The Jews Had Rule Over Them That Hated Them.
God will ultimately arise on behalf of His saints and grant them authority over the nations, bringing a reversal of fortunes for believers.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the impending reversal of power where the current rulers, who oppose God's people, will be overthrown. He draws parallels between the historical plight of the Jews and the present struggles of the Church, assuring that God will ultimately vindicate His saints. Meyer highlights that while the enemies of the Jews faced destruction, the Church is called to use its power for salvation and to spread the Gospel, even amidst persecution. He reminds believers of Christ's promise of authority and His constant presence as they fulfill the Great Commission. The sermon encourages patience and faith in God's justice and mercy.
Text
The Jews had rule over them that hated them. Esther ix. 1.
YES, my reader, a similar reversal awaits us in the near future! Now, the god of this world and his followers bear rule over us, and work their way with the servants of God. They butcher them like sheep, and scatter the ashes of their homes to the winds; and sometimes it seems as though God had forgotten to avenge the cause of his saints. But the hour is coming when the Almighty will arise on our behalf; and to him who has patiently kept his works unto the end, He will give authority over the nations. Listen to these great words: "Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." Words more applicable to the case of the Jews in the days of Mordecai, and to the history of the Church, it would be impossible to find.
But mark a notable distinction. In the case of the enemies of the Jewish people, there was no quarter. Destruction and death were meted to those who had breathed out persecution and slaughter. But in the case of Christ and his Church, power is viewed only as an opportunity of securing salvation and life. The Saviour said, after his resurrection, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and on earth; go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: and lo, I am with you alway." And the Church says, as through suffering she passes to the right hand of power, "Lay not this sin to their charge; but out of our persecutors raise apostles to carry the Gospel to the confines of the earth."
Sermon Outline
- The Jews' Experience of Oppression
- The Current Situation of the Church
- The Coming Reversal of Fortunes
- The Distinction between the Jews' and the Church's Experiences
- No quarter given to the enemies of the Jews
- The opportunity for salvation and life in the Church's experience
Key Quotes
“Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” — F.B. Meyer
“All power is given unto Me in heaven and on earth; go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: and lo, I am with you alway.” — F.B. Meyer
“Lay not this sin to their charge; but out of our persecutors raise apostles to carry the Gospel to the confines of the earth.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Believers can trust in God's ultimate victory over their enemies and look forward to a reversal of fortunes.
- The Church should respond to persecution by raising apostles to carry the Gospel to the world.
- Power is a means of securing salvation and life, rather than a means of destruction and death.