4-15-2024

Good Morning All,

            Esther 9:28a; “that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.”

    One family’s New Year’s Eve tradition was to gather around the fireplace with the year’s calendar, the one marked with all the schedules and activities. They would tear off January and recall the events of that month—the family gatherings, the parties, the odd happenings. There were laughs and a lot of “remember that?” Then January would be committed to the flames.

This was done 11 more times until December was in the fire. But not all the memories were happy ones. The family members also recalled times of anger, misunderstanding, quarreling, hurt, and pain that they had caused each other. At times they would remind each other of the forgiveness of Christ and speak a word of forgiveness to each other.  They remembered their past year, the good and the bad and the highs and the lows.  They remembered the events and they remembered God and what he did.

     Our verse comes from the story of Esther where a man named Haman tries to have all the Jews killed.  His attempt is thwarted by Mordecai and Esther.  This is celebrated on the feast of Purim which occurs usually in the month of March.  The celebration includes the sharing of food, donations to the poor, a celebration, and a re-reading of the story of Esther.  This is done to remember what God did for the Jews at this time and how he kept them safe.

   This is important for all of us to do; we need to remember what God has done for us and what he is doing for us and then look to what God promises us.  God has sustained us and protected us from the onslaught of the devil and the world.  We survived with God’s grace and blessings.  He continues to sustain and protect us from the wickedness that the devil intends for us.  God will protect us from the harm and pain that the devil tries to use to draw us away from God.  God wraps his loving arms around us and defends us with his mighty power.

    All these point to what God has promised to do for us.  He has promised to continue to protect and, when the fullness of our time is right, to complete our salvation and give to us the eternal glory that waits for us with Jesus.  We are already going on that path; we are already saved and participate in the joy.  This is why God protects and sustains us for we are his redeemed children.  He doesn’t save us for something later on; He saves you right now so that we can live with hope.  So, remember what God has done for you; it is the down payment on life eternal.   

Gracious Father, in you we have hope.  Guard us with your loving arms.  Keep us strong and secure in our faith that we may always remember what great blessings you have given to us and that you continue to place in our life.  Keep us safe until we reach our eternal home with you.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret