Date: SUN 11:30am 7th September 2025
Preacher: Rev. Raymond McLernon
Bible Reference: Esther 3:6
And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
Sermon Summary: Esther 3 – The Campaign of Anti-Semitism
The sermon, rooted in Esther 3:1–15, explores the theme of anti-Semitism through the historical narrative of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The preacher frames this passage as a timeless illustration of the devil’s opposition to God’s chosen people, drawing parallels with historical and contemporary events, and urging believers to stand firm in faith against opposition.
1. Scriptural Context and Overview
The sermon begins with a reading from Esther 3, set in 483 BC during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) in Persia. The passage describes how Haman, an Agagite and likely an Amalekite descendant, is promoted above all the king’s princes. A royal decree commands everyone to bow and show reverence to Haman, but Mordecai, a Jew, refuses to comply, citing his faith. This defiance enrages Haman, who, instead of targeting Mordecai alone, schemes to destroy all Jews in the Persian Empire. Haman manipulates the king with a bribe of 10,000 talents of silver (equivalent to £15–20 million today) and false accusations that the Jews are disloyal and unprofitable. Ahasuerus grants Haman authority to issue a decree for the genocide of the Jews on the 13th day of the 12th month (Adar), determined by casting lots (Pur). The decree is sent across the empire, leaving the city of Shushan in turmoil, while Haman and the king callously celebrate.
2. Central Theme: Anti-Semitism and Divine Providence
The preacher identifies anti-Semitism as the central theme of Esther, portraying it as a satanic attack on God’s chosen people, who are marked by the divine name “El” in “Israel.” This hatred, rooted in the ancient conflict between Jacob and Esau, is traced through history, from the Amalekites’ attacks on Israel (Deuteronomy 25:17–19) to Haman, and later to Adolf Hitler’s Holocaust, which killed six million Jews. The sermon references contemporary conflicts, such as those in Gaza, as evidence of ongoing hostility towards Israel, which the preacher attributes to Satan’s opposition to God’s plan.
Divine providence is highlighted through Mordecai and Esther’s presence in Persia at this critical time. Mordecai’s refusal to bow, though sparking Haman’s wrath, is presented as a courageous stand for God, which ultimately leads to the Jews’ deliverance. The preacher notes that the four years of peace following Mordecai’s earlier act of loyalty (exposing a plot against the king) were disrupted by Haman’s actions, illustrating how quickly tensions can flare when evil is provoked.
3. Haman: A Symbol of Evil
Haman is depicted as a “despicable character,” likened to Hitler and possibly an embodiment of Satan himself due to his extreme wickedness. As an Agagite, he is connected to the Amalekites, a people cursed by God for their attacks on Israel (Deuteronomy 25:17–19). His promotion by Ahasuerus, despite his corrupt nature, reflects the folly of godless leadership. Haman’s demand for worship-like reverence (the Hebrew term implies worship, not mere respect) reveals his arrogance and godless ambition. His bribe to the king, offered when the royal treasury was depleted after a failed war with Greece, demonstrates how money and power corrupt, enabling his genocidal plan.
The sermon underscores Haman’s lack of self-control, citing Proverbs 16:32 to contrast his wrathful reaction to Mordecai’s defiance with the virtue of ruling one’s spirit. Haman’s prejudice is described as satanic, opposing God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:1–3). His lottery system (Pur) to determine the date of the massacre is portrayed as a perverse mockery of divine order, yet it inadvertently gave Mordecai and Esther time to act.
4. Mordecai’s Stand: A Call to Courageous Faith
Mordecai’s refusal to bow is presented as a bold, God-honouring act that exposed his Jewish identity and faith. Previously living as a “secret disciple,” Mordecai’s public stand, despite risking his life, is celebrated as a model for Christians. The preacher draws parallels with believers facing opposition in schools, workplaces, or society, encouraging them to stand firm for Christ, even when outnumbered. Mordecai’s persistence—facing daily questioning from the king’s servants—demonstrates that true faith requires consistent witness, not a one-off gesture. The sermon cites 1 Timothy 6:10 to warn against the love of money, which fuels corruption like Haman’s, and contrasts this with Mordecai’s integrity, which God rewarded by elevating him to second-in-command later in the story.
5. Contemporary Application
The sermon connects Haman’s actions to modern anti-Semitism, mentioning groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, as well as media bias against Israel. The preacher calls for prayer for Israel’s peace (Psalm 122:6) and for a spiritual awakening among God’s people to accept their Messiah. Christians are urged to stand against the “spirit of antichrist” in a world increasingly hostile to God, to boldly witness for Christ, and to avoid becoming “chameleons” who blend in with the ungodly. The Jewish Feast of Purim, where Haman’s name is cursed, is cited as a reminder of the enduring hatred for those who oppose God’s people.
6. Conclusion: A Call to Prayer and Faithfulness
The sermon concludes with a call to pray for revival, for Israel, and for courage to stand for God in critical times. The preacher emphasises that God will honour those who honour Him, as seen in Mordecai’s eventual triumph. Believers are encouraged to glorify God, trust in His providence, and reject the world’s corruption, knowing that no one opposes God’s people without facing divine consequences.
Key Takeaways
- Anti-Semitism as Satanic: Haman’s plot reflects a historical and ongoing spiritual battle against God’s chosen people, driven by Satan.
- Divine Providence: God strategically placed Mordecai and Esther to thwart Haman’s plan, showing His sovereignty.
- Courageous Faith: Mordecai’s stand inspires believers to publicly own their faith, even at personal cost.
- Corruption of Power: Haman’s manipulation and Ahasuerus’s complicity highlight the dangers of godless leadership and the love of money.
- Call to Action: Christians must pray for Israel, stand against evil, and seek revival in a world marked by the spirit of antichrist.
The sermon blends biblical exegesis with historical and contemporary reflections, urging believers to emulate Mordecai’s faithfulness and trust in God’s ultimate justice.
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