Day 22- Esther 9:20-10:3

Day 22 – Esther 9:20 – 10:3

Opening Prayer: Father, Thank You for memorials like Communion where we remember what Jesus has done. Thank you for birthday parties, Christmas get-togethers and Easter celebrations when we celebrate our birth, Jesus’ birth, and our new life in Christ. May we never forget that You have defeated the enemy and are coming again!

Read: Esther 9:20 – 10:3

In your 4R journal:

• Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
• Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.

You did it! Woo Hoo! Yay! Praise God!

We are ending our time together with a word-party because celebrations are underrated. In fact, I think we should celebrate more often and for more than birthdays and holidays. We should, as the Jews did in all 127 provinces, celebrate God’s victories, especially when it comes to rescuing lost souls. Having said that, we will dig into this new-founded holiday the Jews established after God gave them a massive victory over their enemies.

Accordingly, Pur is the Jewish word for lots. (Casting lots is the way Haman decided the day of destruction for the Jews.) But the hidden meaning of Purim aligns more with Proverbs 16:9, “The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (NASB). Remember, no matter what Haman did his destruction was determined and the victory for the Jews was secure. Because of this, the Jews could see God’s deliverance was predestined–He had not forgotten His promises! Now that’s something to celebrate!

Additionally, overwhelmed with thankfulness, they were generous, giving gifts to the poor and sending food to one another (9:22). Finally, Mordecai, with full authority, established the Feast of Purim, “So these days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and these days of Purim were not to be neglected by the Jews, or their memory fade from their descendants” (Esther 9:28 NASB).

Reflection:

• How do you celebrate God in your own life?
• How has this enhanced your relationship with Him and others?

My Verse: Esther 10:3, “For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his entire nation” (NIV).

My Response: Father, thank you for this beautiful picture of Jesus Who seeks the good of His people and continues to intercede for Your children, His bride.

It is all about Jesus. The foreshadowing here is unmistakable. Mordecai is a picture of Jesus Who is still an intercessor for His beloved people. He is One who seeks our good and lives to intercede for us continually. He has been given all authority by His Father and sits at His right hand. Jesus, our protector and defender and the author of our faith.

Abba, Father, I am overwhelmed by Your deliverance again and again. I see it clearly in Your Word yet miss it so often in my everyday life. Thank you for being my King who invites me into Your presence again and again. You are gracious, all powerful and worthy of continuous celebration!  Amen and Amen!

The next step:

When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:

• How do you celebrate God in your own life?
• How has this enhanced your relationship with Him and others?

Or

• Share your 4R Response