The Purim story is found in the biblical book of Esther, which tells of God’s amazing deliverance of the Jewish people from a corrupt and hate-filled leader.
The King of Persia had chosen a beautiful young woman named Esther to be his queen, unaware that she was Jewish. Esther’s Jewish cousin Mordecai, who worked in the royal household, told her that the king had entrusted the fate of Persian Jews to Haman, the king's top adviser. The problem was that Haman hated the Jews, and issued an order to kill them all.
At great risk to her own life, Esther revealed to the king that she was Jewish and plead with him to save her people. He agreed to do so, and, in a fitting twist, handed down to the evil Haman the same death sentence Haman himself had planned to give the Jews.
Today Jews celebrate Purim by sharing a festive meal, attending a special service in the synagogue, participating in a noisy reading of the book of Esther, giving gifts to friends and to the poor, and dressing in elaborate costumes. This is by far the most festive holiday on the Jewish calendar.
Tonight, at sundown, the feast begins for Jews all around the world.
Esther's life is one that I find very inspiring and think of often. Esther did not seek out this appointment by God, but she was obedient when He called her and she trusted that she would be anointed by God to carry out His purpose through her life.
I think each of us are asked by God to do specific deeds that will further His Kingdom and fulfill His purposes in our lives, but we are afraid we will fail, or we are afraid someone might tell us we aren't worthy to attempt such "Godly" works.
Today, on this Jewish Feast or Purim, let us remember Esther. How you courageously went forward and put at end to the evil Haman's plan to destroy the Jewish people. Afraid? Hesitant? Insecure? I am sure she felt all of these things,at one point or another, but she did it anyway because she knew it was what God wanted.
Is God calling you to stand up for Him and for His people within your circle of influence? Is He asking you to do something that looks impossible but reassuring you that it is possible with Him? There are alot of "evil Hamans" in our world, what God is calling for are more Esthers!
To celebrate the Feast of Purim the Jews will prepare little cookies, called Haman cookies. They are fashioned after the three pointed hat, Haman would have worn. Inside the three sided cookie is a sweet jam. Some wonder why they call these "Haman Cookies" rather than focusing on Esther. I believe (at least for me) that the outside of the cookie represents Haman: his hat, the hardness of his heart, evil. But the inside of the cookie, which is soft and sweet, reminds me that even when evil or chaos is all around me, Christ lives in the center of my heart and life and His sweet mercy, love and compassion will help me to accomplish all He has called me to do in His name. Who knew a little cookie could hold such a message? Who ever dreamed a little Jewish girl names, Esther, would grow up to save her nation with God's help? Who knew you and I could bring the message of salvation to a hurting world? God knew. He always knows.
Perhaps you and your family could prepare these cookies for dessert one evening and then read the Book Of Esther and talk about the lessons we can learn from her life!
Here is the recipe for Haman's Cookies:
Blend butter and sugar thoroughly. Add the egg and blend thoroughly. Add OJ and blend thoroughly. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, alternating white and wheat, blending thoroughly between each. Refrigerate batter overnight or at least a few hours. Roll as thin as you can without getting holes in the batter (roll it between two sheets of wax paper lightly dusted with flour for best results). Cut out 3 or 4 inch circles. Put a tablespoon of filling in the middle of each circle. Fold up the sides to make a triangle, overlapping the sides as much as possible so only a little filling shows through the middle. Squeeze the corners firmly, so they don't come undone while baking. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, until golden brown but before the filling boils over! |
No comments:
Post a Comment