PURIM | THE FESTIVAL OF LOTS
The Lord's Protection


A holiday of great joy is the one called Purim. Recounted in the Book of Esther, it tells the story of how God rescued Israel from annihilation. While in exile in Persia, a plot to exterminate all the Jewish people is concocted by the evil Haman. Thirsty for power, and desiring to be worshipped, he is outraged when Mordechai will not bow down to him as a god. Mordechai’s faith in the God of Israel puts him and his people in mortal danger. Unless God intervenes, a day has been set for Israel’s destruction.

Mordechai has raised his cousin Hadassah (Esther). Beautiful of form and face, she has been raised up to be queen in this foreign dynasty. When Mordechai learns of Haman’s evil plot he tells Esther that she must intercede on behalf of her people. She lets him know that it is forbidden to enter the king’s presence uninvited on pain of death. So Mordechai utters the famous and fateful words that perhaps she has come to her position for just that moment. Further, he tells her if she is unwilling she should not think she will escape or that God cannot raise up help from another quarter. Challenged, convicted, and convinced, Esther agrees to his plan even if she must perish. Mordechai and Esther are heroic figures of righteousness and courage. Their story is fulfillment of the adage, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for righteous men to do nothing.” Because they take a stand, evil does not triumph.

Unlike every other book of Scripture, Esther is the one book where the word "God" never appears. Though He is never mentioned by Name, His handiwork is evident throughout. He is the Sovereign Lord Who orchestrates events to bring about His plans and purposes. No one can thwart Him and His love for, and protection of, His people are thrilling. Also evident is that people are gifted by the Lord for works of service. All have been given abilities that can be used in the service of righteousness. Some may have more gifts but what really matters is that our gifts are used in service of God.

As in the story of Passover, and now Purim, God has seen fit to rescue Israel. And He has also seen fit to rescue from utter destruction all that will come to His Son Yeshua (Jesus). Without His intervention we would all face an eternal destruction because of sin (transgression of His holiness). He laid down His life willingly, as a sacrifice for sin, that we might not perish but be given life eternal. Yeshua is the ultimate heroic figure Who gave Himself courageously on behalf of righteousness. Satan’s evil plan to destroy mankind has been thwarted causing all who know Yeshua to rejoice with joy unspeakable.