Reflections: What can I learn from Purim?

With the U.S. and Israel military actions in Iran, several ministries I follow have commented on the coincidental timing with the Jewish celebration of Purim last week. I am thankful to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Pulse of Israel, The Israel Guys and others for providing an overview of why this holiday is important. 

Jews and Christians have a shared heritage, including the Old Testament scriptures. Many scholars have taught or written about the continued significance of the Jewish holidays to Christians, as a reminder of what Jesus accomplished through his life, death and resurrection, foretold in Old Testament prophecies. That shared heritage and the foundational belief in a Creator God give Christians and Jews much in common, and give the U.S. and Israel many of the same values worth fighting for. 

Even without the current Middle East considerations, Purim is an encouraging reminder of the faithfulness of God. Who doesn’t love the story of Esther—her humble background, her respect for her godly uncle’s advice, and the victory accomplished through her obedience. The Sight & Sound Theater presentation drew many sell-out crowds; and the Brook Wellness Center’s annual “Esther Day” event not only provides a fun day of pampering reminiscent of Esther’s appearance before the king, but also reminds women of their value and potential in the eyes of a loving God. 

Yael Eckstein of the IFCJ shared a video of some of the celebratory activities in her home, in spite of current circumstances, commemorating God’s goodness and blessings with special foods and readings from the book of Esther, including God’s command to his people to rejoice and celebrate their God-given victory with future generations. In her excellent article posted at www.ifcj.org, Eckstein explains the main religious duties observant Jews associate with Purim: 

●      Public reading of the Book of Esther, with hearers booing and hissing when the name of the villain, Haman, is read;

●      Festivity and rejoicing, with costumes, celebrations and the baking of special fruit-filled cookies; 

●      Sending food to friends, to symbolize the kinship and unity that will help prevent future villains; 

●      Giving to the poor, traditionally showing charity to at least two persons in need to help ensure that all are able to experience the joy of the holiday. 

As a Christian, here are some of my takeaways from Yael’s teaching and from the Bible story: 

●      I am here for a purpose. I need to step up courageously and fulfill it. My situation is unique, and I can choose to respond in obedience. 

●      It is important to recall God’s blessings and take time to thank Him, sharing the stories with my kids and grandkids and looking for opportunities to help others. 

●      I need to remember that when Esther famously stated, “If I perish, I perish,” she did not know what would be the outcome of her actions but placed her future in the hands of God. Similarly, I can trust that He is at work in my circumstances.

So, during Purim or other holidays, whether from Jewish tradition, Christian tradition, or your ethnic/cultural background, set aside some time to rejoice, recall God’s blessings, and celebrate with gifts, special meals and singing God’s praises together.