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| Purim |
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2008 |
Purim also known as the Feast of Lots. It is a minor holiday. It's important
message is revealed by the name Purim, which means lots. In Jewish history
there was a time when a lot was cast to decide the day of destruction of the
Jews. Purim is G-d's appointed time to celebrate the protection of his
people from the dangers of their enemies. The events of Purim are recorded
in the book of Esther and took place in Persia about 450 B.C.
Since the time of Esther and Mordechai the holy day of Purim has held a
distinct place on the Jewish calendar. To remember the somberness of that
time, the traditional Jewish community begins the fast of Esther from
sundown to sundown. This also recalls the time when Mordechai and Esther
began a 3 day fast as they sought G-d's guidance. Purim is to be a time of
great rejoicing by feasting and sending portions of food to one another an
gifts to the poor. Traditional symbolic food are the Hamantashen cookies
which represent Haman's ears. These treats remind people of the victory
over this awful antagonist. Along with the feast is a synagogue service. The
scroll (book) of Esther is chanted in Hebrew. As the scroll is read the villain
Haman is vigorously booed at every mention of his name. To blot out his
name noise makers called groggers are used. Costumes are worn to
facilitate role playing. Every mention of the hero, Mordechai is followed by a
thunderous cheer. Purim is not only to be a celebration for redeemed Jews
but also a time to send gifts to the poor of the community. It is one of the
ways the people are reminded to help those who are less fortunate. The
simple but profound lesson of Purim is that G-d will be faithful to his
promises. G-d is a covenant keeping G-d who is faithful to every generation.
Another lesson of this holy day is the responsibility of man to accomplish
G-d's will. Esther is the only book of the Bible with no clear reference to G-d;
yet G-d can be seen working out his perfect plan behind the scenes. Also
emphasized is that people have a responsibility to act if the will of G-d is to
be carried out. When the evil plot of Hamman became known to the Jewish
community of Persia, there was a call to prayer and fasting. There was a call
into action. Esther 4:14. Purim should be a reminder to all believers that G-d
desires to use people who are available to serve in the Kingdom. Who
knows whether you have not been placed where you are for such a time as
this? May we all be faithful ambassadors of Yeshua, bringing the message
of spiritual redemption to those around us.
message is revealed by the name Purim, which means lots. In Jewish history
there was a time when a lot was cast to decide the day of destruction of the
Jews. Purim is G-d's appointed time to celebrate the protection of his
people from the dangers of their enemies. The events of Purim are recorded
in the book of Esther and took place in Persia about 450 B.C.
Since the time of Esther and Mordechai the holy day of Purim has held a
distinct place on the Jewish calendar. To remember the somberness of that
time, the traditional Jewish community begins the fast of Esther from
sundown to sundown. This also recalls the time when Mordechai and Esther
began a 3 day fast as they sought G-d's guidance. Purim is to be a time of
great rejoicing by feasting and sending portions of food to one another an
gifts to the poor. Traditional symbolic food are the Hamantashen cookies
which represent Haman's ears. These treats remind people of the victory
over this awful antagonist. Along with the feast is a synagogue service. The
scroll (book) of Esther is chanted in Hebrew. As the scroll is read the villain
Haman is vigorously booed at every mention of his name. To blot out his
name noise makers called groggers are used. Costumes are worn to
facilitate role playing. Every mention of the hero, Mordechai is followed by a
thunderous cheer. Purim is not only to be a celebration for redeemed Jews
but also a time to send gifts to the poor of the community. It is one of the
ways the people are reminded to help those who are less fortunate. The
simple but profound lesson of Purim is that G-d will be faithful to his
promises. G-d is a covenant keeping G-d who is faithful to every generation.
Another lesson of this holy day is the responsibility of man to accomplish
G-d's will. Esther is the only book of the Bible with no clear reference to G-d;
yet G-d can be seen working out his perfect plan behind the scenes. Also
emphasized is that people have a responsibility to act if the will of G-d is to
be carried out. When the evil plot of Hamman became known to the Jewish
community of Persia, there was a call to prayer and fasting. There was a call
into action. Esther 4:14. Purim should be a reminder to all believers that G-d
desires to use people who are available to serve in the Kingdom. Who
knows whether you have not been placed where you are for such a time as
this? May we all be faithful ambassadors of Yeshua, bringing the message
of spiritual redemption to those around us.