The Significance of Purim and the One New Man

The story of Esther is a classic tale of good versus evil. Purim is a Jewish feast celebrating this riveting tale. Believers cannot deny that a party celebrating biblical heroes is beneficial. However, many Believers struggle to understand the depths of the significance of Purim. 

The Significance of Purim | Understanding Good Versus Evil

In the book of Esther, the villain was Haman. He sought to wipe out the Jewish people living within the Persian Empire during King Ahasuerus’s reign. Through a miraculous act of God, a Jewish orphan named Esther saved the entire nation.

Within the story, you read how Haman plotted to kill, steal, and destroy, just like the enemy of our souls. He twisted the truth and uttered lies.

However, the hero of the story, Esther, trusted her guide, Mordecai. She stepped out in faith. She understood that if she did not act, there was much at stake. 

She bravely approached the king, overcoming her doubt and stepping into her purpose. She saved her people! 

Something for us to remember today… 

• This beautiful story of good versus evil shows how evil plots but good wins.  

The Significance of Purim | Overcoming Our Doubt

Esther is an orphan. Her parents died early in her life, and Mordecai (her adoptive father) raised her.

She was beautiful inside and out. When she was placed before the king, he favored her above all other single women living within the kingdom—ultimately, he chose her for his bride. 

Yet, she did not reveal her Jewish heritage to him. When Haman, the arrogant man filled with hatred for her people, put together a plot to wipe out the Jewish people living within the empire, Esther was beside herself. 

Would she remain silent while her people are destroyed, or would she risk her own life to stand in the gap for them? Esther must have wondered how she, someone who did not have a right to approach the king, would help save her people. She doubted. 

But God gave her wisdom to turn her ear to obey Mordecai’s words. 

“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: ‘Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 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. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!’”—Esther 4:13-16

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Something for us to remember today…

• When we turn an ear to wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding, we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (see Proverbs 2:2-5). 

The Significance of Purim | Standing Against Anti-Semitism 

There are many Believers in the world today who do not understand the deep-seated anti-Semitism that Israeli citizens experience on a daily basis. We may know it exists, but we do not know the emotional and physical impact on our Jewish brothers and sisters. The spirit of Haman is still alive and well, seeking to wipe out the Jewish race completely.

Much like Esther, the Body of Christ has a unique opportunity to stand up for the nation of Israel. We must not turn away from our responsibility to pray and speak out. Because eventually, we, too, could face the very enemies that Israel now stands against. We cannot ignore this fact. 

As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Purim, let us remember the important lessons shared in Esther’s story. 

Something for us to remember today…

• The spirit of Haman is alive in anti-Semitism acts today. As the Body of Christ, we have a unique opportunity to stand up for the nation of Israel. Let us pray and speak up for God’s nation. 

The Significance of Purim | Praying as the One New Man for Israel

We invite you to pray for Israel. 

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the entire nation.

Father God, in Yeshua’s name, I release words of prosperity to Jerusalem, Your Holy City. This is the place where You will return. It is the place You are preparing. May peace be within its city walls and prosperity in her palaces. Jerusalem is Your city of justice, where good is honored and evil is judged. Father God, Jerusalem is to be a city of peace; let Your will, written in the books of Heaven, be manifested on earth for Your Holy City. 

In Yeshua’s name, amen. 

• Pray for Godly wisdom for the Prime Minister, the Knessett, and all those serving in the Israel Defense Forces. 

Father God, in Yeshua’s name, I release Your wisdom upon Israel’s leader and defenders. Give them peace as they make decisions for Your nation. Lord God, I seek the wellness of these leaders and ask that You give them a heart and passion for leading courageously and wisely, coming into the full knowledge of the truth, which is You. 

In Yeshua’s name, amen. 

• Pray that the United States and the nations of the world will begin to rise up in support of Israel’s existence.

Father God, I acknowledge and repent for my nation when they have not supported Israel’s existence. Lord, I ask, in the name of Yeshua, that Your Spirit fill the hearts of those who Believe in You. Give them boldness and words to rise up and speak of Israel’s position in Your divine plan of restoration. Lord, unveil any Believer’s eyes who do not see Your love for the nation of Israel. Release the unlimited riches of Your glory, flooding the hearts who stand in agreement with You for the apple of Your eye. 

In Yeshua’s name, amen.

Something for us to remember today…

Let us remember the famous words of Pastor Martin Niemöller—a WWII activist who spoke out bravely against the tyranny of the Nazi regime. And let us be bold, canceling any fear to speak up. 

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”