Esther 8

I thought this chapter of Esther ended on a very interesting note: "After the law was announced in Susa, everyone shouted and cheered, and the Jews were no longer afraid. In fact, they were very happy and felt that they had won a victory. In every province and city where the law was sent, the Jews had parties and celebrated. Many of the people in the provinces accepted the Jewish religion, because they were now afraid of the Jews." (vs 15-17)

God’s working behind the scenes had not only won victory for His people over evil, but had also served to advance the message of Judaism in a heathen land. The very thing Haman had set out to destroy was, in the end, exalted and blessed through the unexpected turn of events at the end of the story.

Many people embraced the Jews because their God had "prevailed" in the struggle between Haman and Mordecai. They saw, and what they saw changed their minds. This is the way God works. He woos us, giving us evidence to consider in order to help us change our minds.

I believe that’s what Jesus meant when He said, "If I am lifted up, I will draw all people unto myself." (Jn 12:32) God doesn’t gain followers by taking prisoners or slaves. He doesn’t force us to believe in Him or trust in Him. Instead, He woos us. We see Him lifted up in our lives and the lives of those around us. We see the way He works, bringing all things together for good. And when we see Him, we are drawn to Him.

I think it’s wonderfully good news about God that, although He is the all-powerful Sovereign of the universe, He doesn’t run His government on the basis of force, fear, and coercion. Instead, He wants to reason with us. He loves us, and that’s why He woos us.