Tape Talk
by Janie Prewitt

TAPE REIVEW: Esther-Mordecai
by Norman Grubb

In this tape, recorded in 1975, Norman discusses how God manifested Himself through Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, to preserve the Jewish nation from destruction by its enemies. God’s name is never mentioned in the Old Testament book of Esther, but Norman points out that God doesn’t need a name -His Spirit comes through the persons of this story; His faithfulness, deliverance and provision are evident. In this tape, Norman points out wonderful illustrations of God manifesting Himself through His human agents.

When King Ahasuerus became angry with his disobedient queen, he selected Esther from among the most desirable young women in Persia to become his new queen. She was a Jewish girl, raised by her cousin Mordecai. He was a descendant of Saul and very concerned with God’s will and purposes. Following Mordecai’s advice, she kept secret her Jewish heritage. Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, the king’s second-in-command. Then Haman out of rage and vengeance, plotted to destroy all the Jews. Haman consulted witchcraft for a year to deter-mine his plan and then went to the king and persuaded him to declare an edict to have all the Jews in Persia killed.

Mordecai was horrified at what Haman had done and told Esther to appeal to the king. Norman points out that Mordecai believed God would not let the Jews be destroyed–He would protect and deliver his people. Mordecai charged Esther to intercede on behalf of her people saying, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14), warning that if she was not willing to do the right thing, God would raise another deliverer. But either way, His will would be done.

Norman uses Mordecai to remind us that problems are the opportunities for God’s deliverance. Mordecai saw through the negative at hand to God’s positive protection for His people against their enemies until the time the Messiah would be brought to earth. God’s perfect timing comes into play when Esther, who had gained the king’s favor, obeyed Mordecai, revealed Haman’s wickedness, and interceded for her people. As a result, God delivered His people from destruction, illustrating how He is always in control of all history for His purposes.

Again and again in this tape Norman illustrates that when we put our faith in "human resources," He cannot press HIS resources through us. Until we turn again to Him for deliverance, we are without power. The Jewish people had relied on allies around them and became an exiled nation until there could be a channel through which His power could be manifested. Mordecai sought after the best for his people–not himself. Through this one man of faith (Norman suggests the book could be named "Mordecai"), God manifested to His people His love and saving power. I was greatly encouraged by Norman to see God’s power, sufficiency, and faithfulness.