... That they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor. Esther 9: 22b NRSV
The Book of Esther tells the origins of the Feast of Purim. This is the feast that reminds the Jews of their victory over their enemies and when their mourning had been turned into rejoicing. They are not to forget to celebrate and remember.
The celebration includes feasting, sending food to each other and giving gifts to the poor. This really sounds like the Christian celebration of Christmas! Traditionally, we feast, give gifts to each other and gifts to the poor.
It is easy to see why they would want to celebrate with food and gifts, but why the part about giving to the poor?
The poor have really not been mentioned in the Book of Esther. There is no tale of Esther or Mordecai giving to the less fortunate. We don't see the King doing much for the poor unless we count the beginning of the story in which he does hold a seven day banquet for all the people of the city of Susa. So, again, why include the poor?
Perhaps it has something to do with God. (!) Although God is never mentioned by name at any time in the Book of Esther, God is certainly present. And God is concerned with the less-fortunate. In giving thanks and remembering that the Jews were saved, is it not right to give to those who are down-trodden and hungry?
God, we celebrate at Christmas and other times with feasts and gifts. Help us to remember the poor at these times as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label Esther. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Esther. Show all posts
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Such a Time As This
"For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this. " Esther 4: 14 NRSV
This is probably the most well-known scripture from the book of Esther: for such a time as this. But do we really understand what this means? It sounds like Esther is to become the savior of her people (we know this will happen) but there is some danger to her royal person that is suggested as well. Mordecai has asked Esther to go before the King and ask for her people to be spared.
Esther responds with a reality check. Esther has not been invited into the King's presence. To come before the King without being invited, meant certain death unless the King chose to hold out his golden scepter. In addition, Esther has not even been invited to see (visit his bed?) the king for a month. There is no guarantee that the King will hold out the scepter if Esther has in some way displeased him.
However, Mordecai reminds her that she is in danger of losing her life, anyway, when the decree to annihilate all Jews is carried out. He suggests that Esther has been placed on the throne by God so that she can save God's people. Keeping silent will not help her in any way. If she doesn't do it, God will raise up someone else.
Just because you are placed in a position for a particular time to help someone, this doesn't always mean that you will come away unscathed. Your life may not be on the line, but your livelihood could be. Or your reputation. Friendships could be damaged. Any influence or control that you have over others or situations could diminish. God may want to use you, but if you remain silent, God will find another way.
God, have I been placed where I am for such a time as this?
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
This is probably the most well-known scripture from the book of Esther: for such a time as this. But do we really understand what this means? It sounds like Esther is to become the savior of her people (we know this will happen) but there is some danger to her royal person that is suggested as well. Mordecai has asked Esther to go before the King and ask for her people to be spared.
Esther responds with a reality check. Esther has not been invited into the King's presence. To come before the King without being invited, meant certain death unless the King chose to hold out his golden scepter. In addition, Esther has not even been invited to see (visit his bed?) the king for a month. There is no guarantee that the King will hold out the scepter if Esther has in some way displeased him.
However, Mordecai reminds her that she is in danger of losing her life, anyway, when the decree to annihilate all Jews is carried out. He suggests that Esther has been placed on the throne by God so that she can save God's people. Keeping silent will not help her in any way. If she doesn't do it, God will raise up someone else.
Just because you are placed in a position for a particular time to help someone, this doesn't always mean that you will come away unscathed. Your life may not be on the line, but your livelihood could be. Or your reputation. Friendships could be damaged. Any influence or control that you have over others or situations could diminish. God may want to use you, but if you remain silent, God will find another way.
God, have I been placed where I am for such a time as this?
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Obedience
Now Esther had not revealed her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. Esther 2:20 NRSV
Even though she was brought to the King's palace, lived in luxury and seclusion, and chosen as the King's new queen, Esther remains faithful to her adoptive father's instructions. She did not reveal that she was Jewish nor that she was related in any way to Mordecai (her uncle turned father). Esther is as obedient now as she was when she was a child.
I have to confess that my obedience is nothing like Esther's. I do follow the rules but I have this rebellious streak and a very stubborn nature. I was probably fairly obedient as a child. Perhaps I am more obedient these days, but I think I am more obedient to God than to my earthly father.
Yet, it is Esther's obedience that will eventually save her, Mordecai, and all the Jewish people under King Ahasuerus' dominion.
How obedient are you? Were you obedient as a child? Certainly, we want our children to obey us but do we really want to obey others? Do you think you are obedient to God? Why or why not?
God, I am your child. You ask for my obedience. May my obedience to you be as Esther's to Mordecai. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Check out my newest blog at www.faithinbooks.blogspot.com
Even though she was brought to the King's palace, lived in luxury and seclusion, and chosen as the King's new queen, Esther remains faithful to her adoptive father's instructions. She did not reveal that she was Jewish nor that she was related in any way to Mordecai (her uncle turned father). Esther is as obedient now as she was when she was a child.
I have to confess that my obedience is nothing like Esther's. I do follow the rules but I have this rebellious streak and a very stubborn nature. I was probably fairly obedient as a child. Perhaps I am more obedient these days, but I think I am more obedient to God than to my earthly father.
Yet, it is Esther's obedience that will eventually save her, Mordecai, and all the Jewish people under King Ahasuerus' dominion.
How obedient are you? Were you obedient as a child? Certainly, we want our children to obey us but do we really want to obey others? Do you think you are obedient to God? Why or why not?
God, I am your child. You ask for my obedience. May my obedience to you be as Esther's to Mordecai. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Check out my newest blog at www.faithinbooks.blogspot.com
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