March 20, 2021 – Esther 5-10
God’s Triumph
Reading these chapters feels like watching a dramatic movie! One minute, all hope seems lost, and in a moment, redemption floods in with victory! As Esther hopes in God and winsomely requests the king’s help to save the Jewish people, God is working “behind the scenes” to save His people. In fact, the very enemy who decreed the destruction of all Jews is killed by the king’s decree once Esther reveals Haman’s evil plans.
“Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.”
Esther 9:1-2
Remember to Remember
After all the Jews in the 127 provinces gained success over their enemies, Mordecai, whom King Ahasuerus set over the house of Haman, obliged all Jews to commemorate their victory with a two-day celebration called Purim year after year, throughout all generations (9:20-23).
Think about it: this celebration of God’s triumph over Israel’s enemies forces the Jews to be full, glad, and generous! What a gift! These two days of celebration also remind the Jews to remember God’s power and provision.
This incredible story of God’s triumph, of Israel’s sorrow being turned to gladness (9:22), should spur us on to “remember to remember” God’s faithfulness to turn all things for good for those who love Him. This remembrance is something we do together as we worship God corporately! Christian, this is a very deep and practical habit that we must cultivate. We make God look glorious when we are satisfied in Him and trust in His ways through faith, especially in times of trial and suffering.
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“Remember to Remember” by Steven Curtis Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD5Zrh0Zb2w
Refrain:
Remember the way
He led you up to the top of the highest mountain;
Remember the way
He carried you through the deepest dark.
Remember His promises
For every step on the road ahead.
Look where you've been and where you're going,
And remember to remember.