Mordecai's letters were sent
to Jews who were spread all over the Persian empire. The letters
contained information regarding a new annual day of celebration to be
enjoyed by all Jews which would commemorate the victory over their
enemies who were inspired by wicked Haman. In chapter nine and verse
twenty-two we see more of the instructions for this day of
celebration as set out by Mordecai. We read:
As
the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month
which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into
a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and
of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
The verse begins, “As
the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month
which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into
a good day:” Three things are mentioned that occurred for the
Jews during this victory: “rested from their enemies”,
“from sorrow to joy”, and “from mourning into a good
day”. We might imagine the alteration of spirit that transpired
as the Jews gained victory over their enemy. Once their battle was
through, they were at rest. During the battles and the threats of
destruction, they experienced great sorrow, but now that the enemies
were defeated, they were filled with joy. Finally we can imagine how
they mourned as the fasted and plead with God to help them, and when
they triumphed over their foes, it became a good day. Rest, joy, and
a good day were at last realized, and this was a great cause for
celebration.
The verse continues, “that
they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending
portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.” Three things
should transpire as the Jews celebrated their victory: “make
them days of feasting and joy”; “send portions one to
another”; and send “gifts to the poor”. When the
thirteenth and fourteenth days of Adar came every year, the Jews were
to hold a feast of joy to remember the great deliverance of their
people. Each year was to be a reminder of how their sorrows were
turned to joy because of God's intervention. Also, they were to send
portions of food to one another to commemorate their triumphs. The
sharing of food would remind them of what might have been if they had
lost to their enemies. Finally they were also to remember the poor
who were among them and send them gifts as well. The consciousness of
those who were disadvantaged would help them to realize that they too
would have had nothing if not for the victories over their enemies.
Feasting, joy, sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor
was how the Jews would never forget the way God rescued them in their
time of greatest need.
As we consider this
celebration of the Jews, perhaps we have remembered victories that we
have won or need to win. Over and over again we have been challenged
to write down times when God has intervened for us, and we would do
well to have days of celebration when we remember our victories.
However, maybe we are in need of the Savior's intervention right now
for a battle we are waging. Maybe we would do well to write down that
battle, begin battling in the spirit through prayer, and ask Jesus to
take up arms for us so that we will win against our foes. If so, let
us begin our writing today because the celebration of joy, sending
portions and gifts, and feasting is just ahead.
Next
time we will see the Jews fulfill Mordecai's desire, so read ahead,
and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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