Where Is God In The Midst Of Your Trouble? (Full Sermon) | Joseph Prince | Gospel Partner Episode

Joseph Prince57 minutes read

God's hidden presence and providence are showcased in the book of Esther through acrostics, highlighting His work behind the scenes and in pivotal moments. Understanding God's Word brings prosperity and success, even though His name may not be explicitly mentioned, illustrating the importance of His favor and grace in our lives.

Insights

  • God's name is hidden in acrostic form in the book of Esther, emphasizing His presence and care without explicit mention.
  • The story of Esther showcases God's providence and preparation, highlighting His work behind the scenes in positioning individuals for challenges.
  • Becoming a Gospel Partner offers access to valuable resources and supports the distribution of free sermons, spreading the transformative power of the gospel.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of God's hidden name in the book of Esther?

    The hidden name of God in acrostic form in the book of Esther showcases His presence and care during pivotal moments in the story. Even though God's name is not explicitly mentioned, the acrostic form emphasizes His providence and provision, illustrating how He works behind the scenes to guide and protect His people.

  • How does Esther's story highlight the importance of God's favor?

    Esther's story emphasizes the importance of God's favor over physical attributes. Despite her beauty, it is the favor she receives that sets her apart and leads to her becoming queen. This showcases the power of grace and favor in shaping destinies, illustrating that God's favor transcends outward appearances.

  • What lesson can be learned from Mordecai's unrewarded good deed?

    Mordecai's unrewarded good deed, where he saved the king's life but was never honored for it, teaches us that waiting on the Lord is never wasted time. Despite not receiving immediate recognition, God's timing is perfect, and eventually, Mordecai's good deed is revealed, highlighting the importance of patience and trust in God's plan.

  • How does the story of Esther demonstrate the theme of divine preparation?

    The story of Esther showcases how God can use unexpected circumstances and divine preparation to change destinies. Esther, despite her humble beginnings, is positioned in the palace to save her people. This highlights God's ability to work through small things and unforeseen events to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His guidance.

  • What is the significance of the Feast of Purim in the book of Esther?

    The establishment of the Feast of Purim in the book of Esther commemorates the victory and deliverance of the Jews. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in protecting His people and turning the plans of their enemies for good. The celebration of Purim highlights the importance of remembering God's deliverance and provision, even in the face of adversity.

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Summary

00:00

"God's Hidden Presence in Esther Revealed"

  • In the book of Esther, God's name is not mentioned, but it appears in acrostic form in Hebrew, signifying pivotal points in the story.
  • God works behind the scenes in our lives, positioning and preparing us before challenges arise.
  • The gospel is powerful for salvation, leading to many transformations and restorations.
  • Thousands are discovering the gospel of grace through free Gospel Partner episodes on YouTube.
  • Gospel Partners are thanked for supporting the free distribution of sermons and resources.
  • To become a Gospel Partner, sign up on gospelpartner.com for access to over 1,000 sermons and other benefits.
  • Spending time in God's Word leads to prosperity and good success in all areas of life.
  • The book of Esther showcases God's providence and provision, even though His name is not explicitly mentioned.
  • The name of God is hidden in acrostic form in the book of Esther, emphasizing His presence and care.
  • Reading and studying the Bible brings health and rejuvenation to all aspects of life, shining light on the importance of God's Word.

13:12

God's Word: Prosperity, Success, and Hidden Meanings

  • God's Word brings prosperity and success in all aspects of life, not just financially.
  • Understanding God's Word is not necessary for its benefits to be felt.
  • The story of a farmer and his son illustrates the cleansing power of God's Word on the mind.
  • Learning Hebrew letters and their meanings, like "Yahweh," can deepen understanding of God's Word.
  • The name of God, Yahweh, is hidden in acrostic form in the book of Esther, signifying pivotal moments in the story.
  • The times of the Gentiles began when Israel strayed from God, leading to their captivity and suspension as a leading nation.
  • The story of Esther unfolds in the context of King Ahasuerus's grand feast and his wife Vashti's refusal to appear before him.
  • Vashti's refusal leads to her removal as queen, setting the stage for Esther to take her place.
  • A royal decree is issued that all wives should honor their husbands, with Esther eventually becoming queen.
  • The Hebrew phrase for "all wives will honor" contains the reverse spelling of Yahweh, indicating God's hidden hand in the events.

26:13

"Esther: God's Favor Overcomes Evil Decree"

  • Hebrew reads from right to left, which is why it appears reversed compared to English.
  • In the story, God's presence is indicated by the direction of acrostics - forward for ruling directly, reversed for overruling.
  • Queen Vashti is deposed to make way for Esther, who is being prepared to help her people.
  • Esther, despite her beauty, stands out due to the favor she receives, emphasizing the importance of God's favor over physical appearance.
  • Women summoned to potentially become the king's wife undergo an elaborate process involving months of perfuming before meeting the king.
  • Esther wins the king's favor and becomes queen, showcasing the power of grace and favor over personal attributes.
  • Haman, an evil figure akin to the anti-Christ, rises to a powerful position and seeks to destroy all Jews in the kingdom.
  • The decree to annihilate the Jews is sealed with the king's signet ring, a law that cannot be changed even by the king himself.
  • The timing of the decree puts even those in Jerusalem, including Ezra and Nehemiah, at risk of destruction.
  • Despite the impending danger, God's preparation of Esther in the palace highlights His ability to use unexpected circumstances to change destinies.

39:35

Divine intervention in Esther's strategic plan.

  • God can work through small things, even a baby crying or a woman's anger, to bring about change.
  • Mordecai sends a message to Esther, urging her to act to save the Jews, hinting at her divine purpose.
  • Waiting on the Lord is never wasted time, as it leads to strength and blessings.
  • Esther strategically invites the King and Haman to a banquet before making her request.
  • Haman's pride leads him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai, showcasing his downfall.
  • The King's sleepless night leads to the discovery of Mordecai's past good deed.
  • Mordecai's good deed is revealed, but he was never rewarded for it.
  • The King questions why Mordecai was never honored for his actions.
  • Haman arrives to recommend hanging Mordecai just as the King seeks advice.
  • The King's discovery of Mordecai's past deed coincides with Haman's arrival to suggest Mordecai's hanging.

52:01

"Esther's Banquet: Haman's Downfall, Mordecai's Rise"

  • The king asked Haman what should be done for someone he wants to honor, and Haman assumed it was about him.
  • Haman suggested dressing the honored man in the king's robe and riding the king's horse, which was done for Mordecai, a Jew.
  • Mordecai was paraded through the city as an honored man, causing Haman distress.
  • Haman's wife warned him of his impending downfall due to his actions against Mordecai.
  • The king's eunuchs hurried Haman to a banquet prepared by Queen Esther.
  • At the banquet, Queen Esther revealed the plot against her people, the Jews, to the king.
  • The king ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
  • The king gave Mordecai Haman's signet ring and appointed him over Haman's house.
  • Mordecai allowed the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.
  • The Jews celebrated their victory, and the Feast of Purim was established to commemorate their deliverance.

01:04:26

God's Compassionate Work: Protect, Preserve, Bless

  • God's heart is compassion, working behind the scenes to protect, preserve, and bless despite rebellion.
  • Reference to Hosea 1:8 and 9, highlighting the prophecy of being no longer "My people."
  • Paul quotes Hosea in Romans 9, emphasizing that Gentiles are also called God's people.
  • Jesus fulfills the prophecy, ensuring believers are now sons of the living God.
  • The Pharisees' insistence on changing Jesus' title on the cross due to the acrostic spelling "Yahweh."
  • A prayer for salvation, emphasizing the ability to fill in the blank with what one needs from God.
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