership? The most powerful man in the world, and his wife told him to beat it? This is serious stuff, and not only because of protocol but because of law. You see, the king's word was also the law, and to break the king's commandment was to break the law. This was much more than a domestic squabble between the king and his wife.

Esther 1:13,14
Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

Interesting to note that the king didn't knee jerk, he didn't react emotionally even though he was emotional. This was a legal matter, so he sat down with his top legal advisers and they discussed the issue.

Esther 1:15
What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

His wife had broken the law. Who knows what her motives were? Who knows what emotions drove her to do this? Pride? Arrogance? Perhaps wanting to make herself look like the real power behind the throne in front of all the world's top women? Perhaps it was in her horoscope? Who knows?

Esther 1:16-18
And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.

They agreed that if they didn't deal with this issue, women all over the kingdom were going to hold their husbands in contempt. Pissed off husbands do not make good politicians, so this was a major problem that was going to affect the entire kingdom. Something had to be done.

Esther 1:19,20
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

After lengthy deliberations, the court ruled that the king should divorce her.

Esther 1:21,22
And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people

Not only did he divorce her, but he also passed a new law demanding that wives respect the oversight and direction of their husbands, which is a godly principle, amazingly enough.

Esther 2:1
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her

Aw poor king, he must have loved the girl. Once he calmed down, he missed her. Nevertheless, the law was the law and she was divorced. So it was decided to find him another wife. A beauty talent contest was organised, with the winner getting to marry the king and become queen.

Esther 2:2,3
Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:

Only the most beautiful, intelligent, educated, and cultured women were sought. It was going to take a special woman to take care of a man who governed the world.

Esther 2:4,5
And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew [Judean], whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

The word Jew used here is misleading and manipulative. The word Jew did not appear in any bible until 1775. It is a forgery. The word Jew must always be understood as being the word Judean - those from the country of Judea, or those of the Judean religion.

Esther 2:6,7
Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Mordecai and Esther had been taken captive by an invading army, and Mordecai had adopted his young niece and brought her up as his own daughter. God will even look after his people in war. Isn't that nice to know.

Esther 2:8
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.

Young Esther was a bit of a babe, who had brains and education, so much so that she was selected for this beauty contest.

Esther 2:9
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

Esther impressed the heck out of Hegai, so she must have been really something. Not just sexy and educated, but warm, considerate, intelligent, courageous, a real lady, cultured, mannered - everything a king could possibly want. Mordecai had done a damn good job raising this girl.

Esther 2:10
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

Now sit up and pay attention! Why would Mordecai tell Esther not to tell anyone she was a Judean? Okay, here is a clue - Mordecai was a believer, a disciple. How is that a clue? Well, God must have been moving here. Something was brewing spiritually. We may not always know what the devil is up to, but God does. Being disciples, Mordecai obeyed God and Esther obeyed Mordecai. Here you see a man walking by the spirit. God is our protection, our rereward, yes, but only when we walk by the spirit. He gives us information and when we listen and obey we are more than conquerors. Young believers in a home church who are still figuring out how to walk by the spirit instead of by their senses are to subject themselves to their home church leadership who already walk by the spirit and that keeps them protected.

Look, we have to learn to quit arguing with God and learn to move and carry out his instructions when he works within us to will and to do of his good pleasure. This transition takes time, so don't worry about it when you get it wrong. Learn from it and get it right next time. I'm still learning in this category, but I'm far better than I was a few years ago. Walking by the spirit works in real life.

Esther 2:11-13
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women

Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.

This competition was twelve months in preparation. In addition to personal grooming, there would have been education and training. The women would have had to be educated in how to be a queen - matters of state, matters of law, royal protocols, and diplomacy, in fact everything they would need to know to do the job properly.

Esther 2:14-17
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

God's daughters should be better than the women of the world. They should be the best educated, the warmest, the most considerate, loving, courageous, honest and sexy, and that doesn't imply being a doormat. It takes real strength to be that kind of a woman. A king, just like any man, needs a woman with a backbone to stand beside him, someone he can rely on and trust in a crisis. The word builds that kind of strength into a woman.

Esther 2:18
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

So, he married her. No modern royal wedding had anything on this marriage. This was the social event of the Millennium.

Esther 2:19,20
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

This is the second time the word tells us that Esther kept her ethnic background to herself. Esther did not even tell the king she was a Judean. She did what Mordecai told her to do, without question. Was Mordecai controlling her? No, he was not. Esther carried out his instruction because she knew you only get the blessings from God by obedience. You can't force people to do anything, that's for sure, but living the word is not being controlled. If you want to be controlled, go watch TV. Walking by the spirit is not being controlled by God. God absolutely never forces anyone to do anything, but he will help you if you want his help. If you're walking by the spirit and obey him you get the benefits.

So Esther is married and she's queen, the king is happy again, and things in the kingdom move on. No one knows she is a Judean. Intriguing. Don't argue with God, just trust him. He knows what he's doing.

Esther 2:21,22
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.

Here you are seeing the way of life and the way of death in operation. The devil moves his evil by stirring dark emotions in people who will do anything for money. God counters the devil's work by giving information to disciples who walk by the spirit. The god of this world moves his darkness through religion and freemasonry. Freemasonry is religion of a very dark kind. Any bets Bigthan and Teresh were members of secret societies? All the world's worst criminals from Jack the Ripper to Bill Clinton to Charles Manson to Hitler to Thomas Hamilton to Tony Blair to Anders Breivik and everyone in between, were and are masons. This isn't coincidence. God keeps us protected from evil as we learn his word and learn to walk by the spirit. Here in Esther, the devil stirred a plot in evil men to assassinate the king and God countered that by giving information to Mordecai who was walking by the spirit.

Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

God showed Mordecai that Esther's husband's life was at risk. Well, he is Esther's husband after all, so that makes him family. When Mordecai acted on that information, the god of this world was defeated. If you want light in your life in the 21st Century, get on the way of life and learn to walk by the spirit.

Esther 2:23
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Interesting that the king didn't offer these two dudes social programmes at taxpayer's expense so as not to infringe their human rights. No, he executed them. It is only when we install jesuits as lawmakers that God's laws, which keep us protected from them, are dismantled.

Esther 3:1,2
After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.

And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

The king promoted Haman, and commanded that everyone reverence him. Of course, being the king's commandment meant it was also law. Mordecai therefore was breaking the law here. But why? Why would Mordecai break the law? We gain clues back in Genesis.

Joseph was a teenager sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, and an Egyptian bought him as a piece of property. His master's wife came onto him, but he refused her sexual advances. The situation degenerated to the point the woman lied and accused him of attempted rape. Joseph was chucked in the dungeons and was there for over two years. Do you see how the devil used emotions to get his will done? Joseph was to be the next patriarch for God's people, yet through dark emotions, the devil succeeded in having him locked away in the dungeons of a foreign country.

One night, Pharaoh dreamed two dreams, and Joseph, who was known for being adept at interpreting dreams, was summoned from prison. Now we will see the way of life in operation.

Genesis 41:14
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Now some background for you here. Culturally at that time, the only Egyptian man permitted by law to wear a beard was Pharaoh. All other Egyptian men had to shave. That was the culture and that was the law. Hebrew culture however, was different. All Hebrew men wore beards. It was a disgrace for a Hebrew man to be shaved. We can see that when king David sent men to Hanun to comfort him after his father's death.

2 Samuel 10:4
Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

This bastard shaved off half the men's beards and cut off their robes in the middle, like miniskirts. He made them look like homos and sent them back to David.

2 Samuel 10:5
When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

It was an absolute cultural disgrace for a Hebrew man to shave. Interestingly enough, treating David's men like homos was sufficient reason for him to go to war, but you can read that record for yourself. Back to Genesis.

Genesis 41:14
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Joseph shaved himself. As a Hebrew man, he would have been entitled to wear his beard. Have you any idea what shaving would have meant to him? The only reason he did it was out of respect for Pharaoh. Look at the respect Joseph showed to that politician. He didn't arrogantly march in there unshaved and with an attitude. He showed top protocol and respect.

Okay, so why did Mordecai refuse to show respect to Haman? Intriguing question and a good one. Every truth must fit within the framework of the manifestations. Here's a clue - both Joseph and Mordecai had spirit upon them and they both walked by the spirit. How is that a clue? Read on.

Esther 3:3
Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?

The other officials around the palace noticed that Mordecai was not bowing to Haman. Now why would Joseph show top protocol to Pharaoh, and yet Mordecai showed none for Haman? You have to understand that both of these men walked by the spirit, not by their senses.

Esther 3:4
Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew [Judean].

Mordecai told them he was a Judean! Now why would Mordecai tell Esther not to tell anyone she was a Judean, and yet he told them he was? Mordecai did what God told him to do by way of the manifestations of holy spirit. Understanding that makes these records come alive. This is the way of life in operation. Now contrast that with the way of death in the next two verses.

Esther 3:5,6
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews [Judeans] that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Not only did Haman want Mordecai dead, he decided he was going to murder every single Judean on the face of the planet while he was at it. Genocide always has men like Haman behind it. The god of this world always wants God's people exterminated, and in this situation he was going to use Haman to try to get the job done. Haman is second in command over the entire kingdom, next to the king in authority and power, and he had the authority and the ability to do this thing. Any bets Haman was religious, a freemason, heavily into witchcraft, a man who loved money more than anything else, and that it was his freemason cronies who had contrived to have him promoted into this position? You don't have to bet, the next verse tells us about him.

Esther 3:7
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.

To cast the lot is to practice spiritualism and witchcraft. See, he was a spiritualist. Casting Pur is the same as going to fortune tellers, it is having your tarot cards read, it is reading palms and tea leaves. Haman was a spiritualist who went to mediums for guidance. He would have had his own personal psychic, just as most politicians do today. This is another way the devil spirit realm influences the decisions our politicians make. This is the way of death, the courses of this world in operation. Devil spirits gave Haman information, they told him how to put this plan to murder all God's people into motion from behind the scenes, through witchcraft. Notice also that having a single world government in place greatly assists devil spirits move such evil.

Look, the devil is always trying to murder God's people so he can destroy God's word from the planet. You can track this all through the bible, from when Cain murdered Abel to Herod murdering all the young boys in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the Christ. For Mordecai and the Judean people, this is what you call a pressure situation.

Esther 3:8
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them

Remember, Haman and the king do not know that the queen is a Judean. God knew what he was doing when he told Mordecai to tell Esther to keep her nationality a secret. Here is the way of life in operation. It takes obedience to the word, both written and that received when we walk by the spirit. Devil spirits give information to people through witchcraft, sorcery, freemasonry and spiritualism to get the devil's will done, God gives information to people who walk by the spirit to counter what the devil is up to.

God knows what the devil is up to, and he always keeps us protected when we are listening. Mordecai and Esther would not have known why God suggested she keep her nationality a secret. Many times, we don't know the reasons behind everything either. If you want prosperous lives, it is insane to bury your heads in the world's televisions and ignore God.

This situation facing Mordecai and the Judeans is serious. We are not just talking about a few executions here, we are talking about the whole race - women, children, old folks, all of them. Forget human rights. Human rights is a weapon. Human rights protects evil people from justice while they plot your extermination, that's all. Human rights as defined by the United Nations is a weapon of mass destruction.

Esther 3:9,10
If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.

And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' [Judean's] enemy.

Haman here is called the Judean's enemy. That is illuminating. It means he was God's enemy. Mordecai was right to show this bastard no respect. Haman was on the wrong side, the dark side, while the Pharaoh back in Joseph's time obviously wasn't. God had shown this to Mordecai, which is why Mordecai refused to reverence him. However, Esther is now queen and no one knows she is a Judean. Not even Haman knows the queen is a Judean.

Esther 3:11,12
And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

The new law was passed and published in every province throughout the kingdom. All Judeans were to be executed. It was now International law. Isn't it International law today that is attempting to destroy America through the lie of global warming with cap and trade? The Hamans of our day and time hold high office at the United Nations and they are all high ranking freemasons who dabble in witchcraft.

Esther 3:13-15
And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews [Judeans], both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

It was all set up. The law was passed and the death penalty for being one of God's kids, for being a believer, for being a disciple, was instituted.

Esther 4:1,2
When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

Here is a guy hurting inside. A law had just been passed sentencing him and all his people to death - women, children, old people, all of them. You don't hurt much more than that. I suppose Mordecai could have thrown his hands up and blamed God for it. Isn't that what most people do when terrible things happen? Why don't people ever blame the devil for anything? Fortunately, Mordecai didn't charge God foolishly. He had obviously studied the book of Job. He held his mind together, and immediately set about believing God for a solution. He fought back. Instead of blaming God, he went to him for help.

God knew this situation was coming. He knows everything, including everything coming in the future. He saw it coming, which is why he told Mordecai to tell Esther not to tell anyone she was a Judean. See, God already had a plan in place to rescue his people. He always has a plan. He always has a way to escape. He tells us that in his word.

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

America and Europe can escape the coming storms if they want to. God always has a way to escape. In America, for example, what is secession? You never hear about it in the media unless it is portrayed as something sinister which no person in their right mind would ever think of considering. Well, what do you expect the TV to tell you? The truth? That right is still there for Americans. Isn't it time to explore the options? The UK could be out of the insanity of the EU in no time, if they wanted to. Why don't the British people have the right to a referendum on this? Isn't democracy where the majority get their way? We don't live in democracies any longer; the Hamans at the UN make sure of that. They just call it democracy. The democratising of the Arab world is simply a power grab by the United Nations to try to draw America and the Muslims into a war that will destroy both of them.

God had the book of Esther written so we could learn from it, so we could learn how to walk by the spirit and be more than conquerors in every situation. If God can sort out a problem of this seriousness and this magnitude, can he sort out your life for you? Sure he can, but you're going to have to learn how to walk by the spirit. This isn't magic. In the book of Esther, God already had a plan in place to protect his people. The question isn't whether God can get us out of our problems or not, the question is are we listening?

Esther 4:3
And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews [Judeans], and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

The couriers went through the entire kingdom, bringing the news to every province. The Judeans were devastated. What had they done to deserve this? Death for being a believer? Is being a believer such a crime? The god of this world thinks so. The jesuits think so. The United Nations thinks so. The communists think so. The ACLU thinks so. What must the parents have been feeling looking at their children, knowing that soldiers were coming to stick swords in them? No matter how terrible things look, we can't allow our minds to fear. Fear will kill us. We must believe God for answers. When God says move, we move. When he says jump, we jump. We don't ask how high, we just jump. He knows what he is doing. We get the deliverance if we follow his direction, and we can only hear him if we're walking by the spirit.

Esther 4:4
So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

Esther heard that Mordecai was sitting in the streets clothed in sackcloth. She knew he was hurting, so she sent to find out what the problem was.

Esther 4:5,6
Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.

Amazing how Esther still had not told anyone she was a Judean. She obviously knew how to control her tongue.

Esther 4:7,8
And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews [Judeans], to destroy them.

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

Mordecai made his move. Esther was to go and see the king and try to have the law reversed. Look at how God had Esther in a position of authority where she could be ready to handle this situation. God energises in those who know and believe his word. Just do your best at your job, walk by the spirit, and believe God.

Esther 4:9-12
And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

Esther had a problem. There was another law, one that carried the death penalty - no one, but no one entered the king's inner court unless summoned. Anyone who broke that law was executed unless the king held out his sceptre. That was the law. Look at the pressure these believers had to handle.

It is only the word we hold in our minds that holds us together when we are under pressure. We can decide to think our old crappy thoughts of doubt, worry, and fear, and bitch and complain about everything, or we can decide to think what the word says. The choice is ours. Whichever way we choose determines the outcome. Sure, Esther had a problem, but Mordecai confronted her fear and helped her to overcome it.

Esther 4:13,14
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews [Judeans].

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews [Judeans] from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

He confronted her fear and told her straight that if she refused to act because of fear, God would find another way to save his people and she would be destroyed. Her fear would have killed her had Mordecai not confronted it. Fear is the only thing we have to fear. He confronted her fear. Was he controlling her? Don't be ridiculous, he was saving her life.

Esther 4:15-17;5:1
Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

Go, gather together all the Jews [Judeans] that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Esther dressed herself up, put on her makeup, took a deep breath, and walked to her execution. Only she wasn't walking to her execution, she was believing God, trusting his word. She obeyed the word and did it, despite the fact that she was facing the death penalty. Believing God can be quite scary at times and demand tremendous courage. Sometimes it can be incredibly tough to do the word, but if we do it we get the results. If we fear and cave in, we get beat.

Esther 5:2
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

See, when we believe and act on the word, we get the positive results promised. Of course, Esther wasn't being reckless here either. She didn't run in there every other day just because she thought she could get away with it.

Esther 5:3,4
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

A banquet? A private party with the king and queen? For Haman? What is going on here? Makes you wonder why Esther didn't just blurt it all out, hey? Why didn't she tell the king all about the problem, that she was a Judean and beg to save her people? I'll tell you why, because she was a disciple and she was walking by the spirit, doing what God told her to do. It was God who told her to invite Haman to a private banquet with just the three of them, and that's what she did. She didn't just make this up. You can only understand the word by understanding how manifestations energise. This is the way of life in operation. Walking by the spirit is the way to go.

Esther 5:5,6
Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

So there they are, enjoying good food, good wine, just the three of them, the king, the queen, and Haman. Esther had risked her life to ask for a private banquet with Haman. The king was obviously intrigued, and she certainly had his attention. He knew there was a problem because she had risked death to come and see him. People don't do that unless there is a major problem. He was her husband, he cared about her, he wanted to know, he wanted to help.

Esther 5:7,8
Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

She asked for another private banquet for just the three of them! Now look, be sensible here. I'll bet Esther was having quiet words with God about this. I'll bet this wasn't her idea of dealing with the problem. I'll bet inviting Haman to a private banquet wasn't easy for her. I'll bet Haman was the last person on earth she wanted to be around. I'll bet her emotions were in turmoil. However, she was a disciple. She went to God, was told what to do, and she did it. That's the way of life.

Esther 5:9
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

Haman was joyful, and had a glad heart. Those emotions were real. Then he saw Mordecai and hatred bubbled up through his joy, overpowering him. That is how the way of death is energised. There is nothing wrong with emotions, we just can't allow them to get out of control like this. Haman was beyond belief. In fact, he was born of the seed of the serpent, which is referred to in the bible as the unforgiveable sin. That's why the bible tells us he was the enemy of God. People who are born of the seed of the serpent are literally the devil's children and have a permanent spiritual wedge driven into their minds which keeps them open to devil spirit possession. It is unforgiveable because it is seed, it is the devil's seed, and seed cannot be taken out of a person. In this context, look at what Jesus Christ said to a few of the religious leaders of his day.

John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Those pharisees were born of the seed of the serpent, they were the devil's children and the devil was their father. Seed is permanent and that's why being born of the seed of the serpent is unforgiveable. Just as many jesuits today are born of the seed of the serpent, so was Haman. That's why hatred could bubble up through his joy instantaneously and drive him to murder. All this evil in Haman had grown from his love of money. It is those born of the seed of the serpent who control the world.

Esther 5:10-13
Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew [Judean] sitting at the king's gate.

Even though he was the most powerful man in the world next to the king, wealthy beyond imagination, with power and family and influence, none of it mattered to him so much as seeing Mordecai dead. That was the driving passion of his life. Nothing else mattered. Our emotions are not to drive us. The more we fill our minds and hearts with God's word, the less our emotions dictate our lives for us. When we take control of our lives, then the god of this world can no longer get in. That is precisely what James says.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We submit to God by learning his word, and by taking control of our thoughts and emotions. As we do that, we become strong in areas where we were once weak and the attacks stop. If we resist, the devil will be defeated.

Esther 5:14
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Haman's wife wasn't much better. She was in on his murderous ways too. Be very wary of the world's women that hold political power. Remember Jezebel?

Esther 6:1-3
On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Old kingie boy couldn't sleep. His conscience was bothering him. Do you remember that God had showed Mordecai about that plot to murder the king? Well, guess what, the king forgot all about that little incident and no reward was ever given to Mordecai. Now he remembered. Any guesses who was at work here? God is amazing. Haman was planning to ask the king to have Mordecai murdered just as this came into the king's heart. Look at the timing of this thing. Look how God pricked this king's heart at the right moment. Can God turn any situation around? Yes, he can, he can sort out anything in your life because nothing is too hard for him.

Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Esther 6:4,5
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court.

The king was happy to see his top adviser, the second most powerful man in the kingdom, and decided to ask his advice about the situation with Mordecai.

Esther 6:6
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Look at the ego dripping out of that creature. All he can think about is himself. Esther did what God told her to do and Haman had attended a private banquet and been invited to another. So here, Haman just naturally assumed the king was talking about him. It didn't even occur to him that it might have been someone else. In essence, the two private banquets were a set up. God knew what he was doing. Another thing, Esther didn't complain and bitch about it either. She knew it was all part of God's plan and obeyed. This is the way of life in operation. This is how you walk by the spirit as more than a conqueror in every situation.

Watch Haman lay it on now. He told the king what to do to Mordecai, thinking the king was going to do it to him, and the only reason he went to see the king in the first place was to ask for permission to hang Mordecai.

Esther 6:7,8
And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,

Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

It is interesting to see what was in Haman's heart, as he obviously fancied himself as the next king. He reckoned he was second in line for the throne. It is that kind of lust for political power that twists such men into these foul creatures.

Esther 6:9
And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

The king thought this a splendid idea.

Esther 6:10,11
Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew [Judean], that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

Haman himself was forced to personally be the man who did the proclaiming before Mordecai. Can you imagine what his twisted emotions must have been doing to him around that time? God knows how to deliver us when we believe him and trust him.

Esther 6:12-14
And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews [Judeans], before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Where would Mordecai have wound up if he had been afraid, or blamed God for all their problems? Dangling from the gallows, that's where. But he kept his heart and mind in the scriptures. He delighted himself in God and his word. God can deliver us from anything. However, it is up to us to believe his word, and we can't do that with our heads stuck in the world's televisions all day.

Esther 7:1
So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.

By this time, the king must have been positively itching to know what Esther's problem was.

Esther 7:2
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

God then gave her the green light to reveal her nationality. She didn't move until she had the green light, and then she went for Haman's throat. That woman was absolutely fearless. When we're walking by the spirit, we too must never act until we have the green light, the go sign.

Esther 7:3-6
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?

And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

She told the king she was a Judean. That must have knocked him on his back. I wonder what that did to Haman? His eyes must have bulged. That was one powerful moment in time. The emotions going on in that room at that moment must have been beyond words. Haman was afraid. Good, he deserved it. I hope he enjoyed what happened to him next.

Esther 7:7
And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.

The king was so angry, he had to leave the room to gather his wits. His face must have been black, and Haman knew he was in trouble. The miserable creature then ran to the queen to try to save his skin. He was so terrified, he even got physical about it.

Esther 7:8-10
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

You have to ask yourself, if God can sort out problems on a scale like this, can he sort out your problems for you? Yes, he can, and I don't care what your problems are. God can sort out anything. If you read the rest of the book of Esther, you will see that God delivered his people. The law was reversed, the Judeans were saved, and they had the mastery over their enemies.

We too, with God's help, can overcome any problem, as individuals and even on a national scale. God always has a way to escape, and he will provide the answers we need when we need them if we are listening and we obey his word. To be victorious in life, we must learn to walk by the spirit.

Chapter 52 - Living Victoriously