READ: Esther 9 -10.
Verses chosen for meditation: Esther 9:20 - 22, v.28.
20 Mordecai
recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the
provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, 21 to have them celebrate annually the
fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar 22 as the time when the Jews got
relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was
turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote
them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of
food to one another and gifts to the poor.
28 These days should be remembered and observed in
every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And
these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews - nor should
the memory of these days die out among their descendants.
REFLECT
Previous chapters recorded how Esther gained favour with King
Xerxes, thereby using her influence together with the acts of God, had turned various
adverse situations around. Both Esther and Mordecai brought relief
and security to the Jews from their enemies (v.16). Not only that but more
importantly, they had accomplished the deliverance of the Jews,
brought about freedom, and thus saved the kingdom from destruction. This
resulted in the inauguration of “Purim”, a feast observed to celebrate these deliverances as the days of relief, marked by feasting, sharing food, and sharing with the poor (showing care to the impoverished, as in the Jewish law, Lev 25:25).
This act of remembering not only looked back, it pointed to look out to those in need. For this reason, these days are called to be commemorated annually even until today, vv. 21-26.
Although these two closing chapters may seem an anti-climax
to many, because the exciting part of the story is over. But this last section does
serve a very important purpose; that is to teach us the need to remember God.
RELATE
“Purim” Feast is
celebrated to this day because God wants the Jewish people never to forget this
deliverance (v. 28) and their re-establishment in the land, that were accomplished
by Esther and Mordecai in the days of the Persian Empire some 500 years before
Christ. How can we draw parallel lessons from “Purim”?
Firstly, let’s not forget the day of our first deliverance.
Verses 17-22 would help us understand the characteristics of this day. It was a day in
which the people obtained relief and victory from their enemies. It was also a
day with change of heart, showing generosity and deep concern for others, of
sending gifts to the poor. As for me, my first deliverance would be the
very day when I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior (my spiritual birthday) and
experience His redemptive plan thereafter. Does God’s saving grace not deserve rejoicing
and celebrations (never fail to be celebrated) all the days of our lives? Are
the celebrations not the results of the freedom and victory (“sorrow turned into
joy, mourning into celebration”) that was accomplished in Christ, just like the
enjoyment of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23)?
Secondly, allow His deliverance and redemptive
plan to affect our lives forward. Perhaps by now, one would realise that the book of Esther is unusual, in that it contains no specific
mention of God. Yet the story firmly tell that it is one of God’s deliverances.
Banished from their homeland, the Jewish people lived in a country indifferent
to Him. A powerful government official (Haman) wanted to kill them all (Esther 3:8-9,
12-14). Although the Jews then belonged to a small minority and perhaps regarded as an insignificant community, but yet they were spared from destruction. Through Queen Esther and Mordecai, God in His mercy delivered His
people once again. This indeed is the story, still celebrated to this day in
the Jewish holiday of Purim. (Sadly, I have written this devotion with heavy hearts. Ironically, it was during a celebration by the Jewish people when they were attacked by the Hamas at Gaza some 5 days ago).
Regardless of how the world chooses to respond to Him now, Jesus
changed everything for humanity by His grace. He introduced us to an uncommon
era - one full of genuine hope and promise. Just as Jesus has changed history,
knowing Him must therefore shape and change our lives in what we do and speak. So,
let us not be pessimistic but be restful and be assured of His grace and mercy
in Jesus alone.
REST
Lord Jesus, Restore the joy of salvation in me. Thank You for the
history-changing reality of Your Son Jesus Christ. Cause this to make a
difference in my life.
It is timely to remember the current Israel war, that they be delivered again from further destruction and for hostages to be freed. Amen.
Vincent
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