The battles had been won,
and all over the Persian empire Jews had defended themselves against
the edict which was inspired by Haman to destroy them.. Haman's ten
sons were hanging in the streets of Shushan, and victories were being
reported in every province in the kingdom. In chapter nine and verse
seventeen we see how the Jews reacted to such a wonderful defense of
their lives and livelihood. We read:
On the thirteenth day
of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they,
and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
The
verse begins, “On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on
the fourteenth day of the same rested they,...” After the
battles were over and the victories were won, there was time for
“rest”. Until they won, there was time for activity, but
now that their lives were safeguarded, they were able to rest. They
had to endure during the thirteenth and fourteenth days, but then,
rest came.
The
verse goes on to say, “and made it a day of feasting and
gladness.” This victory became so great that the Jews
established a feast day, (called Purim), to celebrate it. The feasts
of the Jews were meant to remind them of the times when they defeated
their enemies, set apart and consecrated themselves to God, or to
commemorate days set apart by God Himself. This was a new feast to be
added to the others, and on this day of feasting there would be
“gladness” which means joy, mirth, pleasure and happiness
for all who attend. The Jews were victorious, and their triumph
encouraged celebration.
We too
are in a battle, and during our lives it is as if we are in the
thirteenth and fourteenth day of Adar. There are foes who rise up
against us both physical and spiritual. For now, we fight, and the
victory is sure to be ours. Just as God Almighty was with the Jews
who defended themselves thoroughly, we shall also triumph over our
enemies as we continue in our alignment with Him. As Jesus said in
the gospel of Matthew in chapter ten and verse twenty-two:
And
you shall be hated of all men for my name's
sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.
We must
fight on dear ones and never lose heart. God is with us, and the
victory is just ahead. “Oh Victory in Jesus, my Savior
forever”...and then there will be “rest...feasting and
gladness” forever and ever. Amen!
Next
time we will see an additional day of celebration by the Jews, 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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