When Civility Fails: A Pastor’s Response to Violence, Rage, and the Hard Work of Truth

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  by Bart L. Denny, Ph.D. Introduction — Why I must speak I have been reflecting on recent events in our nation and wrestling with how best to speak into them. As a follower of Jesus Christ and as a pastor, I believe my calling is to shed more light than heat in times of turmoil, and to offer the seasoning of grace in a culture that often tastes bitter. This will not be an exercise in soft-peddling. It will be frank, pastoral, and, where necessary, unflinching. Somewhere, this post will fail to address a consideration that it might have spoken to. I own it, saying in my defense only that space prevents my discussing everything that might be said on a subject and my views on it. Yet undoubtedly, this will cover more ground than most newspaper op-ed articles. Some readers may focus on one thing I say in the post without taking the entirety of what I said here in context. I pray you won't. But I resign myself to the likelihood some will. What I saw this past week I saw a young...
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The Day Evil Was Overthrown

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What Esther 9 Reveals About God’s Justice, Our Calling, and the Rest Found in Christ

by Bart Denny

There’s a moment in every great story where it looks like evil is going to win.

The enemy is closing in. The hero seems cornered. Hope is slipping.

But then—something shifts. And what felt like the end turns out to be the beginning of victory.

That’s what we find in Esther chapter 9.

As we continue our Hidden Hope series through the Book of Esther, we now arrive at the pivotal chapter where everything turns. God’s name still isn’t mentioned—but His fingerprints are everywhere. This isn’t just a story of ancient deliverance—it’s a preview of the final justice of God, the defeat of evil, and the ultimate rest found in Christ.

Here are three powerful truths from Esther 9 that still speak into our stories today.

Trust God to Defeat What You Can’t
(Esther 9:1–5)

Haman had selected the 13th day of the 12th month as the day the Jews would be legally attacked across the Persian Empire. The decree couldn’t be revoked. It was a death sentence with a countdown.

But verse 1 tells us, “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned…”

That’s the God we serve. A God who turns the tables.

This wasn’t a military triumph or political fluke. It was providence. The invisible hand of God made the day of destruction a day of deliverance.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Evil may look like it has the upper hand, but God is never out of moves. Like a divine chess master, He sees what we don’t.

So what are you facing that feels undefeatable? Fear? Shame? Loss?

God is still turning tables. Trust Him to defeat what you can’t.

Fight Differently as God’s People
(Esther 9:6–10)

The Jews defended themselves from those who sought their destruction. But three times in this chapter, we’re told: “they did not lay hands on the plunder.”

They had legal permission to take it. But they didn’t.

Why? Because they weren’t fighting for gain—they were standing for justice. They exercised restraint. They honored God, even in victory.

This restraint recalls 1 Samuel 15, when Saul disobeyed God by keeping the plunder. But here in Esther, the people finish what Saul would not. They obey. They fight God’s way.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world…” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
“Put your sword away,” Jesus told Peter in the Garden. – John 18:11

As Christians, we’re called to fight differently. Not with rage, revenge, or pride—but with grace, faith, and love.

How do you respond when you have the upper hand?
Do you gloat? Or do you bless?

The world watches how we win. Our restraint may be the clearest evidence of Christ in us.

Find Rest in the Victory God Provides
(Esther 9:11–19)

After the fighting, the text says, “they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.”

That’s not just historical detail—it’s theological gold.

The battle led to peace. Relief. Joy. Esther 9 ends not in vengeance, but in celebration. And that’s the shape of the Gospel.

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing…” – Psalm 30:11
“There remains… a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.” – Hebrews 4:9

Because of the cross and resurrection, we no longer strive to earn God's love. We live from victory, not for it. Jesus said, “It is finished.” And it was.

So don’t just collapse in relief when God brings you through. Rest. Feast. Worship. Remember.

Like the Jewish feast of Purim, we mark our deliverance with joy. We celebrate not just to look back—but to move forward in faith.

Final Thoughts: What Will You Do with a God Like This?

Esther 9 isn’t an easy chapter. It’s full of violence, reversal, and tough questions.

But it’s also full of Gospel hope.

We learn to:

  • Trust God to defeat what we can’t.
  • Fight differently—humbly, graciously, with spiritual weapons.
  • Rest in the victory already won by Christ.

You may be staring down a battle today. The calendar might be ticking. The enemy might seem close.

But take heart: evil does not get the last word.

God does.

And that word—spoken from the cross and echoed through an empty tomb—is: Victory.

About the Author

Dr. Bart L. Denny is the lead pastor of Pathway—A Wesleyan Church in Saranac, Michigan. A retired U.S. Navy officer, preacher, and teacher, Bart is passionate about helping people see the Gospel in every corner of Scripture and every season of life. Read more at Bart's Blog.


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All comments are moderated. I welcome respectful disagreement with my posts. Such discussions can cause me to consider perspectives I hadn't examined before. However, I also reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason. Why? Simple enough, this is MY blog, with MY thoughts, and I want to have a civil conversation that is, at all times, God-honoring in nature.

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