In our study of the grand narrative of Scripture we come to the bookend of Esther. Esther serves as the final historical book of the Old Testament and an unlikely one. Esther, which never mentions God, reminds us that even though we do not see God working with our eyes, we can see Him work through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The events that transpire in Esther are nothing short of God’s sovereign purposes being weighed out in a cosmic spiritual battle. God is relentless in His pursuit of those whom He has chosen (the Jewish people) to bring about the Messiah. Even though Haman worked to destroy God’s people, God worked to preserve them. It should not surprise us that God’s hand outplays Satan’s in every deal-not because of chance, but because God is omnipotent and wise and holy.
Even though circumstances can appear bleak in life do not forget that God is the one who is working all things out for His glory and for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (cf Romans 8:28). For a book that does not talk about God directly, God sure seems to be a big part of what is going on-even when He seems to say nothing at all. To hear the rest, come worship with us at Cash Creek this Sunday at 11AM.
Most great civilizations at one time or another face a certain tragedy from which their actions on particular matters can have a significant bearing on the future. For our country one such moment took place ten years ago when we faced the most horrific act of war on our soil since the Civil War. At times of tragedy, such as that, we have the opportunity to act in such a way to restore a way of life that seemed to be altered. In a span of a decade, we have found little restoration even in the face of justice to our enemies. Things will never be quite the same as they were on September 10, 20o1.
When we think about national tragedies in this light, and when we draw our attention to the narrative of Scripture, we come to the end of the Kings-Chronicles era of history that ends in absolute tragedy and the overthrow and capture of Judah. Life was not the same for the Jews who were dispersed in Assyria and Babylon. Yet in the dawn of the Persian empire, we find a second chance by God’s grace for His people. They return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and to return to a way of life that marked their very existence as God’s chosen people. Life was not exactly rosy after the temple was rebuilt and the wall was erected. Neither were as great as the original. So how do the people act? How do they reconcile a current reality with the national tragedy that befell them years before. This is the subject of Ezra-Nehemiah. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah each play a role in the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. They have a new opportunity of life, albeit in a very controlled, benevolent dictatorial way, but, nonetheless a new chance to rebuild the familiar. God’s graciousness is at work here. His relentless faithfulness to these people is astounding. God worked it out so His people would return and the long awaited Messiah could fulfill the prophecies of old. Even though life was different for the Jews, their independence was gone, God still brought about His wonderful purpose in Jesus Christ.
God’s dedication to His people is wonderfully good and unmerited. When reading Ezra-Nehemiah, we see a people who come back to rebuild, and like usual, they get off track. It seems they are faithful for awhile, but sinfulness corrupts. Even though we see faithlessness, apathy, sin and even hedonism, we see a God who nonetheless is determined to keep His covenant promise with David to bring about the Messiah in his lineage. When we tie ourselves to the reality of what God is doing in His church, we find ourselves marked by similar characteristics. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are a new creation living under grace that should afford us the desire to be like Christ. Christ is everything to us including an example of personal sacrifice and devotion that is rarely mimicked in His followers. Be Christ-like in Christ’s body (the church) for Christ’s sake.
This week we continue in our sermon series, Finding God’s Purposes in the Metanarrative of Scripture. This week we encounter both books of Kings and both books of the Chronicler. To be sure there is plenty to be said of each of these, however, I want to trace a common theme through these books that eventually leads to a progressively clearer understanding of God’s redemptive purpose. We begin at the height of the Davidic kingdom in the early reign of Solomon. Something happens in Solomon’s life that seems to set a precedent for all the descendants thereafter. Solomon’s lust for life overtook his desire for Yahweh, and he passed the kingdom to Rehoboam in a shaky way. After the mere 22 verses of Rehoboam’s reign, the united monarchy became divided into Israel (10 northern tribes) and Judah (2 southern tribes). This sparked a line of kings and prophets who would call them back to Yahweh amidst rebellion and idol worship. Both Kings and Chronicles give a history of the events during these several hundred years that serve as a reminder of God’s relentless dedication to those whom He has chosen.
The barage of kings and the accounts of their lusts for power and sex remind us of something very important. Apostasy happens when someone who is within the accepted orthodox understanding goes away or is enticed in other areas to such an extent that he has gone away from the one, true, living God. Mnay of the kings fell victim to this. God’s covenant with Abraham and David is marked not only by man’s waywardness, but thankfully, it is also marked by God’s faithfulness. Even though David and his descendants rebel and are justly punished during the time of the exile, He is still faithful to His promise. When we find ourselves in the wilderness of apostasy and rebellion against God, and we will feel there is no way back, He makes a way back by leading us to a cross where the penalty of our sins is unjustly paid for by the perfectly, righteous Christ.
