Sunday 18 November, 2018

29 So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance— 31 to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. 32 Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records. 10 King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. 2 And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

It’s quite amazing that thousands of years later, the feast of Purim is still held annually by those of Jewish faith. The only feast recorded that was not appointed by God but one which He fully approved as we have it’s record preserved.

This story is really about two ordinary family members living their lives in the circumstances they find themselves in, being faithful to their belief in the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men. Stepping out and stepping up in courage, wisdom and perseverance, resulting in an extraordinary event which saved the  Jewish nation. Esther and Mordecai were nation changers.

We may never know how our actions, prayers or lives may play out in history but we can be certain that as we remain faithful to God, loving Him with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt 22:37), He will use our lives for His purposes, just as He used Esther and Mordecai.

Lord may we always keep our focus on you, use our lives to bring about your purposes for your people and Kingdom.

Written by Suzie Hodgson