The Believer’s Perspective | Can Christians Celebrate Purim?
Can Christians Celebrate Purim?
Yes–Christians can celebrate Purim! Purim is about deliverance. It is a festival full of joy and remembrance. It commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from enemy forces. As Believers, we too must remember that enemy forces are against us (see Ephesians 6:12), and Yeshua is our Deliverer.
Christians celebrate Purim in remembrance of the ultimate deliverance against sin and death. The Believer’s perspective on Purim can also focus on the Lord’s daily deliverance in our lives.
5 Bible Verses About Deliverance | When Christians Celebrate Purim, Remember These…
- Philippians 1:19
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…”
Esther fasted and prayed. She relied and trusted on her God to deliver her saying, “And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). She was looking to the Spirit of the Lord to guide her and be with her during this trying time.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.”
In the story of Purim, Mordecai tells Esther, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish” (Esther 4:14).
The Believer’s perspective on Purim should be considered a time of deep prayer. It is also a time to choose not to remain silent in the face of anti-Semitism. We can pray for God’s hand to be swift and glorified in any battle against the enemy. When we have faith, we can act. We will not perish, and we will be delivered.
- Psalm 74:12
“Yet God is my king from of old, who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.” (NASB1995)
This verse states God is the one who delivers on earth. Esther’s story depicts an emotional battle in the physical realm but also reveals what is happening in the spiritual realm. God is working out His plan of deliverance in our lives right now, on earth—in our relationships, jobs, finances, health, living situations, and much more. He is working even when we cannot see it.
- Psalm 32:7
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” (ESV)
When Esther came to the palace, she “hid” herself. When the king chose her, she did not reveal her heritage. This was a word of wisdom given to her by Mordecai. He was following the Spirit’s leading that Esther’s family and people would be revealed in God’s time.
Esther was under a wing of protection provided by the Lord. God preserved her from trouble as Haman plotted to kill her people. The Jewish people remembered this protection and deliverance with a feast, celebrating the Feast of Purim with gladness. There were sure to have been shouts of joy during this feast!
- Psalm 41:1
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;”
This last verse sums up a Believer’s perspective on Purim. One tradition of Purim is giving gifts to one another and helping the poor. It is in reference to Esther 9:19, “the Jews… celebrated… with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending presents to one another.”
Purim is a wonderful time of gladness, extending the love of Yeshua by helping those in need. It is also a time to encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith. Consider the poor. Consider those who need encouragement and reach out to them today.
Christians Celebrate Purim as a Time Leading up to Passover
Like every good story, there is a battle between good and evil. The enemy in Esther’s story conspired against the Jews. Haman was “filled with wrath” when Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage.
Isn’t this Satan’s plan when we follow God? He hates the blood of Yeshua because he knows it protects, speaks, saves, and delivers. The enemy conspires against the Jew and Gentile as they stand with God.
Yet God is faithful to deliver. He is faithful to provide a way out.
- “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”—1 Corinthians 10:13
The Lord worked out everything in Esther’s story according to His glory. He placed her in the right place at the right time. This was God’s plan then, it was God’s plan through Yeshua, and it is His plan still today.
Purim sets the stage for Passover. As Esther prepared for her assignment, we can prepare our hearts for Passover, eagerly awaiting to see and hear what God has for us as we meet with Him at the appointed time.
Christ is our Passover Lamb. We can remember the ultimate deliverance found in His blood and look forward to His daily deliverance in our lives.
“…For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”—1 Corinthians 5:7-8
The Believer’s Perspective on Purim is to Trust in God’s Presence
We have all had times when we feel distant from the Lord. An interesting fact about the book of Esther is that it is the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned.
While this may seem strange, we must understand there are no coincidences. A Believer’s perspective on Purim and the story of Esther is to remember that God is working behind the scenes even when we do not see Him. Even when He seems far away, we can trust Him.
He is right there. He is orchestrating everything for our deliverance stories—for each one of us.
In the Lord’s divine provision, we start to see Him. Have you given Him thanks even when you do not understand your circumstances or feelings—even when you cannot see His presence in your life?
- “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Giving thanks results in seeing what was once hidden.
The Purim story reminds us to give thanks and remember God’s goodness because what appears to be hidden is actually a time when God is working out the details.
- In Hebrew, there is not a single word for coincidence. The two words that are commonly used to refer to coincidence are tzeruf-miqrim, meaning ‘a combination of happenings.’
- In Greek, coincidence is translated from the word synkyrian. It is another two-word combination of the word sun—together with; and kurious—supreme in authority.
What are some divinely orchestrated or coincidental events in Esther’s story?
- Esther, an orphan Jew, is coincidentally chosen as queen (see Esther 2:17).
- Mordecai, Esther’s adoptive father, coincidentally hears about a conspiracy to kill the king and reports it (see Esther 2:21-23), yet this act appears to go unnoticed.
- Haman, the enemy of the Jews, plans to kill Mordecai. Yet, by coincidence, when Haman is planning Mordecai’s death, the king remembers Mordecai’s report of conspiracy and plans to honor him (see Esther 6).
The Takeaway
Yes, Christians can celebrate Purim. The Believer’s perspective on Purim should be focused on God’s goodness, trust, and deliverance.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of remembering Purim this year is to believe that God is truly working out all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Let us be called to our purposes and respond as Esther did.
Let us see God’s hand in His deliverance and provision through the spirit and prayer of thanksgiving.
And let us remember, even when we do not see God in our circumstances, He is there, walking beside us.