As I read today’s chapter in Esther, all I can picture in my mind is the end of war. A ticker tape parade, kissing in Times Square, hot-off-the-actual-presses newspapers that stain your hands with ink. It’s the kind of overly romanticized celebration that stamps itself into history and, for a moment, forgets the horror and atrocities that preceded it.
Esther chapter 8 is a glorious celebration of the Lord’s provision and protection for His people. Haman is dead, the Jews are safe, and the king allows Mordecai to use his signet ring to declare the Jews victorious. Mordecai experienced not only pardon, but he was raised to be in charge of Haman’s estate. It was a restoration beyond imagination.
And so, the Jews celebrate with gladness, joy, and honor (Esther 8:16). They create a new holiday, the festival of Purim. Couriers race on the fastest horses to spread the good news throughout the whole land. It’s over! The fear, the danger, the hopelessness.
Don’t you long for that kind of freedom and joy? To know that you would no longer have to fear?
This momentary victory in Persia would not be a harbinger of peace for the Jews for very long, but for the time being, it was enough. From oppressed to honored, from fearful to safe, from tear-stained to joy-filled—God had delivered His people yet again. And the best news? God continued to deliver His people, situationally, culminating in the day He permanently offered His Son Jesus to secure forever deliverance, gladness, joy, and honor for all who believe in Him.
The story of Esther ends in triumphant celebration, and our story will too. For those who belong to Jesus, our future is secure and safe. But it is more than safe; it is glorious. Every celebration on earth will pale in comparison to the overflowing, overwhelming joy of Jesus’s return. When He comes again, all oppression, fear, injustice, anger, pride, and grief will be gone forever. We will lose all bonds of sin, but we will also gain the righteousness of Christ and an eternal companionship with God.
Colossians 3:4 says, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Indeed, Christ holds our victory and restoration, and He offers them freely to us. So, gather the people, write a proclamation of joy and freedom, sealed with the blood of Jesus. Celebrate with gladness, joy, and honor. The victory is ours through Christ!
Plan ahead to read Joshua and Mark with us starting February 15. Shop the collection now for Digital Study Books for Lent!
Ugh autocorrect!
“He shines His light on the *kitten in the corner that has the shadow of a tiger in the dark”
SO well said Heidi, “He shines His light on the litre. In the corner that has the shadow of a tiger in the dark.” ♥️♥️♥️
Even though shaman was dead, Esther still had to ask once again. This teaches me you should never give up until the full answer comes- not part of the answer but all of it. Hayman was dead but the decree still stood. Esther had to again come before the king. If she hadn’t the previous decree would still have stood and the Jews would still be bound. Jesus says keep asking and asking. Why? For our full answer.
I needed this reminder that God always shows up. But, not only that, he even removes our enemies subjecting them to the same fate that they had planned for us and he gives us favor in the eyes of man to overtake our enemies. I also love that with the stamp of the kings signet nothing can be reversed so is the same when Christ speaks a word to us and over us. What he says cannot be reversed and no one dare try to come against. His word is final. I love that
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Seek God and His plan not the plan of our own. This world is trying to deceive us daily, but God will show you the truth if you just ask. I praise you God for going before us and knowing the plan from the beginning to the end. Thank you!!
In this chapter I feel like I can relate with the king. I can not see what is going on under the surface until I take time to pray and ask God to show me. I ask Him to open my eyes to see what He sees. Not just what others want me to see and or the enemy. In our day and age it’s easy to become deceived that’s why it’s important to seek God and to ask Him to open our to what He sees. When we walk in fear we it’s because we can’t see. There is an unknown but when we learn to look to God who is also described as light He shines His light on the kitten in the corner that has the shadow of a tiger in the dark.
Praying for you Lindsey. This open discussion has been so encouraging to me, so thank you