The Gospel Story - Week 27

Providence, comfort, and hope are the words that come to mind from the narrative of Esther. Providence in that there are too many things that fall into place at just the right time. God, in his sovereignty, is working providentially so that his people are not destroyed through an evil scheme. Comfort in that God responds to the bravery and courage of Esther and Mordecai in seeking to save their people, God’s people, from destruction. God did not abandon them, he blessed their words and movement for the sake of his people. Hope in that we can trust God that he will not abandon us, he is with us and is willing to use his providence for our good and safety. Imagine how life would feel without knowing or being confident that God will be with you when things get tense, sticky, or dangerous.
Providence, comfort, and hope are not just reserved for these epic narratives in scripture, but also for us, here and now, and on which we can rest and rely. Even when we don’t see it, God is working on our behalf; think of the Jews that were about to be destroyed and they may have not even known it. Yet, God was working on their behalf through Esther and Mordecai. When we allow ourselves to trust in the sovereignty and providence of God it leads us to a comfort that cannot be explained and a hope that draws us forward in the possibility of an abundant life. Just like the Jewish people in Esther, God does not desire to uncaringly abandon us in the trappings and condition of the world but works to release us from those trappings and calls us to be agents of hope that, in spite of the condition of the world, proclaim abundant life is possible.