How is your Lenten season going? Even if you have had a difficult time getting started it’s not too late! In my last blog, I mentioned the three traditional themes of Lent – Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. These are broad themes that can have many applications that assist us through this season. Some people feel that Lent is a ‘downer’ time. We all experience times in life that are difficult, sad, frustrating, and just plain hard. Lent brings these to a sharper focus as we desire more of God in our lives. It may be that you don’t feel him as closely as you may have at other times. All relationships can be like that. It is in those moments that bring the hard things in life into a sharper focus. The story of Esther has some important similarities that I think can help in this journey through Lent. If it has been a while, I suggest that you read the book of Esther (it’s only 10 chapters and is quite a nail-biter!). The book of Esther’s careful avoidance of explicit references to God suggests that application should be made in particular to those situations in which God appears to be least visible. When we are most tempted to think that God has forgotten us, that “my way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God” (Isa 40:27), we can be sure that he is at work. Furthermore, as the story unfolds, before the wicked Haman is even introduced and his malicious plan devised, God already had installed the instruments of deliverance: he had placed Esther in the royal court and Mordecai in the king’s favor. The point is that even before our problems arise, God has made provision for them. As Abraham said to Isaac, “God himself will provide” (Gen 22:8; cf. vv. 13–14).[1] The Israelites went through many trials and tribulations as their story unfolded through time. When they disobeyed the LORD’s commands, they suffered consequences. Disease, famine, and all sorts of bad things happened to them. They were often conquered by surrounding countries and taken off to distant lands by their captors. But God was always faithful in his promise to return them to the Land of their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As the story of Esther begins, the Israelites, (referred to as Jews, for the first time) have been in Persia for a while. Some had been allowed to return to Jerusalem (see the story in Nehemiah). Those who remained were trying to maintain a way of life passed down from previous generations. God has always provided a way for his people to return to Him. This story is a story of faith, persecution against incredible odds, and victory. At the point in the story where Mordecai told Esther that a plot had been hatching to destroy all the Jews she said to Mordechai, “… in preparation for my audience with the king…gather together all the Jews in Susa, and fast and pray for me. Intercede for me. For three days and nights, abstain from all food and drink…” (Esther 4:16). There is precedent in scripture for prayer and fasting – two of the disciplines during Lent. “Throughout the Old Testament fasting seems important, although the Israelites were required to fast on only one day in the year, the Day of Atonement. However, there are many examples of fasting on special occasions or in times of special need. In Isa 58:1–12 true fasting was not just ritual; rather, it was the meeting of the needs of people. Fasting is a means by which one denies one’s own needs and focuses directly on his or her relationship with God and the world.”[2] At the end of the story (spoiler alert!) there is a great celebration as the Jews were allowed to defend themselves and were not all destroyed. The celebration is known as Purim (Feast of Lots). During the feast, people dress up in costumes, often characters from the story, the story is read and whenever the name of Haman is read there are lots of noisemakers, booing and hissing! It is much like an old-fashioned melodrama! At the end of the Lenten season there is much rejoicing and celebrating that Jesus arose from the grave and lives today. He conquered death and sin and offers new, eternal life to all who believe in him as Savior and Lord. The signs of the times indicate that God is moving in a new and fresh way to those who are calling on him. The symbols of the celebrations, prayer, and fasting, help us connect our faith to everyday experiences. Almsgiving is a significant way to show demonstrate the love of God in our lives. As part of Purim celebrations gifts of food with be shared with neighbors and friends. Helping those in need is part of this gift-giving. Making contributions to charitable organizations that help those in need is another way to do this. I know it makes me happy to give gifts of food! Traditional foods for Purim are Hamantaschen and Haman’s Ears. Both are pastry cookies that are fun to make and delicious to eat! (See my videos for recipes and instructions).
I hope you see that this season of Lent is not all doom and gloom, but is a path to the joy and gladness that we will celebrate soon! This may be a time of going through trials but remember that “He knows the course I have traveled. And I believe that were He to prove me, I would come out purer than gold from the fire. My foot has been securely set in His tracks; I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have valued everything He says more than all else” (Job 23:10, 11).
Shalom!
[1] 1Mervin Breneman, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, electronic ed., vol. 10, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993). [2] Ibid.
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