You Were Born For This

Esther 1-6; Exodus 17:8-16

We are walking in today:  You Were Born For This

Purim, the casting of lots--is found in the book of Esther .  Here we have an orphaned young lady who at the hand of Yahweh delivers out her people from an ancient enemy.  The setting:  Shushan the capital city of the kingdom of Persia and Media which contained 127 provinces this is also the city that Esther or Hadassah her Jewish, name lives.  Due to Vashti's refusal to appear before the king, then a new queen is chosen from all the maidens in the land.  Esther is chosen as the new queen and by the hand of Elohim placed in position to stop the plans of Haman who puts forth a plot to murder all of the Jewish people.  Esther's cousin Mordecai a scribe in the palace reveals a plot to kill the king and also approaches her when the decree of the murder of the Jews is sent forth.  He also reminds her that she was placed in this position for such a time as this.  That if she does not move to save her people, deliverance from the Lord will come some other way, but do not think that you alone will be saved because of your position.

The Purim feast has several things that are observed, this year it is on March 15-16.  There is the reading of prayer for Purim and the reading of the Book of Esther on the 15th and again on the 16th.  That during this time we would give to the poor, at least two people or even more.  If you are not be able to find someone to give to, then give two coins as an offering.  Many would dress in costume, both adults and children with royal attire.  There is also gift giving of foods one of the traditional items is the hamantash, a three sided cookie and other treats for this season. We will go on a three day fast next week from Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  We will also repent for our wrong doings.  The fast is from 5am to 5pm no eating, only liquids.  Also Simchat Torah Beit Midrash is presenting a Purim play this Friday night and Saturday at second service. To hear this again click here.
After reading the book of Esther, get a visual by watching One Night With The King