I. Introduction
Good day to all! Today, we delve once again into those whom God favours. Have you noticed that those whom God delights in, He elevates to high positions! In truth, it is quite normal for God to lift us up. When we closely examine the Scriptures, we discover something truly remarkable: Those whom God favours are either governors, kings, or prime ministers, many of them holding such offices. Moreover, they are often very wealthy individuals—truly astonishing! Among those whom God favours, there are no poor; truly none, for God ensures their prosperity. Today, brethren, let us begin to adjust the level of our faith. It is not due to their own might, but because they are favoured by God.
In our previous two sessions, we discussed Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. These individuals were all exiled to Babylon and thrust into the Persian Empire after the fall of Israel and Judah. Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, though separated by several decades, were both instrumental in building God's temple, restoring it, and rebuilding Jerusalem—akin to those who build God's church today. Therefore, brethren, you must cultivate a church-centric perspective. If you are a builder of God's temple, it is difficult not to please God. I wish to convey that those whom God favours are exceptionally blessed. Today, we will discuss a man named Mordecai. The Scripture astutely states:
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
Can you grasp the meaning of this passage? If so, excellent! If not, today's sermon will elucidate it for you. It is quite intriguing, yet somewhat convoluted. God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. If you are perceived as foolish in the eyes of the world, then you certainly have an opportunity. Do you understand? Trusting in God sounds deceptively simple. Look, it is quite burdensome for a person to rely on themselves—truly troublesome. To become wise through one's own efforts is arduous; one must study and endeavour. Of course, I am not advocating against learning. What I mean to convey is this: We are inadequate, inherently so. Therefore, we must cease relying on ourselves. By ceasing self-reliance, we rely on God, and God shames the wise.
If you are in the workplace, you must learn to trust in God. You will find that those who scheme cannot prevail against you. Do not condescend to their level. The world observes, Wow, what wisdom does this person possess? Opportunities and advantages often come your way because God is in control. In the political strife of the workplace, skills may falter, but unwavering faith in the Lord always prevails, for God aids you! Those who contend with you cannot overcome you. Mordecai serves as an excellent example.
Do you know that trusting in God simplifies complex matters? Have you noticed this? Complexity is transformed into simplicity. Initially, you might be inadequate; waiting until you are fully competent before embarking on a task might mean waiting indefinitely. Thus, you proceed even without full preparedness. As you progress, God assists you, granting you opportunities. Gradually, you begin to renew yourself, and you discover that you improve with each step because you are not relying on yourself. Self-reliance leads to complications. Chinese Mingding Destiny has a distinct characteristic, simplifying the complex. How is simplicity achieved? Through trusting in God! It becomes instantaneously simple.
Let me share something with you: Can you perceive what I am doing? If you listen to testimonies every Sunday, it is merely an old divine matter. What I do is particularly divine. Last night, I ministered to two cancer patients—one with a severely distended abdomen, the other with an abdomen scarred by sutures resembling a zipper. It was dire! Upon seeing them join the group, I connected with them via telephone. The pain was intense, but after praying for them, they found relief. I tell you, many times, painkillers are ineffective, yet my prayer proved more potent. Across vast distances, a simple phone call—how effortless! Trusting in God! Why? God's power transcends space and time! Therefore, brethren, understand how advantageous it is to follow God; it is akin to wielding a royal sword, possessing a treasure.
I gave her a slight reprimand. You must understand that those afflicted with cancer often harbor selfishness, focused solely on self-survival, yet failing to thrive. They rely on their own unreliable wisdom, leading to inner conflict and ultimately, cancer. Therefore, see how wonderful it is to trust in God? Trusting in God brings clarity, openness, and comfort. We are inadequate, but God fills the void with His power. When we are capable, God bestows upon us even greater power. It is truly remarkable, while others complicate matters. I thank God!
Imagine what Jesus could accomplish! If Jesus were to intervene, we would not need surgery for congenital blindness, nor would we need to transplant eyes or livers or kidneys. Man complicates matters so, but is this not how man operates? Sometimes replacements are scarce, and people resort to desperate measures, awakening to find an incision and a missing kidney.
Due to these matters, my brethren, we must understand that our God does not operate in such a complex manner. It would require numerous scientists to research how to transplant pig livers or kidneys into humans—why? Because pig organs are abundant, while human organs are scarce. During my working days, my superior received a kidney transplant, which lasted approximately ten years. I attended his funeral a decade later. Jesus simplifies such matters, healing with a touch, at most, by spitting and mixing mud, applying it to the eyes, and instructing them to wash in a pool, and they are healed! When I first believed in the Lord, I marveled at Jesus' goodness. Today, I begin to resemble Jesus somewhat. Hence, I harbor the desire to emulate Jesus. Previously, when I expressed my aspiration to be like Jesus, people would say, Look at you, like a toad lusting after swan meat. Take a look at your character; how dare you aspire to be like Jesus? Be realistic. Fortunately, I did not heed them, for where would I be if I had? Emulating Jesus is wonderful!
I observe the pain and suffering within the church, and many attempt to attribute it to ancestral curses, dysfunctional families, or personality flaws. After explaining the problem, do they offer a solution? No, they remain idle, leaving people in hopelessness. I do not dwell on such explanations; what is the point? They will surely be healed. Can those in the terminal stages of cancer be healed? Why not? Jesus raised the dead; are you not still alive? Does this not bring comfort? I find that emulating Jesus is wonderful. If both you and I resembled Jesus, how many would witness God's light in this generation!
Today, brethren, understand that we must simplify complex matters. How do we simplify them? By trusting in God! Simplify political struggles. Today, consider Mordecai, who navigated intricate political conflicts and became prime minister. Previously, in order to become prime minister, people pushed others down. How did he ascend? By trusting in God. He did not covet the position; it was thrust upon him.
Chinese Mingding Destiny does not merely explain problems; it solves them! You must become a problem-solver, relying on God's power! Chinese Mingding Destiny is not about seeking miracles for the sake of miracles. We desire to see people liberated from bondage. How can we progress without miracles? Therefore, let us not be deceived by past lies, such as pursuing miracles. Is it difficult to bless someone? I wish to resolve their problems. Can we stand idly by as they suffer? Let us no longer speak of chasing miracles.
Some label Chinese Mingding Destiny as heresy or a cult. Others retort, Can heresy inspire emulation of Jesus? Some inquire, You can emulate Jesus? Later, the question is posed, If you do not pursue Jesus, what are you doing as a Christian? I find these remarks quite amusing; they have echoed my own thoughts. Later, they concede, While this may seem heretical, they study the Bible meticulously. Indeed, we are earnest in our understanding of God's Word. Are you aware that churches dread infiltrators from Eastern Lightning? It is because they are more versed in the Bible and easily sway people. This is because the church does not diligently study the Bible. Let Eastern Lightning attempt to infiltrate us; they cannot outmatch us. Can our brethren accept such teachings? No.
Brethren, realize that signs and wonders will accompany those who believe: casting out demons in the name of Jesus Christ, speaking in new tongues, laying hands on the sick, and they will be healed. They can handle snakes, and even if they drink poison, they will not be harmed. This is wonderful! Have you contracted cancer? Are you presently impoverished? It does not matter; you can overcome it through Jesus Christ. Do you believe? Believe! How difficult is it to believe? It is quite easy. Do not persist in disbelief, for such is the power of God! Let us read it once more:
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
This is quite fascinating. Consider the two cancer patients—one with a distended abdomen, the other in severe pain. The latter inquired, Are you not seeking treatment? No, I am not. Why are you not seeking treatment? Because they want to create another anus. I already have one; I do not want another. Do you understand? Trying to reroute the anus, rerouting a pipe—perhaps rerouting a soft or hard tube—rerouting an anus, oh my heavens, it sounds terrifying!
Consequently, she declined treatment because she had previously suffered from cancer—a recurrence. Previously, she had encountered me through her in-laws. A close friend of mine, her in-law, knew of my frequent divine interventions. On one occasion, her in-law sought me out due to severe leg pain. I instructed her to place her leg on a stool, and after prayer, her leg was healed. Previously unable to climb stairs, she was able to run up and down them after the prayer. She exclaimed, How remarkable! Can you assist my in-law, who has cancer? After I intervened, she was healed, though not entirely transformed, still possessing a cancer disposition.
Last year, the cancer recurred severely. Just last month, her family was preparing for her passing. At the beginning of the year, she was advised to return to the hospital for another anal reconstruction. The very thought is distressing. This time, she learned and decided against treatment without seeking my counsel, relying solely on my prayers. Meanwhile, another person afflicted with the same recurrent cancer underwent surgery for an artificial anus and passed away a month ago. But she remains alive because she frequently prays with me. Her previously distended abdomen has shrunk through prayer; her previously rigid abdomen has softened; her previously diminished appetite has returned to normal, even robust. Two cancer patients remarked, You are not seeking treatment? Is that not frightening? Their words reveal a lack of faith in God.
I tell you, not only are medical problems simplified, but political struggles are also simplified. What is wisdom? The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. How wonderful it is to have God! God will shame the wise. Have you grasped this? In political struggles, God is essential. Some strive relentlessly to ascend, yet fail. I ascended. I did not rely on my own ability but have aspired to be pleasing to God since the day I believed. To be pleasing to God is paramount. Brethren, understand that it is not about our competence. Some attribute my success to my brilliance as a former scholar from a prestigious university. That is utter nonsense! It has nothing to do with that; it is related to the trusting heart within me and my disregard for earthly life. You must understand that we must disdain life and death. Life is not an issue.
Thus, I have a saying I often use during ministry—it is effective, and you should use it too. I ask those I minister to, What is your problem? They reply, Oh, it is a major problem! I ask how major it is. Can it kill you? No. Then it is a minor problem. If they say, This is a life-threatening problem! Good! To die is to be rid of problems. Does one need to pay phone bills in death? Even if one wanted to, one could not. Without that, there is no more issue, right? No need to eat, drink, or excrete—nothing needed. This is my logic, which you may not accept, but those who please God indeed operate by this logic. Disdaining death—if you are not afraid of death, what else can you fear? Can you fail to triumph? Can you fail to please God? Consider Jesus, who scorned death and life. Crucified at the age of 30, it appears tragic from a human perspective, but Jesus resurrected from the dead!
To be pleasing to God, to be whom God favours, though it may seem unwise, it is the wisdom of God. Relying on God, all things become simple, and miraculous events occur. I have Q&A sessions every Sunday and Bible study. A young man was declared bankrupt because he owed money. Others owed him money, but there was nothing he could do, so he was declared bankrupt. He always asked questions which were laden with human wisdom, making it complex to answer. But with God's wisdom, it becomes instantly simple. Brethren, living by faith brings ease and joy. A happy, joyful life is a happy, joyful lifetime.
Consider Daniel in the Bible, who served as prime minister through three dynasties and four reigns. Daniel was taken captive to Babylon as a young child. He grew up and was educated there, later serving in the court, eventually becoming the prime minister of the Babylonian Empire, second only to the king—a truly remarkable position. During a political struggle, he was thrown into the lions' den. Imagine the horror of being thrown into a lions' den and not being devoured. Even if not bitten, a swipe from those massive paws would be devastating. But God's intervention is so simple. Not only did God render the lions' mouths inoperable, but their claws were also paralyzed. They were ineffective against Daniel, making the situation instantly simple. Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, refused to worship idols and were thrown into a furnace, but they emerged unharmed and even promoted. Such incidents are unheard of.
Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea—a total of three million people. Consider: how many ships would be needed to transport three million people across the Red Sea, ferrying them back and forth? Wouldn't that be cumbersome? God blew a breath, the Red Sea parted, and they walked across. Where there is God, there are miracles, brethren. What you truly need is a miracle. How do miracles come? I tell you, strive to be pleasing to God. If you do not know how to be pleasing to God, I am telling you. We have discussed Nehemiah
and Zerubbabel - have you understood? We should emulate them, these are truly fearless people!
Let us discuss once again Mordecai. He was also a remarkable man, the kind that wouldn't mind dying. What are you afraid of? God supports you. Do you believe that if you let go of many things, nothing will fall apart? If you let go for an hour and nothing collapsed, it won't collapse even if you let go for two. God transcends human wisdom. No one can boast before God because of their flesh. The power of God is the impressive part. From a human perspective, especially this Mordecai, he doesn't seem very wise. The Shandong people generally are stubborn. Despite Mordecai being pleasing to God, I might not completely agree with some of his methods, but I do agree that he pleases God. You have to try it; how will you know without trying? If trying is effective, don't make it complicated; relying on God is easy.
Some people pray: God, please bless the doctor's hands, but the doctor's hand trembles, and the surgery isn't a success. God, grant me a good doctor. How complicated that is, going through a whole process - why not just seek God directly and solve the issue? It's exhausting just listening to it, and it's not like I haven't seen doctors before. I offer you my testimony: I have a good friend who works in the hospital. I used to preach the gospel to him, but he wouldn't listen; he was quite stubborn. After three months of struggling in the hospital, he came to me, asking for help. Three-months of struggling didn't fix it, and it only got worse. All sorts of experts attended him. It's all so complicated, with pharmaceutical companies having to produce drugs, and then, a whole bunch of procedures, like FDA approval...I went at night, prayed for an hour, and he went home, jumping with joy. All that effort! Why depend on the doctor's hands, instead of the best hand there is - God!
The Mordecai we are talking about this time is a man of strong temper and character. Listen to his name, no changing him! In the world's eyes, he is stubborn. Where is the wisdom in being stubborn? The world deems him foolish -- desperate to act foolishly. No changing him - no changing him to love God, no changing him to please God.
II. Scripture
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. (Esther 4:10-17)
III. Prayer
Oh God! Today give us a perish if I perish kind of faith; what a beautiful declaration! From now on, we scorn death we despise being alive! Oh God! This position we stand in today, it is to make you happy! It is to be someone you favor! Today God, rise us! Rise us up! Allow us to intercede for our nation, for ourselves, for the people of the world, for the people of God and for the churches. God, rise us up! Let us become people who are building glorious churches; let them become people who make you happy. Today God, give us the heart to turn away from the little life, to gain this destiny of blessing the generation. May your will be fulfilled in us! In Jesus Christ's name. Amen!
IV. The Background of this passage
The background of this passage is very interesting. Today, everyone has to know that this passage has a lot of coincidences. I often share testimonies when I preach the gospel. While sharing testimony, people ask Oh, it is a coincidence. I ask, 'How can it be such a coincidence? That I would encounter these coincidences?! It is because Of God. That is why, today, everyone has to know: where did the background passage come from - namely - where did Queen Esther became Queen from? She was actually a daughter of an average family and a very ordinary girl, but how did she become a Queen? Actually, King Ahasuerus already had a Queen. If she (the existing Queen) didn't die, or wasn't demoted and persecuted to death, no one else would have been able to do it, so quickly change to two Queens. Oh, you know? The God that we have, has prepared this coincidence a long time ago.
I hope these coincidences occur often in your life because I often bring everyone together to say Miraculous things appear! Beautiful things come to be! These are empowering messages and what happens afterward. In the narrative of the God like director - Queen Vashti was seized by something evil. She was at King Ahasuerus banquet to show support, but that day, no one knew where that evil energy came from and decided, I'm not going. Vashti created a conflict with King Ahasuerus! With the evil energy around, you would create a conflict. The Queen was seized by it and said I am not going; arguing with King Ahasuerus to this extent is finding death. As the result, King Ahasuerus asked the advisors next to him, who also under God, and advisors fired her. If the Queen continues to do this, the governor, nobles, court officials and all the vassal kings, would start to follow suit leading to the spread of henpecked behaviour across government. This illness of henpecked men would suffocate the country.
As the result Vashti was fired, so new elections...
This kneeling is not a trivial matter. There was a Mordecai, no can change, who would not kneel! Wouldn't you say that this was courting death? He had never feared death, this man. Haman was second only to the emperor, above all others. How dare you challenge him today? Don't even think about challenging him; even challenging a local bully in Tangshan would land you in the hospital. Isn't challenging them just asking for trouble? But here comes Mordecai, unyielding, refusing to kneel. People say, It's the emperor's command! The emperor's command? The emperor's command is no good either! Wouldn't you say this is stirring up trouble? As a result, Haman felt deeply disturbed. You'd think Haman's brain was malfunctioning, outsmarting himself. He could have simply killed him, and it would have been over. No, Haman said, Killing just one man is not enough! He's a Jew; it would be much more satisfying to kill all the Jews!
This idea of killing all the Jews delayed things. Killing all the Jews is not the same as killing just one. If it were just one, the battle could be over by tomorrow. But because he didn't kill him, it's like in those movies where someone holds a gun, lets the person understand everything before they die, and doesn't shoot, only to have the gun snatched away and used against them. What are you waiting for? Haman felt that he couldn't escape his palm! Many melodramas involve reversals, just like that delay. If you've caught the opportunity, my idea is: don't dawdle, don't be too confident! As a result, overconfidence and wisdom. Haman was so wise, able to rise to be second only to the emperor, above all others; he must have been wise, so he was full of confidence. But he didn't know he was going against God! It's interesting; they drew lots to choose a day, fussing and choosing until it was in December, still months away. After choosing, he tricked the emperor into giving him the imperial seal, stamped it, and issued a decree. He arranged for all government officials to come out and kill the Jews that day.
Quite interesting, quite complicated work. But he didn't know he was up against someone with a stubborn streak. Not only did he have a stubborn streak, but he had God! Even a stubborn streak isn't to be feared. If someone pleases God, having a stubborn streak doesn't matter, it doesn't affect anything. After Mordecai learned of this, he put on sackcloth, almost as if in mourning, and covered himself in ashes. As a result, all the Jews were in sackcloth and ashes. If you act like this, won't the emperor get angry and kill you? What are you doing? What's wrong with our nation? What's going on? Are you unhappy or dissatisfied with my rule? Even wearing sackcloth and ashes. As a result of this sackcloth and ashes, Esther sent someone to ask him what had happened. Mordecai told Esther: Our people are going to be exterminated; the entire Jewish people are doomed! The date has been set; we all only have a few months to live. Mordecai said, You must go see the king; we need to pull some strings. You're the queen; we can't not use that connection!
But Esther said she couldn't go see the king. Esther was afraid, afraid to see the king. Because if the king hasn't summoned you, if you haven't been summoned, going to see him is a capital offense; wouldn't that be risking your life! Should you barge in? If the king happens to be angry or unhappy, aren't you just asking for trouble? The risk is great! She told Mordecai, All the king's servants have such a rule. The meaning is: it can't be done. Mordecai's temper flared up: What? You're my adopted daughter, and now you're the queen, so you're all high and mighty? If Mordecai were from the Northeast, he'd probably say: What's up? You've become powerful, you've grown wings? After becoming queen, you don't know who your adoptive father is anymore? You're not listening? The words Mordecai entrusted to Esther were powerful.
Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14)
Today, brothers and sisters, you must have this character. I use these words when ministering to cancer patients, it's solid, knocking people down with one blow. Mordecai meant that you might escape this disaster in the palace, but you'll slowly bear the burden of God's disaster! Today, brothers and sisters, some people can escape human disaster but not God's disaster, which is even worse, even more deadly! Therefore, being someone who pleases God is extraordinary! Then, Mordecai said:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
It doesn't matter if you don't work; our God still works. This is a stimulation. Have you heard me stimulate you? If you haven't, listen slowly; I'll add a little something during the sermon, something like your head is full of crap, just to stimulate you. As a result, Esther couldn't withstand this stimulation; fine, let death be death! Esther said, Okay, tell all the Jews in Susa to fast for me for three days and three nights, without eating or drinking. No eating, no drinking, not even milk, for three days and three nights.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
Today, brothers and sisters, can you understand? Those who hold the faith of if I perish, I perish will not die! Today, people have that faith: the cancer has recurred, it has spread, but instead of complicating things, they begin to rely on God and are still alive today. She must be healed! Today, brothers and sisters, you must know that God is our healer. That's all I'll say about that. As a result, miraculous things began to happen.
V. God Has Chosen the Foolish Things of the World
Look carefully, everyone, sometimes you may not agree. But you must know why this person seems so foolish. Mordecai sounds like Shanghai dialect. Mordecai, can you change your name? What does no can change mean? Must change sounds much better! Must be a fool. People advise him, isn't that courting death? Isn't that asking for trouble? Queen Esther thought in the palace: Oh, my adoptive father, aren't you being stubborn? Are you from Shandong? Many people from Shandong are no can change. Many Shandong people are just stubborn. Can't you kneel for a moment? Kneeling for a moment won't affect your pleasing God, don't be such a fool! Let's not cause trouble. Now death is at your door, isn't it? Don't be a fool! No can change!
People have the emperor's decree to kill all the Jews. Great, your sackcloth and ashes are adding fuel to the fire! Why don't you offer a gift and ask the emperor for mercy, saying you made a mistake. Isn't that what people would usually think? Even in Abraham's time, Abraham didn't seem to do that! Has everyone figured out the flavor of this? I don't necessarily agree with this, but it doesn't matter. It doesn't seem very wise, but there's no choice. Why else would I be called no can change?
Esther was worried, thinking that this has dragged her in too. Fine, let death be death! I'll play along with you. The two have this temper, stubbornly opposing each other. Dad, since you've said this, let's do it. Since I'm your daughter, let death be death! I'll play your game of life and death! You ask the Jews to pray for me for three days, let death be death! This doesn't seem like a wise person, it really doesn't seem like it! But there is God! To die for God, to die for God's people, that is as heavy as Mount Tai!Today, we must have this character;To die for own sin is meaningless.
These two, father and daughter, once their tempers flared up, brothers and sisters, you can't deny that you really need this temper to argue with the devil. Some time ago, I advised a sister to buy a computer. She went back and told her daughter that she wanted to buy one. Her daughter said: Buy a computer for what? There's not that much wrong with it! She made our sister feel so uncomfortable! As a result, I taught her to be strong. She said: This is Mom's only hope, Mom will buy it herself, she will find a way. I must have it, there is no changing this! As a result, the daughter went to the office, ordered a computer for her, and brought it back.
Studying the computer, this time people started praising her: You're amazing! You're wonderful! Everyone said she was incredible! She was seriously typing, one finger, two fingers, three fingers, four fingers, and finally all ten fingers were in use. Amazing! As a result, she even said: If you have computer problems in the future, bring them to me and I'll fix them for you. Oh, that's incredible! Because her children and husband were all computer illiterate and couldn't fix anything. They were terrified when they heard the computer was broken, but this time they heard: Oh, you're amazing now! Incredible!
Did you see that? She argued a little bit and it immediately worked out, and this time no one made sarcastic remarks. Oh, amazing! With God, what are you afraid of? It doesn't matter if you argue a little. Why don't you try arguing a little and see? You're afraid of your daughter like a mouse seeing a cat, like Mordecai, it doesn't matter if you argue a little! Why don't you try arguing a little and see what happens? Everyone, please don't misunderstand. I'm not telling you to argue for selfish reasons. I want you to become a blessing to others! This time, don't bother her while she's studying, let her study hard. That's what God does! God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
VI. To Shame the Wise
To shame the wise, that's extraordinary! Wouldn't you say it's coincidental that Esther went in to see the king, and the king held out his golden scepter to her, and nothing happened. Then he said, What do you want? Even half the kingdom, I'll give it to you. What does this mean? King Ahasuerus was quite an interesting king, a man of emotion. Although he wasn't controlled by his wife, he loved her very much. What do you want? I'll give you half the kingdom. Esther said: I have something I want, something I request, but I won't tell you today. Isn't that bold? You're keeping the emperor in suspense? I'd like to invite you and Haman to dinner. That's great! One is the queen I love, and the other is the prime minister I love; it's great for the three of us to sit together! As a result, they came to eat.
After dinner, Haman dusted off his butt and set off for home, and on the way he happened to see Mordecai. Oh, the entanglement in his heart: I have such great honor; the emperor honors me, the queen honors me, and the queen even invited me to dinner, without anyone else, but seeing Mordecai is like eating a cockroach, eating a stink bug, the taste isn't good. As a result, he came home. Human wisdom is useless. Mordecai doesn't seem to be doing too well, does he? Quite foolish, isn't he? Haman was the wisest of the wise. He went home and made a large wooden frame, intending to go to the palace and ask the king to nail Mordecai to the wooden frame.
As a result, wasn't it a coincidence? The king didn't usually like to study, but that day he was lying down unable to sleep, so he read a book. That night, Haman was making a wooden frame at home, and the emperor couldn't sleep in the palace. The emperor suddenly wanted to study, and it was such a coincidence that as soon as he read, he read about Mordecai saving the king's life. The emperor asked his subordinates, Has anyone given him any office or title? Has anyone rewarded him? No. The king felt that he had been too indebted. Just as he was thinking about this, Haman came in from outside. Wasn't it a coincidence? God directed it so well! Haman never dreamed that the king would suddenly think of Mordecai and want to reward him. This book was read at just the right time. This is too God!
What Christians need most is a miracle! Did you think that three days of prayer were in vain? God works even the strongest among Men. In the presence of God, no body will be stronger. So I advise brothers and sisters to set their hearts on being people who please God in the workplace. Those who please God do things at巧合timing. As a result, Haman entered, and the king said, You've come at a good time; I have something to discuss with you. How shall someone be treated whom the king wishes to honor? Haman foolishly assumes that the king is talking about him.
Haman thought the king was asking for his suggestion, so he says:
“For the man the king delights to honor,” replied Haman, “let a royal robe be brought for the king has worn, and a horse the king has ridden, with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”
Then the king says in Esther 6:10: “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”
When Harman hear this, he collapse. He is forced to honor Mordecai in public. Haraman goes home ashamed. His wife knew that it was bad omen.
What do you want, even half the kingdom, I will give it to you right away. Esther suddenly came up with wisdom. She said, I beg you can spare my life, on behalf of my nation, the Jewish people. My people are about to die, including me! Even if you sell me as a slave. It's ok for you treat how ever you want. The only exception is your plan to destroy my race! Wang said what’s that. Esther points to Haman, it is him. All of a sudden rush come to Wang anger. He ordered someone kill Haman right away.
The servants see the wooden gallows that Haman prepares for Mordecai. They kill Haman with that gallows.
Is Mordecai getting promoted as prime minister the key point? The Key point is that you must be the man who pleases GOD.
- If you are a man who pleas GOD,
- you do not fear cursing from man
- Yo do not afraid being not that smart
- You do not afraid political fight since you do not need to partcipate into this
The whole point is that you turn life into that simple. You do not wear your head breaking yourself
One of the sister wants to be political and she does not get it in any way. She tries to watch TV Show to learn politics such as one of the chinese TV show. Watching it 20 times still not understand.
God help us! Turn impossiblity into possibility. God is going to shine on our body.
VII. God Becomes Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption
Does it sound good? I'm glad you like it. God becomes our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. What great words! No one with flesh can boast before God. He may be able to defeat you, but he cannot defeat the God behind you. Brothers and sisters, from today on, cultivate a habit: specifically to please God. God should become our wisdom; do not learn the wisdom of the world, but learn the wisdom of heaven; do not pursue the righteousness of the world, but pursue the righteousness of God; do not pursue earthly holiness, but pursue the holiness from God; do not pursue earthly redemption, but pursue heavenly redemption.
What about Haman? The wisest of the wise, useless, far from playing with God. What about the king? King Ahasuerus is in the palm of God's hand, being played around by God, with the king's intentions all in God's hands. The most frightening thing is human wisdom: as soon as it boasts, as soon as it is ignorant, as soon as it is arrogant, it reveals itself, and as a result, it fulfills the words of Haman's wife: if you want to fight against God's people, you're done for! You see, since going to the queen's banquet, God directed a tragedy of self-harm: Haman's tragedy.
Will the Israelites be saved? They won't die. Even if they were captured to Babylon and later became people of the Persian Empire, they won't die. No matter what the king is like, actually, I'll tell you, King Ahasuerus was not friendly to the Israelites. Who was King Ahasuerus? His father was Darius, and Darius was Cyrus the Great, the Cyrus who let Zerubbabel return to Jerusalem to build the city walls and the temple, he and his son-in-law. From the beginning of history, as long as you have done what pleases God, it will be easy to handle, and if God holds out a golden scepter to you, you will be saved. We are not talking about whether Mordecai had wisdom; we are talking about Mordecai's foolishness; we are not talking about whether Mordecai did right or wrong; it is that heart that pleases God: let death be death, I will be foolish to the death, I must be foolish enough to become a prime minister.
In that era, the Jews were not very popular, everyone must know that Mordecai eventually became prime minister; can you think clearly about that? Can he go from being an ordinary citizen to becoming a prime minister? No, he was also a minister in the palace, one level below Haman, but also a very powerful person, at least like Nehemiah, otherwise how could he have saved the king? He must have been mixing in the palace; God must become our wisdom. Brothers and sisters, do you know how to gain God's wisdom? believe in God! Not only believe in God, but also please God. How to please God? let death be death, despise living, despise death, begin to receive destiny, become a serving person.
Today, when I was leading worship and prayer, many people said: I am willing! I am willing to serve. Have our pastors heard that? If they don't have the opportunity to serve, you need to create opportunities for them. They are all people of destiny; why not give them the opportunity? They want to be people who please God; how can we hinder them? Therefore, to receive destiny, build a glorious church, from Daniel, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Mordecai, those who please God are extraordinary, and God has become our wisdom. If God wants to help us, who can resist us? Be a person who pleases God.
Whenever I please God, I receive wisdom; and whenever I am arrogant, I become foolish. Sometimes I become Haman, sometimes I become Mordecai, and you are probably the same, but the opportunities to become Haman are becoming fewer and fewer, the opportunities to become Mordecai are becoming more and more, receiving more and more destiny, receiving more and more of God's will.
VIII. God Will Lift Up Those He Pleases
Mordecai fooled around until he became prime minister, and the Israelites were also saved, and the enemy, the Agagites, the descendants of Esau, the Amalekites, were destroyed. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. The Agagite Amalekites, the descendants of Esau, are cursed people, naturally opposed to God's people. Today, look carefully, those who oppose God's people will not be good, they cannot be good.
Brothers and sisters, God wants to lift you up, God wants to lift you up in your job, God wants to lift you up in your workplace, God wants to lift you up in your business, why? Because you are a person who pleases God. What you pursue in your heart is not your performance, but whether you please God. Your goal is not your performance, not your business, your goal is to please God, to become a person of destiny, to give up everything for God, not to give up anything for God. Some people are even more outrageous, they cannot give up anything, only God can be given up, doesn't that make them Haman? If you lay down your life for God's people, for God's church, for God's temple, for God's glory, you will surely please God, Amen!
IX. Conclusion
What do you think, is it good to be a person who pleases God? If God is pleased with you, that is an extremely good thing, and if God is pleased with us, we must follow the model of those whom God is pleased with in the Bible; follow Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel, Zerubbabel, follow Mordecai, lay down our lives for God's people, become people of faith, people of character, people who see through life and death, become people who have hope in eternity, no longer fear death, Amen!
Let's sing a song and prepare to receive today's offering. Are you ready, brothers and sisters? If you don't understand the meaning of offering, please don't offer. If you are willing to love the world, willing to incur God's wrath, hurry up and become a person who incurs God's wrath; if you are willing to be a person who pleases God, begin to know that it is infinitely good and the rewards are extremely abundant. Those of you who are willing, sing this song with me: I Am Willing. I repeat again, if you don't understand the meaning of offering, please don't offer; the church is not a place to collect money. The church is a place to distribute blessings, a place to see God's glory, a place to see God's salvation. Are you willing today? If you suddenly wake up and say