2-28-20 Today in the Word

For Such a Time as This
REMEMBER AND OBSERVE 
Friday, February 21, 2020 | Esther 9:20–28
Our eight-year-old daughter, Amelia, loves to celebrate her adoption from China. Every January she wants to go to the mall where I first received the call from our caseworker. She begs to ride the little mall train that her brother Daryl rode with Grandma, while I was on the phone. She wants to stop for a snack at the spot we celebrated the end of our long, six-year wait for her. And most of all, she loves to hear me tell the story of how God made us a family.
This unique family tradition is an act of remembrance, and it matters deeply. In this section of Esther 9, the author speaks directly to his readers—in their own time, many years after the events of the book. The author explains the purpose of remembering this event. The story of Esther and Mordecai would serve as a reminder to generations of Jewish people about why they celebrate the feast Purim and why they do it in the way that they do.
Today’s passage records the very first Purim celebration which Mordecai established as an official tradition (v. 21). It would be held on a specific day (v. 21). It would be done for a specific purpose (v. 22). And, it would be marked by specific traditions: feasting, exchanging presents of food, and giving to the poor (v. 22). There was an underlying theme of joy. Purim would be an annual time to remember God’s provision for His people.
Purim centered on remembrance. In verses 24 and 25, the author recounts the key events that led to the deliverance of God’s people. What began as the people’s spontaneous response to God’s provision and protection would be carried down from generation to generation. This was an all-important family story of God’s provision!
APPLY THE WORD
Before she died, my grandmother wrote her memoir titled My Burden Bearer. She never had it published, but we treasure it as a piece of our legacy. What are the ways you are passing on your testimony of God’s faithfulness? We, as believers, have a wonderful legacy to leave to the next generation!
PRAY WITH US
While today’s Scripture reading offers us the first celebration of Purim, we can rejoice together with the Jewish people about their miraculous salvation and pray for God’s chosen people, Israel.

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