Today’s reading: Esther 9:19-32
After the Jews were allowed to defend themselves and get relief from their enemies, they came together for a “day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday” (vs. 19). Shortly after this, Mordecai records all the events that took place surrounding the Jews and sends letters throughout the kingdom instituting and establishing this celebration, which came to be called the Feast of Purim.
I always find this passage interesting because I’ve had the opportunity to be in Israel and observe Jewish families celebrating Purim. It’s a family affair with the children dressing up as the characters in the story–little girls as Queen Esther, boys as Mordecai or King Ahasuerus–and from what I could gather, the fellowshipping around food is also involved. So Purim is still being observed thousands of years after God used Esther and Mordecai to save the Jewish people. I love this because the account of God’s provision and love for His people is being remembered, retold and passed on year after year, generation to generation.
Is it your practice to look back and remember how God has provided and moved on your behalf? Identify one or two spiritual landmarks in your life. How are you passing on (or will you pass on) the message of God’s goodness to the next generation? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
