Dan Rowe - Sunday, 9 April 2023
Are we open to hearing from Jesus?
Scripture References: Luke 23:55-56, Luke 24:1-12, Psalms 16:1-11, Isaiah 53:7-12
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CloseAll is not as expected…its better! The tomb is open and the body of Jesus is gone. The angels proclaim “He is not here, He has risen!” (24:6) Easter Sunday is the climatic crescendo to God’s plan to redeem His people even if it is not what the disciples had expected. Through three separate encounters, we hear explained that what has taken place was no accident, no plan B, nor second rate option, but that “it is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day” (24:7). Jesus makes bold claims surrounding who He is and what He has achieved; that He is truly, physically alive and that there is forgiveness of sins through Him alone. Are you open to discovering Jesus today?
Scripture References: Luke 23:55-56, Luke 24:1-12, Psalms 16:1-11, Isaiah 53:7-12
Related Topics: Easter | More Messages from Dan Rowe | Download Audio
The book of Esther recounts a period where God's people are in exile, aliens in a foreign land. Sounds like our time doesn't it? Even when God seems absent, He is at work. The great reversal of power at the heart of the universe has already taken place. Jesus won victory over death on the cross and in His resurrection. Satan the great enemy of God and His people, has been defeated. We wait in the now but not yet. Waiting for the Lord Jesus to return and give His people relief and rest. But as we wait, we share the good news of the gospel, call people to faith in Jesus, faithfully endure persecution, knowing that our deliverance is assured.
We love a turning point. Whether it is a story or a football game. Hope dawning at the darkest time. Where is the great turning point in Esther? It could be our memory verse, when Esther is persuaded by Mordecai to act to save her people. It could be when the king looks with favour upon Esther and holds out the golden scepter to her. It could be when Haman is forced to lead Mordecai through the city mounted on the king’s horse and proclaims that he is the man the king delights to honour. They are major events in the story of Esther. They are turning points of a sort. But the writer of Esther points us to another event. That looks so trivial.
Esther is such an exciting story! There are evil plots. There are interesting yet flawed characters. There is risk and sacrifice. There is heroism and villainy. Today, we are introduced to the villain of the plot, and what an evil scheming villain he is! He spins lies and concocts murderous plans to do away with the Jews, God’s covenant people. How will the people respond? Will he get away with his evil plan? Will God, who is not mentioned at all, intervene to protect His people, to live up to the promises He made to Abraham, the people at Mt Sinai, and to David?
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