Esther
9 and 10 concludes the amazing story of turning sorrow to joy. On
the day that was set aside for the destruction of the Jews, “now
the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who
hated them“. Because of the
authority given to Mordecai, “The
Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and
destroying them“. The nobles and
governors in all the regions, “helped
the Jews, because fear of Mordecai… Mordecai was prominent in the
palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became
more and more powerful“. Even in
the capitol city, “The Jews…
killed and destroyed five hundred men“.
In a sign of finality, Esther requested “Let
Haman’s ten sons be hanged on gallows“.
It is fitting that we mark the end of sorrow in order to be able to
continue on. Are you holding on to an old grief? Genesis 9:13 gives
one of the most powerful symbol ever created to mark the end of
devastation. “This is the sign of
the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature
with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My
rainbow in the clouds… Never again will the waters become a flood
to destroy all life“. You may not
see it today, but there is a rainbow of promise waiting for you too.
Now
it was time for the Jews to celebrate and honor God. “On
the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy“.
Mordecai “sent letters to all the
Jews throughout the provinces… near and far, to have them celebrate
annually 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“. This
was not a one-time event, but worthy of an annual memorial that
continues to this day in the early spring. “These
days should be remembered and observed… And these days of Purim
should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews“.
Mordecai added, “Observe the days
as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one
another and gifts to the poor“.
The best celebrations involve others!
The
Book of Esther ends with things returning to normalcy, “King
Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire… Mordecai the Jew was
second in rank to King Xerxes… 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 is hard to imagine normalcy in the midst of difficulty, but this
story reminds me of another spring day when everything looked
impossibly bleak. The followers of Christ had seen their leader
beaten, tortured and killed. They could not understand how
everything they hoped for could be lost. Still grieving they went to
the tomb and were met with a question that changed the world. “Why
do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has
risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in
Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful
men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again”
(Luke 24:6-7). Jesus explained to His followers the purpose of the
cross was established from the beginning. “The
Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and
repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem“.
And He added, “You are witnesses
of these things” (Luke 24:48). Go
celebrate today.