“From the LORD comes deliverance.

May Your blessing be on Your people.”

Psalm 3:8 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

I’m holding on to this truth from the Scriptures as we continue to pray and respond to the crisis in Ukraine – that God will bring deliverance.

And I pray it over you as well, in whatever you’re facing today, that you’ll experience the power and presence of the Lord as the Deliverer of His people. 

There’s no greater promise we have from God – which was ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

God is close at hand to bring deliverance and blessing. Whether it’s in the midst of terror threats against Israel or the war in Ukraine – again, God will bring deliverance.

Please join me and all of us here at Jewish Voice Ministries International in praying for God’s will to be done in Israel – and around the world. And for His grace, protection, and blessing to be upon His people...and those who support them.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER KEY MEDIATOR IN POTENTIAL RUSSIA AND UKRAINE CEASEFIRE

The Times of Israel reported late last week that Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, has played a central role in advancing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

According to The Times of Israel, Kyiv and Moscow have made significant progress toward agreeing on the tentative deal, which would also have Ukraine put limits on its military and remain neutral by not making alliances or hosting foreign forces on its soil. Negotiators from the two sides discussed the full deal for the first time early last week.

But despite the apparent progress in the talks, The Times of Israel reports that Ukrainian negotiators suspect Russia may be buying time to regroup its military during the talks. “They lie about everything,” a Ukrainian source is reported as saying.

Israel is one of the few countries that maintains good working ties with both Ukraine and Russia. Israel’s attempt to take the middle ground has caused friction on all sides for Jerusalem as Ukraine and the U.S. have pushed Israel for more support.

Prime Minister Bennett has defended his decision to not send arms or other military aid to Ukraine as necessary to maintain his status as a neutral broker.

Israel is wary of angering Russia due to the Kremlin’s presence in Syria, where Israel carries out security operations against Iran-linked forces, in coordination with Russia.

The Times of Israel indicates that Israeli officials have been careful not to exaggerate Bennett’s role in negotiations and have said he is not actively making proposals or pressuring the sides. Instead, they describe him as a channel of communication, passing messages from the sides in what they have described as a frank and realistic manner.

U.S. CONSIDERS REMOVING IRAN’S ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS DESIGNATION AS A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION 

According to The Times of Israel, the U.S. is reportedly weighing a move to delist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organization, as it moves closer to reviving the nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Tehran, in return, would commit to de-escalation in the region.

The IRGC, a hardline militia with close ties to Iran’s supreme leader, was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization after it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The Times of Israel reports that the move is seen as a key final ask from Iran before it agrees to return to compliance with JCPOA.

While no decision has been made, The Times of Israel indicates that Israel is reportedly opposed to the idea, particularly because the pledge from the IRGC to reign in its activities is not slated to include an explicit reference to actions against U.S. allies in the region such as Israel.

When rumblings of a possible IRGC delisting made headlines last month, Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, made his sentiments known immediately saying, “They are now asking to let the biggest terror organization on earth off the hook.”

HAMAS, ISLAMIC JIHAD CALL FOR ATTACKS IN WEST BANK

The Jerusalem Post reported that leaders of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) called for escalating the fight against Israel, especially in the West Bank and Jerusalem, until “the liberation of Palestine.”

The call for stepping up “resistance operations” against Israel comes amid mounting tensions between the Palestinians and Israel in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and PIJ have warned that Jews are planning to “storm” al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Temple Mount) during the upcoming Jewish holidays.

They called on Muslim worshipers to converge on the mosque in the coming days to “thwart” the planned “incursions,” warning that Israeli measures could lead to a religious war in the region – recalling last year’s war between Israel and Hamas.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPLORING CONNECTIONS

It’s here! The scouting trip we’ve been telling you about for the last several months is starting today. We have some prayer requests to share with you and a way for you to sign up to cover the trip dates in prayer.

We are taking what we’re hearing from the Lord very seriously and proactively to reach all the remaining scattered Jewish tribes over the next decade or so. In order to take the next steps, three of our JVMI leaders are currently headed to Africa to explore ministry opportunities in areas with potential for future connection and ministry.

The burden and urgency of the mandate are upon us as we follow through on giving the Lord our “yes” to be used by Him to reach dozens, hundreds, even many, many thousands of Jewish people over the next years. You and your prayers are part of this call. We are answering together.

The trip is from today, March 23, through April 3. Please pray along with us for the Lord’s favor in building relationships and exploring connections at this time in expectation of open doors for future effective ministry.

Please pray for:

• The three Jewish Voice leaders making this trip together as well as their families at home
• Safe and easy travels – by air and ground, to and from Africa, and within and between each country they’re visiting – with no issues or delays
• Unity, health, protection, and good rest throughout the trip
• A great time connecting in person with our Ethiopia staff members
• A wonderful relationship-building day with the Messianic leaders from the three main groups in Ethiopia with which we minister – deepening relationships between them and us and them with one another
• Clarity from the Lord as we fly to meet with a new group of Jewish people we are considering working with in the future
• Fruitful fellowship and conversations in Zimbabwe as we visit with the Lemba people concerning their relatives in surrounding nations
• A successful meeting with another group from whom we hope to learn more regarding their Jewish history and connections
• Doors to open into a new nation as we meet with leaders of two groups of Believers who will hopefully help facilitate that

With each location, each group, and every individual we encounter, we need the favor, protection, and wisdom of the Lord. We especially ask that you pray for the unity of the Spirit and a shared witness of what the Lord is saying, what He is doing, and specific details as to how He is inviting us to participate.

Let's Pray: Lord, we cover in prayer our team on this scouting trip, and we pray for each moment and all the outcomes of the trip itself. Thank you, Lord, for Your help building relationships and exploring connections. We trust that You will push back the forces of darkness to create clear opportunities and strategies to break new ground in reaching Jewish people in Africa. In Yeshua’s name and for Your glory, AMEN.

Sign up to cover this scouting trip in prayer, March 23–April 3, 2022.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

Peace is heavy on my heart. The peace of Jerusalem. Peace for the Jewish people around the world – especially those caught in the middle of the current war in Ukraine.

And I pray that you have peace in your own heart and mind as we continue to navigate global conflict and uncertainty.

While the Scriptures tell us to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” in any and every season – my heart is moved for us to be more vigilant in prayer than ever before. 

Because we know that God has the power to change hearts, lives and circumstances. 

I’m sure you’ve experienced God’s supernatural presence in your own life. And I hope you’ll hold up your experience as a point of confidence and faith as, together, we ask God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel, to the Jewish people and the world. 

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

U.S. CALLS ON ISRAEL TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA TO HELP BRING AN END ITS WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

The Jerusalem Post reported late last week that the United States wants Israel and its allies to enact strong sanctions on Russia to help force an end to its war against Ukraine.

When pressed for a reaction should Israel fail to apply sanctions, a senior U.S. Embassy Official replied to reporters in Tel Aviv, “I’m telling you what we would like to see. The strength of our sanctions package depends on broad participation. Our economic measures are strong because we are united with all our allies and partners who joined us.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel has condemned Russia’s action and sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine but has not formally leveled sanctions. 

Individual Israeli companies, however, have halted their operations in Russia.

Israel has attempted to walk a thin diplomatic line over the war, taking a strong stand in support of Ukraine and maintaining strong ties with the U.S. At the same time, however, it has been careful in its condemnations not to take actions that would cut off ties with Moscow, such as sanctions.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has used Israel’s strong ties with both Moscow and Ukraine to mediate between them. 

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Prime Minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last weekend and has engaged in telephone diplomacy with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

FORMER ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 

According to The Times of Israel, Israel’s former Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The announcement was issued by a spokesperson for Netanyahu late last week – along with the assurance that the former Prime Minister is feeling well and following Health Ministry guidelines.

Prior to testing positive, Netanyahu attended a Likud faction meeting at the Knesset, meaning that everyone who came in close contact with him will need to get tested and remain in isolation until they receive a negative test result if they’re not vaccinated or haven’t recovered from the disease.

According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu’s positive test is also likely to delay his ongoing corruption trial, following several delays over the past few weeks.

Court proceedings were delayed two weeks ago after Judge Moshe Bar-Am, one of three judges overseeing the trial, tested positive for COVID-19.

The Times of Israel reports that Israel began rolling back nearly all of its COVID-19 health regulations as a recent wave of infections receded, leaving in place just a handful to prevent a reversal of the positive development. 

ISRAEL AND TURKEY TAKE STEPS TO NORMALIZE TIES WITH PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO ANKARA

The Jerusalem Post reported that last week Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, became the first Israeli leader to visit Turkey in over a decade marking a thaw in relations between the countries.

The result of President Herzog’s visit to Ankara, according to The Jerusalem Post, is that the sides agreed to establish a mechanism by which to work out disagreements, rather than the repeated withdrawals of ambassadors as Turkish President Erdogan did when he opposed Israeli actions towards the Palestinians.

Erdogan called Herzog’s “historic visit” a “turning point in ties between Turkey and Israel.”

According to The Jerusalem Post, President Herzog said he hopes the relations between Israel and Turkey will be characterized “by mutual respect allowing us to deal with the regional and global challenges we share.”

“Israel and Turkey can and must cooperate in many areas that dramatically influence the region that we all call home,” President Herzog stated. “We will try to promote a dialogue with actions and mutual respect. We agree that we won’t agree on everything. But we will resolve the disputes with mutual respect and honesty . . . We will look together toward a shared future.”

The Jerusalem Post reports that among the areas in which Turkey and Israel hope to expand ties are in tourism, economics, energy, security and fighting climate change.

The official state visit came at President Erdogan’s invitation and was the first by an Israeli leader since 2008 and a President since 2007. 

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“The LORD gives strength to His people;
the LORD blesses His people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

With so much tension and turmoil around the world, we must be more vigilant than ever to do battle through our prayers by asking God to intervene and accomplish His purposes. 

And this isn’t just about the global enemies who are surrounding Israel — it’s also about our own lives. We must be a people of prayer. That in every circumstance we face, we’re quick to hand over our cares and concerns to God.

Nothing moves God’s heart like the prayers of His people – He will equip us with strength and peace. Remember that as you pray this week – through the challenges you’re facing and your prayer on behalf of God’s people. Please ask for God to open the eyes of His Chosen People to see the hope made available to them through Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

NUCLEAR TALKS ON THE BRINK AMIDST WAR IN THE UKRAINE

The Washington Post reported last week that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over talks to revive the Iran nuclear deal. There are growing doubts around the negotiations in Vienna, which have already extended beyond their deadline, that a new agreement is even in sight.

Iran’s chief negotiator returned to Vienna last week with hardened demands, according to sources of The Washington Post, dampening hopes that an agreement could be wrapped up swiftly. European negotiators had warned that they were prepared to walk away. And the United States joined the warning as well.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, countered on Twitter with a warning that Iran could pull out, too.

“Iran is willing but will not wait forever. A deal is at hand if WH [White House] makes its mind.”

The threat may just be part of the inevitable last-minute brinkmanship that typically accompanies the final hours of negotiations, analysts say. 

But the stakes – which have always been high – have been raised higher by the war in Ukraine, which has rocked the stability of Europe, sent oil prices soaring and raised the specter of nuclear conflict for the first time in over 30 years.

The outcome in Vienna could further destabilize the world, risking a new nuclear arms race in the Middle East and perhaps yet another war.

According to The Washington Post, Iran’s nuclear program has now reached the point where it is only weeks away from achieving breakout, which would mean it has enough enriched uranium to produce a nuclear bomb.

ISRAEL CONDEMNS RUSSIA’S ACTIONS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

The Times of Israel reported that Israel called on Russia to cease its attack on Ukraine from the stage of the U.N. General Assembly last week, taking another step closer to the US-led Western position against Moscow after initial apprehension to take sides due to fears of alienating the Kremlin.

Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Noa Furman, called Russia’s invasion “a serious violation of the international order” in a speech during an emergency General Assembly session on Ukraine, echoing comments previously made by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

According to The Times of Israel, the Deputy Minister urged Moscow “to heed the calls of the international community to stop the attack and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

The Times of Israel tells that, since tensions between Russia and Ukraine began escalating, Israel has sought to avoid aligning too closely with either side. It’s one of the few countries that maintains relatively warm relations with both Ukraine – a fellow Western democracy — and Russia, which controls the airspace over Syria in which Israel operates to target Iranian proxies.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has avoided condemning Russia or its President Vladimir Putin directly and has rejected Ukrainian requests for military aid.

However, the Prime Minister has expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and approved multiple shipments of humanitarian aid.

Israel was not required to offer a statement during the emergency session. According to The Times of Israel, Jerusalem appears intent on clarifying that its hesitance in alienating Putin should not be interpreted as support for the invasion.

ISRAELI FLIGHTS RESUME FULL SCHEDULE TO DUBAI AFTER REACHING A SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH UAE 

According to YnetNews, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency said that Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed on a security arrangement that will allow Israeli airlines to resume a full schedule of flights to Dubai.

A dispute over airport security in Dubai had forced them to cut back services and without a resolution, all flights would have been halted this week.

According to YnetNews, nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai were among the fruits of a landmark 2020 deal establishing ties between Israel and the UAE. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have visited the UAE and Gulf commercial hub since.

Israel's flag carrier El Al welcomed the resolution and said it would immediately return to operating up to three or four flights a day to Dubai.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

One large-scale event is ending this week, and a small but very important ministry trip is coming up soon. We appreciate your prayers for each, as we know you have a heart for the salvation of Jewish people in the nations of the Earth.

Zimbabwe Medical Outreach

Have you been praying for our Zimbabwe Medical Outreach? Thank you! This edition of Prayer Points is being sent out just before the Outreach closes.

Here are a few reminders of how you can pray for these last few days of our Medical Outreach in Zimbabwe. Please pray for:

• Our ability to see and minister to the maximum number of patients on Thursday, March 10, the last half-day of the Outreach
• Signs and wonders, even in these last hours, to accompany the Word, giving witness to Yeshua (Jesus)
• Order, favor and safety in closing and packing up the Clinic and shalom and salvation for hired workers
• Safe travels back to Harare and then home, along with timely and negative COVID-19 test results required for international travel
• Rest and a sense of “well-done, good and faithful servant” for each participant
• Local congregational leaders as they follow up after the Outreach location and that the spiritual seeds that were sown will continue to bear fruit for eternity

Scouting Trip – Late March into early April

Three of our leaders will be traveling together, seeking the Lord’s direction and scouting out some key locations for potential ministry. We pray this will enable us to connect with new scattered tribes in the months and years to come.

Please pray for:

• Divine connections and unity to develop between our leaders and strategic contacts in each country – even before they leave the U.S.
• The Lord to put together every detail of this trip, enabling the team to be in the right places at the right times to connect with the right people and groups
• The Holy Spirit to prepare the team with openness to His “in the moment” guidance, giving them discernment between what might look like good possibilities and what are real God-ordained opportunities
• Protection and favor of every kind, including for their families back home as they travel

• Watch for the next Prayer Points, which will reach you right before this scouting trip. We will have fresh reminders for you and new information about how to pray. Thank you again for your prayers. They make a difference!

In the meantime, let’s pray together now.

Lord, what a privilege it is to make You known among the Nations. We want Your Jewish people everywhere to know that they are Yours and Yeshua is their Messiah. Please use the final days of the Zimbabwe Outreach and the Outreaches that will eventually result from the scouting trip to give many the opportunity to receive You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

“Be strong and take heart, 
all you who hope in the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

While the global situation feels overwhelming – as we continue to hear breaking news about the situation in Ukraine – it would be easy to give in to the darkness.

But let me encourage you: no matter what you’re facing, no matter what you may feel inside, “be strong” and “take heart.” And the only way to do these things . . . is to place all your desires, circumstances and hopes in God’s hands.

The power of His presence, the certainty of His promises and the hope of His victory is all we need to endure and overcome the challenges we face.

As you pray this week, I’d also like to invite you to continue praying with me and everyone at Jewish Voice on behalf of God’s people – that God would open the eyes of His Chosen People to see the hope made available to them through Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

ISRAEL INCREASINGLY SUPPORTS UKRAINE WHILE KEEPING A WARY EYE ON RUSSIA

The Washington Post reported earlier this week that Israel is going public with its support for Ukraine to a greater scale while keeping a wary eye on Russia, the primary backer of the Syrian regime – which is classified by Israel as an enemy state on its northern border.

Avoiding a direct condemnation of Russia, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, “We are praying for the well-being of the citizens of Ukraine and hope that additional bloodshed will be avoided. We are conducting a measured and responsible policy.”

According to The Washington Post, the Prime Minister also said that Israel will immediately send 100 tons of water purification kits, medical drugs, tents, blankets and other humanitarian equipment for civilians in the combat zones in Ukraine and to Ukrainians attempting to flee.

On the ground, as The Washington Post reports, Israel stands with Ukraine. Israeli medics are offering services to refugees across the Ukrainian border, Israeli phone companies are providing free credits to Ukrainian citizens to get in touch with family members, and Israeli tech companies are assisting with evacuating Ukrainian employees.

Russia is the main supporter of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria – a country to Israel’s north that maintains a large military presence in the country. With Iranian funding and support, Syria has become a weapons way station for Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed military movement in Lebanon, with an estimated arsenal of 100,000 missiles and rockets.

The Washington Post also reports that Prime Minister Bennett spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week. While the details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the Prime Minister’s office released the following statement:

“President Putin noted that he is ready for negotiations. Prime Minister Bennett said that Israel is ready to assist as much as required and at any time in order to help resolve the crisis and bring the parties closer. This is due to Israel’s special status and good relations with all parties.”

According to a senior Israeli official, the United States and Ukraine were briefed by Israel before and after Bennett’s meeting with Putin.

FRENCH PRESIDENT BRISTLES AT CLAIMS OF ISRAELI APARTHEID

The Jerusalem Post reported earlier this week that French President Emmanuel Macron came out against the recent description of Israel as an apartheid state by human rights groups like Amnesty International.

Speaking for the President at the recent annual dinner of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), Prime Minister Jean Castex said:

“Erasing Jerusalem's Jewishness is unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable that in the name of a just fight for freedom, associations misuse historically shameful terms to describe the State of Israel, where all citizens, whatever their religion, have understood that their only hope is peace together. It is not by affirming such untruths that associations that claim to pursue an objective of peace can claim to fulfill their vocation. How dare we talk about apartheid in a state where Arab citizens are represented in government, in parliament, in leadership positions and in positions of responsibility? As I promised you, the definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has been adopted by the Republic.”

COVID RULES IN ISRAEL ROLLED BACK

The Times of Israel reported this week that Israel’s two-year-long pandemic-induced national state of emergency ended on Tuesday, with cases plummeting and hospital wards emptying out.

A top expert, according to The Times of Israel, says that “there is no cloud on the horizon, for now.”

After so many people got infected by Omicron, experts expect that widespread immunity will reinforce vaccine immunity to protect Israel from a large outbreak in the near future, even with new variants.

According to The Times of Israel, most COVID regulations have been repealed as the country transitions from a “state of emergency” to a “special health situation.”

The most notable of these are travel restrictions.

Under the new guidelines, both vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists of all ages will be allowed into the country as long as they submit a negative PCR test before boarding their flight and take another one after landing in Israel. Citizens will no longer need to test before returning home (though it’s suspected that some airlines will still insist on a test); however, they will need to test upon return.

Presenting a green pass, which proves that its holder is vaccinated or has recovered from the virus, has become a prerequisite for far fewer venues in recent weeks and now won’t be requested at all. And while masks will still be required indoors, the current requirement for masks in some large outdoor gatherings will be canceled.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• God to bring peace and safety to the situation in Ukraine, protecting the lives that could potentially be at risk
• God to move in the hearts of world leaders and give wisdom to address the global threat of a nuclear Iran
• God’s protection to be upon His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

It’s a remarkable “God story” told in the only book of the Bible that never mentions God. The book of Esther describes the history behind Purim, an annual Jewish holiday known for its festive celebrations. God was at work behind the scenes, setting circumstances up to deliver the Jewish people from certain destruction. In the Purim story, two heroes emerge to inspire and challenge our relationships with the Lord today – Mordecai with his undeterred faith and Esther with her resolute courage.

The Purim Account

It was the 5th century B.C.E., and the Jewish people were living in Persia. Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus), the King of Persia, had conquered and resettled them throughout his empire. 

After Xerxes’ queen publicly disobeyed him, he banished her and conscripted young maidens from throughout the kingdom as candidates for her replacement. The women went through a year-long beautification process, after which the king chose Esther, a young Jewish woman who had kept her lineage secret.

One day, Esther’s cousin and guardian Mordecai overheard a plot to kill Xerxes. He told Esther and thus saved the king’s life. The event was documented, but Mordecai received no thanks.

Haman was a wicked officer close to Xerxes. He relished his position and got the king to decree that citizens bow before him. God-fearing Mordecai refused, enraging Haman. Haman convinced the king that all Jewish people were a threat because of their allegiance to the Lord. He persuaded Ahasuerus to issue an irrevocable decree offering payment to citizens who killed Jewish people on a selected day of the year. He cast lots (or purim) to determine the day.

When Mordecai heard of the plan to wipe out the Jewish people, he sat in front of the king’s gate wailing in sackcloth. Esther sent word to learn why, and Mordecai begged her to approach the king and save their people. Esther reminded him that going to the king without an invitation was punishable by death if he didn’t welcome her.

Mordecai’s Faith

Mordecai told them to reply to Esther with this answer, “Do not think in your soul that you will escape in the king’s household more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place—but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?”  ––Esther 4:13–14 (TLV)

Mordecai shows extraordinary faith in his reply to Esther. He knew beyond doubt that, though he, Esther and others may not escape death, God would not allow the Jewish people to be utterly destroyed. Why? Because God had made a covenant promise to the Jewish people that they were His people forever. He set His affection on Israel as His treasured possession, and His covenants are eternal (See Deuteronomy 7:6–9, Genesis 12:2–3, Genesis 17:7, Jeremiah 31:34–36.)

Mordecai recognized something else – God is sovereign and able to orchestrate circumstances to place people in positions to accomplish His purposes. Mordecai told Esther, “Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?” (See Esther 4:13-14.)

Esther’s Courage

Esther sent this to reply to Mordecai, “Go! Gather together all the Jews who are in Shushan and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast in the same way. Afterwards, I will go in to the king, even though it is not according to the law. So if I perish, I perish!” ––Esther 4:15–16

Esther knew her life was in jeopardy by going to the king without an invitation. She considered Mordecai’s words and determined to go anyway. Her resolve to do the frightening– but right – thing shows her tremendous courage. She said she would go before the king and, “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). What gave Esther the courage to go against her fear and do what needed to be done? She saw before her the consequences if she didn’t, which bolstered her bravery to act. Though not directly stated, we can clearly see that she also entrusted the results to God. She determined to fast for three days and enlisted Mordecai and all Israel to join her, and then she would approach the king. She certainly sought the Lord for direction and favor during those days, and she emerged with an unusual plan.

The Result

The king received Esther and asked what she desired. Esther invited him and Haman to a banquet where she would explain her request.

Before the banquet, Xerxes discovered that nothing had been done for the man who earlier saved his life. He ordered Haman, of all people, to parade Mordecai through the city in stately fashion, hailing him as highly honored by the king.

At a second banquet, Esther revealed her Jewish identity and exposed Haman as the man whose plan threatened her life and that of her people. The king was outraged. He ordered Haman hanged and his position given to Mordecai. The Jewish people were allowed to defend themselves on the decreed day, and we know that it was God who provided a resounding victory, saving the Jewish people from annihilation.

Purim Today

In his new position in the king’s command, Mordecai decreed that Adar 13 and 14 on the Jewish calendar were to be days of celebration among the Jewish people, days of remembering how the Lord turned their sorrow into joy. He stipulated four observances: feasting, celebrating, sending food gifts to one another and giving gifts to the poor.

Today, Purim is a very festive holiday of the Jewish year. Along with observing Mordecai’s four commands, Purim is filled with costume parties and lively re-enactments of the Purim story. Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, audience members boo, stomp their feet and rattle noisemakers called graggers – to symbolically blot out his name. Traditional Purim foods include Hamantashen – cookies filled with jams or other tasty delights. These cookies are triangular-shaped, representing Haman’s hat, or perhaps his ears, according to tradition.

Regardless of whether you observe Purim, you can take personal strength from Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s faith. God calls each of us to entrust our lives to Him as we let Him accomplish His purposes through us. And He invites us into His Word to discover His fullness there. He beckons us into a stronger, higher and deeper faith in Him. He challenges us to believe His Word and stand unshakably on His steadfastness.

Questions for Personal Reflection

• How does Esther’s courage inspire you to trust God more?
• In what areas do you need God’s help to live courageously?
• How does Mordecai’s faith invite you to more fully believe what God has said and promised in His Word?

In what ways might God be combining the faith and courage challenges of the Purim story to beckon you deeper in your relationship with Him?