The Favor of God
Changing Things Through Prayer
Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
Esther 3:1-5 NKJV
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?" Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.
Before we go any farther, we need to take a little side trail and understand some of the background here. The entire nation of Israel was in bondage to first Babylon and now Persia since the Persians had defeated Babylon. And to further complicate things, the whole nation had been exiled to the area that is present day Iraq/Iran. All of this had happened because of Israel’s rebellion against Jehovah.
But there is another complication, a wrench thrown into the gears if you will. You see it all goes back to an incident that happened much earlier, years earlier, with the first King of Israel, Saul.
1 Samuel 15:7-9 NKJV
And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.
You see, when Saul spared Agag, he blew it. He wanted to keep what God told him to destroy. But, he didn’t do it. And now, a descendant of Agag, a man who never should have been born, was brewing up a plan to destroy the Jews.
If you are not careful to obey the Lord you will find yourself dealing with the consequences of disobedience later. It will come back up to bite you later and can even derail your destiny.
In Esther 3:1-5 that we just read, we can see that the writer takes extra time to describe exactly who Haman is, who his ancestors are and what he is like. When I see a list of names like that I like to stop and do that name identification thing. You know the meaning of the names and even some historical information related to the characters mentioned. So, let’s look at it for a minute…..
Agag = Roof; upper floor (oppression)
Amalek = A people that licks up (steals resources)
Hammedatha = He that troubles the law (lawless)
Haman = Noise; tumult (intimidation)
Mordecai = Contrition; bitter; bruising (broken)
Esther = Secret, Hidden Star (born to shine, but…)
So, we have this scenario. We see the oppression, the poverty, the lawlessness, the intimidation. We can also see the results of trying to live underneath all this. Mordecai and Esther are broken and hidden.
Haman had actually worked an angle with the King and ordered all the Jews to be executed, genocide style. They had even chosen an actual date for the genocide.
Esther 3:10-15 NKJV
So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. And the king said to Haman, "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you."
Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded — to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring.
And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day. The couriers went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
Esther 4:1-3 NKJV
When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. He went as far as the front of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. And in every province where the king's command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
So, all this was happening while Esther was making her preparations for the palace. She was a little isolated and cut off from her people during this time. But when she heard about the deal Haman made with the King, as well as the Uncle Mordecai sackcloth and ashes episode, she had to make some choices. Remember, she is the secret, hidden star.
At this point, she has some serious choices to make. Esther can remain silent and keep going down the road she is in. Nobody knows she is a Jew at this point. She could probably survive just fine if she didn’t rock the boat. But Uncle Mordecai has a serious conversation with her……..
Esther 4:14-17 NKJV
For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"
So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.
Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
You must understand something. Ester is beautiful but she is a orphan being raised by her Uncle. And, being an orphaned woman, she is in a sense, a picture of the Triumphant Church.
We have to understand that Esther’s whole purpose, the whole reason she was selected as Queen and given favor by the King was to preserve the Nation of Israel.
Esther 8:1-8
On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. 2 So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.
This is the picture of favored prayer.
3 Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, 5 and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?"
7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. 8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke."
Haman, whose ancestors were spared because of disobedience, would kill everyone, unless someone intervenes. Esther rises to her destiny & intervenes God turns things around, Haman is hung instead.
Don’t devalue Prayer! It is the most powerful tool we have! We cannot stress its importance enough. We must value and emphasize prayer more than just about anything.
And, we must not overvalue human efforts. Our own efforts must be bathed in prayer and in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Nor should we be overwhelmed by the efforts of others who are against us. Romans 8:31 says “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Don’t De-value Prayer
o Don’t Over-value Human efforts
o Prayer is the generator of Power
James 5:16-17 NKJV
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
Effectual (Greek) energeo (en-erg-eh'-o); To be active, efficient: be mighty in, This Greek word is where we get the word “energy.”
Avails (Greek)= ischuo (is-khoo'-o); To have force, A force that produces results
15 REASONS WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?
(Took me 10 minutes to get these…. Could go into 100 reasons)
1. GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS
Matthew 7:7-11 NKJV
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
2. GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS
This so motivates me
3. PRAYER IS THE VEHICLE BY WHICH ALMIGHTY GOD PARTICIPATES IN OUR LIVES
Matthew 6:9-13
In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
God participates in the Earth through Prayer.... This is the Vehicle He has chosen to use
4. THROUGH PRAYER WE OVERCOME TEMPTATION
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
There is always a Cross to bear before we wear the Crown
o When we Stop praying…. We become Subject to Temptation
o We have to Pray before we are tempted
The Flesh is Stupid
o Get your Spirit Strong and you can overcome your flesh
5. THROUGH PRAYER WE OVERCOME SATAN’S WORKS AND WEAPONS
Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Truth without the Holy Spirit is just “Dry information”.... If we can get people praying & studying the Bible, you can see it in their fruit, their spiritual production.
6. WE GROW CLOSER TO GOD AND BECOME MORE CHRISTLIKE THROUGH PRAYER
Ephesians 1:17-19 NKJV
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
7. THROUGH PRAYER THE BLINDNESS IN THE HEART OF THE UNBELIEVER IS REMOVED SO THEY CAN BE SAVED
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Evangelism without Intercession produces Mediocre results
o People can’t See the light with they are Blinded
Have to Pray… Deception/ Demonic Forces OFF peoples lives
o In honest evaluation ? Nothing as Great as Christianity
8. MIRACLES HAPPEN THROUGH PRAYER
Acts 4:31-34 NKJV
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
It released a Spirit of Provision for ALL who participated in Prayer
9. HEALING HAPPENS THROUGH PRAYER
James 5:15 NKJV
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
One Miracle changes everything
10. BLESSINGS ARE RELEASED AND RECEIVED THROUGH PRAYER
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NKJV
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.
God will enlarge & keep us from our Sin.... ? God will make us Mighty
11. PRAYER RELEASES GOD’S WISDOM INTO OUR LIVES
James 1:5 NKJV
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
12. PRAYER RELEASES DELIVERANCE TO THOSE IN BONDAGE
Mark 16:17 NKJV
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Demons are afraid of Holy Ghost inspired Saints
13. PRAYER RELEASES GOD’S WILL AND KINGDOM TO MANKIND
Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV
In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
#1 way God’s Will is released = Through Prayer
? Greatest crowns in Heaven ? Praying Grandma’s
14. PRAYER PRODUCES UNITY
Acts 2:42 NKJV
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:46 NKJV
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Unity - One Accord = Harmony
? One Purpose & One Voice
? Agreement in Power… “If two agree” (Matt.18)
15. THROUGH PRAYER NATIONS ARE HEALED
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
When the church Prays…. Nations are affected
Entire Nations can be shifted
Amazing....... Just a few months earlier Esther was an orphan, obscure and unknown by everyone.
o Now thrust into Kingdom Authority & Dominion
o Her intercession paving the way
Remember what the King said when Esther came before him? He couldn’t wait to give her absolute anything she wanted. King says… “You don’t have to beg me for stuff.”
o You can now speak FOR Me ? You make the Decree
o Tell the Devil… “Let go of my $$$, Kids, etc)
SAY… THINGS ARE CHANGING
I don’t want you to remain a Slave child
God is not looking for a Kingdom of Slaves
o Wants us to have Confidence to Accomplish Kingdom business
o We are the Children of the Most High God
God yearns for His Queen (church) to take their place in the Earth
It is time to turn the Great American Dream into the Great Kingdom Dream. With today’s world wide challenges, I think we need to get our focus off our own stuff; Jesus will take care of us. We must seek the Kingdom of God.
Look around yourself, can you see the Kingdom?
Look at your city, do you see the Kingdom of God?
Look at your family, do you see the Kingdom of God?
You have to search it out but it is there. Just look for it! It is there!
Do you think we could get the church to UNITE on a couple things
o How about REVIVAL for the city
Ezekiel 37:1-4 NKJV
The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
So I answered, "O Lord GOD, You know."
Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
Ezekiel… “Take a deep breath”
o You will Take-In natural air…. You will Breath-Out supernatural
o You will speak Creatively
o Prophecy to those things that need to come to life.
It’s not normal to speak to Dead things
o God will put us in Hopeless valleys to speak to Death
o Don’t wonder why you are in the valley. I just told you, you are there to speak to death!
We will speak… God is not done with you, You will Arise again…
o We are all… Agents of Change
? Speaking Kingdom Words
? Words birthed out of INTERCESSION / PRAYER
NEVER ALLOW ANYTHING TO TAKE THE PLACE OF PRAYER
You can have confidence in your prayers because you have the Favor of God!
