Providence In American History Series

Great leaders are often providentially preserved from what ought

to have been certain death. This happens before they rise to a level

where they are a blessing to many people. In the history of the Jews,

Mordecai is one of these leaders. He came within minutes of being

hung on a gallows, and instead, became a powerful leader for the

good of his people.You can go to Iran yet today, and in Hamadan,

North East of Baghdad, you will find the tomb of Esther and

Mordecai. Their dark hardwood coffins stand side by side, and the

Hebrew inscription craved along the upper edge is Esther 10:3.

God's providential protection of Mordecai changed the course of

history, and the Jews have celebrated the event every year since, on

the holiday called Purim.

The fourth of July brings us to the place where we see history

repeating itself. We celebrate this day for the same reason the Jews

celebrate Purim. It is a day of celebration for America, because God

just as clearly delivered our nation as He did the nation of Israel. It

was a matter of providence, just as sure as that we see in the book of

Esther. As we look at it, we soon see why it is that history repeats

itself. It is because God just loves to repeat a good story, and the

stories of the weak conquering the strong, and the simple outwitting

the wise, are His favorites.

George Washington, the father of our country, was one of the

most godly leaders in history, and God's providence in his life has

blessed all Americans, just as that in Mordecai's life has blessed all

Jews. We can't begin to share them all, but let me give you a taste.

In the battle of Monongahela, Washington was a young officer in the

Virginia Militia. In that battle this 23 year old officer had two horses

shot out from under him, and 4 musket balls passed through his coat.

The Indians, who were expert marksmen, were so impressed with his

survival that the chief prophesied he would be a famous leader, for

the Great Spirit protected him. The chief shared that with

Washington himself years later. Washington was not surprised, for

he sensed the hand of God on him also. He wrote to his brother after

the battle, "Death was leveling my companions on every side of me,

but by the all-powerful disposition of providence, I have been

protected."

It was no accident that Washington with his weak, untrained, and

outnumbered frontier farmers whipped the strong, and well trained

British soldiers. They were the best army in the world of that day. It

is the most common story of God's providence. It is David and

Goliath all over again. It is Mordecai and Haman again. Haman is

the next most powerful man next to the king. He had almost absolute

power. If he abused it, no questions were asked. He could do as he

pleased. Mordecai, on the other hand, was a Jew, and had no power

at all, in comparison. It was like the 13 colonies challenging the

mighty power of England. They didn't have a chance. But the

beauty of history is that it is not left to chance. God steps in, time

and time again, and the little guy wins.

By the providence of God, David won over Goliath, and went on

to become king of Israel. By the providence of God Mordecai won

over Haman, and went on to become a key leader in Persia. By the

providence of God Washington led the 13 colonies to victory over the

British, and went on to become the 1st president of the United States.

It is not coincidence that the pattern keeps repeating itself in history.

It is providence, because it is the way God loves to work, so we can

see His hand in history.

Let me share another parallel between the providence in

Mordecai's life, and that in the life of Washington. Mordecai's life

was spared because of some obscure servant opening the book of

records to the account of his saving the kings life. God has used

books to change the course of history for millions of people and many

nations. We see it in Washington's life as well. The British had held

Boston for a year and a half. They were secure there, with British

ships in the harbor. They were ready to blow anyone off the map

who dared to come near. Washington, on the hillside over looking

Boston, knew he did not dare to even fire a shot. Washington went

with his officers to try and figure out a way to retake this key city. It

seemed hopeless, and no idea stood a chance of succeeding.

That night, Rufus Putnam, a young amateur engineer, was