In Every Generation
“God’s hand is on every detail of your life.”
Esther 9:20-22, 28-32 (NIV)
Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.
So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance—to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.
Reflection
Esther literally went from rags to riches. She was a scared, poor, Jewish orphan with little education. She had no royalty in her lineage, but she humbled herself before the king, the Jews, and God. And because she humbled herself, God’s grace and mercy opened paths for Esther’s seat of honor as queen. God opens paths for us, too. The question is, what are we doing along those paths?
It’s incredibly encouraging to see God’s love and mercy work in someone else’s life. Esther’s first response wasn’t of courage or faith, though. She hesitated. This wasn’t the behavior of a leader or role model. Esther became a hero because God paved a path and she was willing to respond to His call, even when she was unsure. She could have remained safe and hidden in the palace, but she found her greatest strength through her moment of greatest weakness. She didn’t abandon her people!
Are you in a storm, or a place of peace and obedience? Remembering times when the Lord has been faithful in the midst of sorrow brings us comfort; we are reassured that our sorrows can be turned to joy. We just have to respond to His calling. When Esther became queen, it wasn’t the end of God’s plan. God has a purpose for you. He wants to give you a seat of honor, too, so you may glorify Him.
Are you using His gifts to glorify Him, or are you hoarding them for personal gain? Esther’s story is your story. You’re living it! God’s hand is on every detail of your life. Open your eyes to His love, so you may find significance beyond your current narrative. Hope changes everything! God will work undercover and behind the scenes, but sometimes it will be a jarring wake-up call. Whatever the circumstances, He is with you, and He is calling you for a purpose. You were created specifically for this time and place. Esther was willing. Are you?
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. Show me how You want me to honor You. Confirm this question in the readers’ heart, and give them the confidence in the plan and purpose of the things You have asked them to do. Open paths and make ways in the wilderness and chaos. Thank You for the upcoming opportunities to further Your Kingdom. Remind me to be humble with these gifts and do everything to bring glory to You. I love You! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.
So Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance—to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation. Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.
Reflection
Esther literally went from rags to riches. She was a scared, poor, Jewish orphan with little education. She had no royalty in her lineage, but she humbled herself before the king, the Jews, and God. And because she humbled herself, God’s grace and mercy opened paths for Esther’s seat of honor as queen. God opens paths for us, too. The question is, what are we doing along those paths?
It’s incredibly encouraging to see God’s love and mercy work in someone else’s life. Esther’s first response wasn’t of courage or faith, though. She hesitated. This wasn’t the behavior of a leader or role model. Esther became a hero because God paved a path and she was willing to respond to His call, even when she was unsure. She could have remained safe and hidden in the palace, but she found her greatest strength through her moment of greatest weakness. She didn’t abandon her people!
Are you in a storm, or a place of peace and obedience? Remembering times when the Lord has been faithful in the midst of sorrow brings us comfort; we are reassured that our sorrows can be turned to joy. We just have to respond to His calling. When Esther became queen, it wasn’t the end of God’s plan. God has a purpose for you. He wants to give you a seat of honor, too, so you may glorify Him.
Are you using His gifts to glorify Him, or are you hoarding them for personal gain? Esther’s story is your story. You’re living it! God’s hand is on every detail of your life. Open your eyes to His love, so you may find significance beyond your current narrative. Hope changes everything! God will work undercover and behind the scenes, but sometimes it will be a jarring wake-up call. Whatever the circumstances, He is with you, and He is calling you for a purpose. You were created specifically for this time and place. Esther was willing. Are you?
Action Steps
- Journal the times when God has been faithful to you during times of sorrow. Find yourself in Esther. Celebrate and constantly remember these times.
- Can you think of any times when you hesitated to follow God’s calling? Sit with this for a while and pray.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. Show me how You want me to honor You. Confirm this question in the readers’ heart, and give them the confidence in the plan and purpose of the things You have asked them to do. Open paths and make ways in the wilderness and chaos. Thank You for the upcoming opportunities to further Your Kingdom. Remind me to be humble with these gifts and do everything to bring glory to You. I love You! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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