God's Providential Fingerprints - Part 2

As we continue reading the story of Esther, we find more of God’s providential fingerprints in chapters 4-6 as we did in the first three chapters of the book. Again, the Lord is working in His sovereign and providential power to fulfill His will through both ideal and imperfect circumstances.

4. Timing and positioning (Esther 4)

Fasting is mentioned twice in Esther 4 (see verses 3 and 16). This is probably the closest we come to seeing a mention of God in the book of Esther. The reasoning goes something like this: When Jewish people like Mordecai and Esther are fasting, we can be sure prayers are also involved, and if they’re praying, we can be certain they’re praying to the One, True God!

Nevertheless, we still don’t see an explicit mention of God’s name here. Yet, we do see His providential fingerprints. Mordecai relays a classic question to Esther as he tries to convince her to go before the king to plead for the safety of the Jewish people. He asks her in Esther 4:14b, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (NIV)?

We can answer this question, can’t we? We know why Esther’s in her royal position, and furthermore, we know who put her there – God did! His providential fingerprints are all over the place. God positioned Esther in her position by His providential power in order to fulfill His purposes. It's true that Esther needed a little time to see God’s plan, but she eventually got it (see Esther 4:15-16).

And here’s an interesting point about God’s providence and sovereignty: Many times we don’t know what God is doing, but God always knows what He’s doing! In other words, we may not “see” things immediately just as it took Esther a little time to “see” the ways God was working. But we can always be sure that God is working even if we can’t “see” it. His providential fingerprints are all over our lives as well.

5. Approval and the heart of a king (Esther 5)

One of the reasons Esther hesitated to approach the king was because she had not been summoned before his presence for 30 days (see Esther 4:11). This point of information is important since Persian law allowed the king to execute anyone who came into his presence uninvited. Esther was basically risking her life now in order to try to save Jewish lives later.

But here’s where we catch a glimpse of God’s providential fingerprints even on the heart of the king! Esther 5:2 says, “When [the king] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter” (NIV).

Again, we see God’s fingerprints in the fact that Esther gained “approval” before the king. God was granting her favor in the eyes of the king in order to accomplish His purposes. Also, we see God’s fingerprints in the fact the king extended his scepter to her instead of executing her!

Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised at all to find God’s fingerprints on the heart of the king. We can see how God can moved the heart of a pagan king to accomplish His plans (see 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4), and Proverbs 21:1 also says, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (NIV).

So, we need to always remember who’s really in control. We might see different people in positions of power with our physical eyes, but God alone is sovereign, exercising ultimate power over all people and things.

6. Sleepless nights and just the right readings in royal records (Esther 6)

Esther 6:1-5 is nothing short of amazing when we thing specifically about God’s providential fingerprints! First, we have a king who can’t sleep (see Esther 6:1). Who do you think is keeping him awake? Obviously God is because Haman is hatching a sinister plot to have Mordecai hung the next day (see Esther 5:14).

Second, we have someone (we’re not even sure of the person’s name) find a place to read the royal record to the king in order to help him sleep. And it “just so happens” that they read the account of how Mordecai spoiled an assassination plot against the king, right? Wrong! God’s providential fingerprints are all over this story (see Esther 6:2).

Third, we have the king asking what honor has been bestowed on Mordecai for his loyalty and service. And when he learns that no honor has been given to Mordecai, Haman “happens” to be showing up to ask the king for permission to execute Mordecai (see Esther 6:3-4)! Hmmm. Who do you think is overseeing the perfect timing of all these events? Surely, God’s providential fingerprints are everywhere.

7. Exaltation and humility (Esther 6)

The way Esther 6 closes is a powerful depiction of the Biblical truth that God alone exalts and humbles. Proverbs 3:34 is plain: “[God] mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble” (NIV). Jesus also says in Luke 18:14 that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (NIV).

So, here we see Mordecai honored by the command of the king through the hand of Haman, but obviously, God is sovereign over all of it. He alone is the One who exalts and humbles. It’s His providential fingerprints that appear on the details of this story.

Of course, we’re not finished with the book of Esther, yet. There’s still more of God’s providential fingerprints to see!

Blessings…