The Book of Esther records the epic story of Esther, Queen of Persia. It’s a factual, historical account, a love story packed with action and intrigue. At its core, it’s the story of an invisible, yet invincible God.
In Esther’s ten chapters, God isn’t named. He’s invisible. The reader is never introduced to the God of the Hebrew nation, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the King of kings. Worship and prayer, sacrifice and the priesthood, the Law and the Prophets, are not specifically mentioned.
But, you can be certain, God is never absent, and Esther is far from a Godless book. Evidence of God’s sovereign reign is revealed in every episode. From the end of the story in chapter ten, Mordecai and Esther could look back on the preceding nine chapters and see the fingerprints of God on the course of their lives.
That’s true with me. I can look back on my childhood and my early development and recognize God’s providential watch-care over my life. Raised by God-fearing, Jesus-loving, church-going parents, I was set on a wholesome track from my earliest memories. Introduced to Carla as a young man, God was directing my steps. He’s been with me and protected me throughout my lifetime.
That’s the same song the grey-haired, weary but wise old king sang. “The Lord is my Shepherd… He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:1–6, ESV).
Paul spoke of the invisible God. He’s “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God” to Whom is due all “honor and glory forever and ever” (1 Timothy 1:17).
He wrote to the church at Rome, saying, “God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse” (Romans 1:18–20).
He’s invisible, but never absent.
He’s invisible, but invincible.
Read the Book of Esther. Notice that God is the great celestial conductor, directing the orchestra of time and space, energy and matter, people and places. He’s like a chess-master, strategically moving the pieces on the board. And recognize that you, dear friend, are in His hand. He’s given you opportunities and obstacles, influence and identity. Like Queen Esther, He’s strategically placed you right where you are, right now, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
