Purim is a time of celebration, joy and remembrance of what God did for the Jewish people in sparing their lives through Esther. As we celebrate Purim this year considering all that is going on in the world, I cannot help but think that perhaps we celebrate this victory to stand as a beacon of hope for the many moments throughout history when the Jewish people were oppressed.
If one is on the inside of a conflict and the Jewish people are directly being persecuted, this story gives us hope that through our earnest petition and faith in a loving and merciful God, he can directly intervene. In the times when the Jewish people are on the outside of a conflict, it serves as a reminder that we are still called to stand in the gap as Esther did for those being persecuted.
In some ways, it seems strange to celebrate with cookies and costumes when so many are in harm’s way. However, we know the Lord’s timing is perfect and his wisdom is above our own. We have been standing in prayer for our brothers and sister in Ukraine over the last few weeks as the conflict rages on. Purim is our reminder that God is in control.
We can be free to rejoice in the nature of our God despite circumstance, and the fact that he does not intend for any to suffer. We can continue to press into and intercede for those who are suffering and for wisdom for the world’s leaders in navigating the situation from escalating further. We can be bold as Esther was and speak out for justice.
Just as Esther was positioned and called by the Lord, “for such a time as this,” God has placed each of us in positions, in communities, and empowered us with gifts to help shine the peace of God during times of trouble. May he bring you peace and may you be filled with joy this holiday, as we celebrate together our God who delivers us and is always victorious.
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Mordecai, Esther 4:14, NIV