Preparing for Purim | Getting Aligned

In Israel this year and worldwide, preparing for Purim comes with an even greater weight. This feast commemorates the divine rescue of the Jewish people from massacre during the Persian empire, a rescue that came about through the obedience, sacrifice, and selfless courage of Queen Esther. 

It was never a secret, but it has become shockingly clear that the spirit of Haman continues to seek the destruction of the Jewish people and nation. However, just as the man Haman did not prevail, the spirit of Haman will not prevail either. 

God is raising up Esthers in this hour to stand in the gap, to speak on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people “for such a time as this.”

When we are preparing for Purim, we are coming into alignment with the Lord’s heart for us and His heart for Israel. What does that mean?

• We honor the prescribed time. 

“…to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them…”—Esther 9:31 (emphasis added)

• We help those in need. 

“…as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.”—Esther 9:22 (emphasis added)

• We remember our spiritual heritage. 

“…that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city…”—Esther 9:28 (emphasis added)

• We submit to the prophetic word.

“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 4:15 (emphasis added)

When we think about preparing for Purim, we focus on the book of Esther. While studying the Purim story, we are naturally drawn to the roles of Mordecai and Esther.

• Mordecai’s obedience to speak to Esther
• Esther’s gracious anointing to submit to the prophetic word

As a result, Israel was saved from Haman and the powers of the Medes and the Persians, who were attempting to exterminate them.

There are key principles within these truths that you can meditate on as you are preparing for Purim…

4 Key Principles for You to Remember as You Are Preparing for Purim

• Understand the Enemy

Just as Haman was against the Jewish people in Esther’s day, the spirit of Haman is still looking to disregard Israel’s existence and right to the land. The Haman spirit wants to disregard those within the Body of Christ as well, especially those who stand with Israel. He knows these are the ones who align with God’s will and carry the anointing of restoration and reconciliation.

• Prepare to Serve the King

It is written that Yeshua is the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” in Revelation 19:16. This is the revelation we need to hold close to our hearts today. 

Queen Vashti was unprepared to serve King Ahasuerus at a critical moment. Though this is not directly referring to the King of kings, there is something here that we can learn from and apply in the spiritual realm. Queen Vashti disobeyed her king, sparking anger from him. Let us prepare to serve and obey our King.

“On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded… seven eunuchs… to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown…  But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command… therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.”—Esther 1:10-12

She also was not prepared for her kingdom. She wasn’t willing to trust or obey under the authority of her husband, King Ahasuerus. She was out of alignment, and it was costly. In these times, it is critical for us to heed the words of King Yeshua…

“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).

The Lord promises that when we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first, all we will ever need and much more will be given to us.

Therefore, when preparing for Purim, remember the words of Yeshua, position Him as King in your heart, and decide to serve Him by loving Him and those around you. You will be given all you need.

• Know That Living Outside of Alignment is Expensive

As we learned from Queen Vashti, her misalignment and disobedience cost her everything. 

“…let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.”—Esther 1:19

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:14-15, 19…

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey… After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.”

Queen Vashti did not have her ‘talents’ in order. Her heart, actions, abilities, and skills were neither aligned nor prepared for the day of transition. First Thessalonians 5:2 says…

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

We must prepare ourselves… 

• Prepare ourselves for a transition. 
• Prepare ourselves for a new season. 
• Prepare ourselves for deliverance. 
• Prepare ourselves to approach the throne of grace. 
• Prepare ourselves for our King!

Mordecai and Esther not only received a prophetic word, but they also prepared themselves for the fulfillment of the prophetic word. As Purim approaches, let us prepare for the glory of God and His deliverance to be released. 

• Soak in the Anointing and Word of Truth

In preparation for her king and her role as queen, Esther soaked herself in precious oils. As the Bride of Christ, we need to soak in the anointing and the Word of truth for our King. It is the Word of Truth that will illuminate the path and move us forward in this new season. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:5-6

The Takeaway | Preparing for Purim by Honoring, Helping, Remembering, and Submitting

Esther 9 talks about the importance of the days of Purim…

We know we must submit to and serve our King. But we ask you to humbly come before the Lord and ask Him what this looks like for you.

The Lord favors you. The Lord is calling to His Bride. He wants us to step out in faith and be who He is preparing us to be in times such as these. 

How will you respond?
Let us decree together at this prescribed time: “Deliverance will come from MY words and MY seed. I am free! Israel is free! The Body of Christ is free! May all spirits of Haman be hanged on their gallows as we come into alignment with our God, His Kingdom, and our King Yeshua.”

Join us for a special Purim Shabbat Service on March 22, 2024 at 7:30 CT!