+DEV+ Celebration Of Faithfulness

Date: February 20, 2014 10:23 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Celebration Of Faithfulness

Celebration Of Faithfulness

"Mordecai... had them celebrate...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." (Esther 9:20-22)

Scripture Focus: Esther 9:20-32

From the Old Testament story of Esther, we learn about the Jewish celebration of the Festival of Purim. It was to be a celebration of the nation's survival after God-fearing Esther and her uncle Mordecai were used strategically by God to save His chosen people whom the enemy tried to destroy. The festival would commemorate the defeat of Haman's evil plan and celebrate God's faithfulness. It was an occasion of genuine joy born out of sorrow. The people would rest, share food with each other, and offer gifts to the poor.

It is so like our God to send in Esther as a rescuer of His people, someone who seemed unlikely and who came just when the people needed it most. With the lives of all the Jews about to be stamped out, it is no wonder Mordecai described their joy as coming out of mourning.

And isn't that the same basis for our true joy today? Even while we were yet sinners - people deserving of death - God sent His Rescuer for us. Jesus brings joy out of the sorrows of our lives. Let's celebrate!

Insight: We have much to celebrate because our King bore our sorrows and sins on the cross, bringing ultimate joy from the ultimate injustice.

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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