Nov. 27, 2017
Esther 9-Part 2
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
LET IT GLOW
Hey folks, as you read this, I am with my hubby celebrating our 45th anniversary with joy and gladness. Like most couples, we have had our ups and downs, but are enjoying more good days than not. God has blessed us with all these years of faithfulness to each other, with two great children and spouses, as well as 7 wonderful grandchildren. With 37 years of ministry, we have seen so many experience otherwise in their marriage. We have set aside a few days for just him and me. So hang in there, ya'll, it is possible to remain married, even during the toughest of times.
We have been reading about the tough times the Jews had while Xerxes was king. But God was in control and taking care of His children, as He does for us.
The Jews killed 75,000 their enemies. In Susa, they killed 800 plus the 10 sons of Haman. That was quite a victory, I'd say. It is not mentioned in Scriptures if any Jew lost their life during the 2 day
holocaust (dated March 7 and 8). God had delivered His beloved Israel once again. Now that was a reason to celebrate! And they certainly did just that.
The Jews rested on March 9, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness. So they made it their annual day of feasting and gladness as they celebrated it as a Jewish holiday called Purim. Indeed, it was a day of deliverance from death. They would send gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. Mordecai recorded those events and sent letters to Jews near and far throughout the provinces. It was a day remembering that their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.
It is the first and last biblically revealed, non-Mosiac festival with perpetual significance. (MacArthur)
LET IT GROW
Why was it called "The Feast of Purim?"
Purim means a lot (as by means of a broken piece) in the Hebrew language.
Evil Haman had planned to crush and destroy the Jews on a particular date, which was determined by casting lots. Future generations would remember what happened.
Warren W. Wiersbe gives a description ;of the Jewish celebration of Purim:
Today, the Jews begin their celebration with a fast on the 13th day of the month (verse 31), commemorating the date on which Haman's evil decree was issued (3:12). They go to the synagogue and hear the Book of Esther publicly read; and whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, thy cry out, "May he be accursed!" or "May his name perish!" Children bring a special Purim rattle called a "gregar" and use it to make a noise every time they hear Haman's name read. r
On the morning of the 14th day of the month, the Jews again go to the synagogue where the Esther story is red again and the congregation engages in prayer. The story about Moses and the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16) is also read. Then the celebrants go home to a festive holiday meal with gifts and special foods, and the celebrating continues on the next day. They also send gifts to the poor and needy so that everybody can rejoice together.
This reminds me of our Christmas celebration by Christians. We are joyful in that a Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived a perfect life, died for our sins to be paid for, and rose from the death, to be a Living Savior.
As Christians, we not fear spiritual death and judgment to come. God has delivered us from those. No longer do we need to be held in bondage to the sins of the world because of Jesus' blood.
Are we living in bondage or freedom?
LET IT GO
Be thankful and praise God for salvation by faith through Jesus.
Share His love with others.
Help meet the needs of others.
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