By Pastor James Berger
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14
My calendars tell me March has many special days. If you are from Australian or New Zeeland you can celebrate Labor Day on the 6th or the 13th, Eight Hours Day (whatever that is) on the 13th, Canberra Day on 20th, Commonwealth Day on the 13th, Autumn begins the 1st, Taranaki Anniversary (?) on the 13th as well as the end of Daylight Saving Time. Otago Anniversary (?) falls on March 20. If you’re Welsh, St. David’s Day is on the 1st; if you’re Irish, St. Patrick’s is on the 17th. If you live in England the 26th is Mothering Sunday, which is also the first day of summer in the British Calendar. The 8th is International Women’s Day. Spring begins with the Vernal Equinox at 1:26 PM on the 20th (Does that mean in England Spring lasts from the 20th until the 26th ?).
Christians celebrate World Day of Prayer on the 3rd and Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, March 1. Finally, some Christians and many Jews will celebrate Purim starting the night of March 13.
While I don’t plan to celebrate, Commonwealth Day and don’t even know what Eight Hours Day or what the celebration or Taranaki and Otago are all about (I’ve got to get a different calendar next year) I will celebrate in some small way Purim.
Do you know what this holiday is?
The story can be found in the book of Esther.
While many of the Jews returned to Jerusalem following the rise to power of Cyrus, many remained in what became known as the Diaspora. Among these was a Jew named Mordecai and his young cousin Esther. She had become a queen of King Xerxes and Mordecai managed to save the king’s life.
Meanwhile, Mordecai has made a bitter enemy in one of the king’s closest advisors, Haman, by refusing to bow before him. He duped the king into passing a law declaring on a certain day all Jews in Persia were to be executed. Mordecai discovered the plot and came before Esther to plead that she intercede for her people. After much support the young woman did so, exposing Haman as one who would not only destroy the Jews but also Mordecai, who had saved his life and Esther, his queen. In a rage Xerxes punished Haman with the death he’d planed for Mordecai, the Jews were saved, the genocide of the Jews is averted, the Feast of Purim is established and all without God being mentioned once in this book of the Bible.
So why is this book included in the Scriptures which are a record of the Lord’s interaction with His creatures? Why is Purim a religious holiday?
It is because God’s hand is present throughout. When Mordecai declared, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” he is speaking the words of divine providence. Esther had not planned to be made queen; God had arranged it. King Xerxes did not have to look upon Esther with favor; God placed this upon his heart. Satan had planned for the destruction of Israel to block the coming of the Messiah; God frustrated his plans through placing a young woman in the right place at the right time. The book of Esther is Holy Scripture because it recognizes God at work even when we are least aware of it.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Ro 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We share many things in common with those Jews. They were exiled from home; we live in exile in a world of sin. They were hated for what they believed; we are hated when we live what we believe. Evil seemed ready to swallow up the children of Jacob; evil grows stronger in this world. Israel had no rational reason to hope; we fear what tomorrow may bring.
Jesus is preparing us for the right time. Perhaps this is the end times and Christ’s coming is right around the corner. Maybe this is a time of judgment for the nations. But I do know that God expects us to take up the challenges before us. We don’t know what the result of our faithfulness may be, but God has no more abandoned us then he did Israel in exile. Jesus cautions us, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I pray that He gives us the power that we may stand faithful and true for that day.
Happy Taranaki and Otago Anniversary! Happy Purim!
God’s watching over us! Hallelujah, Amen!