God's Sovereignty and Providence- Part 1

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 (KJV)

The word sovereign can be defined as enthroned, ruling, authorative, almighty. The sovereignty of God is the absolute authority and rule of God. God alone has sovereignty.

The word providence can be defined as foresight, making provision beforehand. In His providence, God cares for and has made plans to provide for His creation and His people.

The book of Esther is a prime example where these two aspects of God’s character are demonstrated together.

In Esther 4:14, we see that God’s soveriegn purposes involve human responsibility and choice. That’s an interesting thought, isn’t it? Here in Esther, God chose to use Esther to deliver the Jews from certain extermination, but she had to choose to be chosen. She had to choose to cooperate and obey God. If not, God would have used someone else. We also see God’s providence. He made plans in advance to deliver the Jews and bring them to a place of honor. God brought honor to Mordecai, Eshter, and to all the Jews.

In Esther 6, God’s providence is on display as the king had a sleepless night and was prompted to have a record book brought before him. As a result, he found out that Mordecai had saved the king from a plot against his life. Mordecai was honored and it all played into God’s plan to use Esther to save the Jews and promote Mordecai.

In Esther 7, Esther risked her life to go to the king. She exposed the evil plot of Mordecai’s rival, Haman, to kill off the Jews. In Chapter 8, the decree to kill them was changed, and in Chapter 9, the Jews had victory and justice was served.

We see God’s sovereignty in that He was overseeing the events that transpired. His providence had placed Esther in a position to work behind the scences to bring about salvation and deliverance for the Jewish nation. Interestingly, God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther. However, when you cannot trace God, you can trust Him. He was above it all, sovereignly ruling over evil, and in His providence, using Mordecai and Esther to bring His care and provision for the Jews.

God is God and in His sovereignty He rules over all and above all. His providence provides what is needed to turn what is meant for evil into good. God is a good God Who is sovereign and Who cares for us all.