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RUSSELL SANDERS
3-16-2023
FEAST OF PURIM – PART 9 OF 9
Lessons that we can learn from studying the Book of Esther are first of all that God will preserve His people. Be it the Jewish people and Israel or be it the Christian Church. Some people may be martyred, but the group as a whole will survive until the final day of the Lord.
Secondly, we each have a God-given reason and purpose for being alive on earth. For some of us, there may come a very serious time when we must make a choice of which path or action to take. We must realize that it may be “for such a time as this” that we are here. We must have courage to make the best choice.
The celebration of Purim, “The Feast of Lots” today comes with four commandments of observation called “Mitzrot.” They are:
1. Listening to the Megillah (The book of Esther, the story of Purim).
2. A festive meal, a Seudah, to eat, drink wine, be merry.
3. Giving to the poor and needy.
4. Exchanging gifts which must include at least two edible items.
It is a two-day celebration of feasting and drinking to the point of merriment (meaning tipsy, but not drunk).
We used to sing a Jewish song in our church called Hava Megillah. We were told the interpretation meant “sing, dance, and be happy.” I did not know that Megillah was the name of the story of Purim from Esther. Now, I finally understand what the song is about.
As Christians, we can rejoice in our “mitzrot” as such:
1. Listening to God’s Word.
2. The “meal that heals,” communion (a Holy Sacrament).
3. Giving alms, supporting the poor, homeless, orphans, etc.
4. Sharing what we have with one another.
We do these four things as a matter of love for God and love for one another. Love is the greatest commandment given us by Jesus.
Let us learn the things from the Feast of Purim and apply them to our lives.
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