"Perhaps you were born for such a time as this..." Esther 4:14
Tonight begins Purim.
Now, if you're like me, you may not even know what Purim is.
I didn't until a few years ago. I did, however, know about the story of Esther.
When our daughter, Faith, was growing up, she had a rare courage to do things that might make other kids shrink back. We would play songs about Esther and loosely quote the famous words in Esther 4:14 by saying things like "You were born for this"! I had a sense that she had a calling on her life that would match her courage.
In the book of Esther, we see an epic storyline that showcases an evil plot to annihilate the Jewish people, a young Esther's journey to a royal position and her courage to risk her own life on behalf of her people. Her brave words cause a flipping of the script, evil being destroyed and deliverance for the Jews.
Purim is the celebration of that incredible story.
I was today years old when I realized it landed on our daughter's birthday this year. (March 13, 2025). This theme that has followed her for 22 years has been more connected than I even recognized. She was BORN at the same time as this celebration commemorating being "born for such a time as this". Isn't God fun?
I would encourage you to grab a glass of tea, a soft tassel bookmark and cozy up to read the book of Esther in your Bible this evening. The entire 10 chapters are gripping.
There are some really incredible take-aways that I'm reflecting on.
If you don't have time to read the whole book...
Here's my simple synapsis, and some application that I'm pressing into on this evening of celebration.
At this point, we are introduced to Mordecai, a Jewish exile, and his beautiful cousin, Hadassah, who was also called "Esther". Mordecai raised her as his own daughter after both of her parents had died. As a result of the king's decree, Esther was brought with many other young women to the king's haram.
Mordecai's loyalty to the king was proven when he uncovered a plot that was brewing to assasinate Xerxes. Esther shared it with the king. Meanwhile, another figure enters the story. His name is Haman, and he was promoted to the most powerful position in the empire - he was over all of the other nobles. Well, Mordecai did not respect Haman and would not bow to him. This filled Haman with rage. When he learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he began to look for a way to destroy all of the Jews. (pause for a moment and think about our modern world and some of the similarities).
Lots were cast in Haman's presence to determine the best time to enact this evil plot.
THESE LOTS WERE CALLED PURIM
A date was determined for the killing, slaughter and complete annihilation of the Jewish people in one day...and to make matters worse, Haman got the kings approval and authority to carry it out. (Remember, Esther's true identity is still hidden).
While Haman and the king shared drinks, the city was thrown into confusion and mourning.
When word got to Esther, she was deeply distressed. She is asked, by Mordecai, to go to the king. Now, she has to decide between saving her own life of luxury or risk her life to save her people. This is where we hear the famous line coming from Mordecai to Esther...
"If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place ,but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS".
Then, although it was against the law for her to approach the king, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace where the king was sitting on his throne.
We are told in Hebrews 4:16 to come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The king welcomed her and held out his gold sceptor. (This was a sign of favor)
Then he said to her; "What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom".
Jesus invites us to ask for anything in his name, too
Esther proceed to invite the king and Haman to a banquet. After wining and dining them, the king inquired of her, wondering what was on her mind. She prolonged her request by inviting them to yet another banquet.
Haman was feeling pretty special by now and went home boasting to his family and friends about all of his wealth and clout with the royal family. But he couldn't shake the fact that Mordecai would not respect him.
Another evil plot was devised by Haman's wife and friends to impale Mordecai on a pole before the banquet, so he ordered the pole to be set up.
This is where the plot twists.
That evening, the king couldn't sleep, so he ordered history books to be read to him. He was reminded of how Mordecai had saved his life and was determined to reward and honor him.
The king decided to seek counsel from Haman about how to appropriately honor someone so loyal. Haman, thinking that someone was himself, described an elaborate parade throught the city square. The king loved the idea! He then quickly put Haman on the task of robing Mordecai for the honor of riding on one of king's royal horses throught the city.
Haman was completely dejected and humiliated. But, he couldn't wallow for long because it was time for the second banquet with the king and Esther.
Just as they were settling in with drinks, the king asked for her request again. This time, Esther spoke up. (She knew when to stay silent, and when to speak.)
I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared.
She then uncovered the evil plot to annihilate the Jews.
The king was appalled and demanded to know who would do such a thing!
PURIM is a celebration that comes from the story of Esther where we see God flip the script on evil plots and use the power of WORDS to execute one of the great turn-arounds that the world has known. I'm reminded of Jesus's words in the gospels...
Humanly speaking, it's impossible. But with God, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Here are a few books written about the call and anointing of Esther.
Perhaps YOU were born for such a time as this!
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