“The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.” – Esther 9:32
Scripture reading: Esther 9:16-32
This passage reminds us much of Isaiah 57:19ff. “‘Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will heal him.’ But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’”
A rest-filled festival marks the day when rest was given to the people in this last month of the calendar. Mordecai proclaims this peace to both far and near (9:30; 10:3). God’s people are to remember the peace won for them. At a time when no plunder was taken, gifts would now be given. A holiday of rest makes sense for a people who have been given rest from their labour. Generosity is appropriate for a people who, even though they take no plunder, have been given so much.
Again, great reversal! This feast is supposed to take place because something transforming has taken place: this is to be done on the days on which the Jews received relief from their enemies, and in the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness.
Jesus Christ, according to Ephesians 2:17, proclaims peace to those who are far away and to those who are near. We will hear more tomorrow as to why that is important for us to know, but for now may we find ourselves as Christian believers taking joy in the everlasting peace that Christ has won for us.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray with thanks for the transforming work of Christ to bring rest to our souls. Pray with thanks that God has established peace between Him and you through Christ, and peace between you and others who share that grace of God with us in Christ.
Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
