The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently handed out its yearly awards, or “Oscars” as they’ve come to be known. Above all, they are intended to celebrate compelling stories, intriguing characters and fabulous settings. 

History is often more fascinating than fiction, and the Bible is no exception. The Purim (PURR-ihm) story, found in the book of Esther, sounds like it comes right out of Hollywood. In fact, the story of Esther has been told in movies on both big and small screens. A basic outline of the elements of a Purim screenplay might look something like this:

• Period – Persia in the 5th century B.C.E.
• Sets – the opulent palace of King Ahasuerus and the humble villages of his captive Jewish subjects
• Main Characters – a lovely Jewish girl, her wise and God-fearing father figure, a powerful king and an evil villain
• Action – a beauty pageant, secret identity, danger, an assassination plot, plans for genocide, gallows, war and victory celebration

The story opens in the palace.

An offending queen

King Ahasuerus reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. He held a great banquet for the princes, nobles and military of the land. Everyone of importance in the kingdom was there, as were his servants. When he summoned his queen, Vashti, to join the feast, she refused. Ahasuerus’ advisors warned that he must not let her rebellion go unpunished or else women throughout the land would disrespect their husbands. The king agreed to banish Vashti and give her royal status to another.

A Jewish maiden becomes queen

Esther was an orphaned Jewish maiden living with her cousin and guardian, Mordecai. She was conscripted to enter a beauty pageant from which the next queen of Persia would be chosen. She kept her Jewish identity hidden during her year-long beautification process. She found favor with the king, and he selected her for his queen. At Mordecai’s advice, Esther maintained the secret of her Jewish heritage after her selection as queen. 

Mordecai saves the king’s life

Sometime afterward, Mordecai saved the king’s life by reporting an assassination plot he’d overheard. The culprits were executed, and the event was recorded in the king’s chronicles. But nothing was done to honor Mordecai.

Wicked Haman

Later, King Ahasuerus promoted an officer named Haman to such prominence that everyone in the kingdom was required to bow in his presence. But Mordecai bent his knee to God alone, and he refused. Haman was enraged and hatched a plan to kill not only Mordecai but all the Jewish people. He persuaded the king to sign an irrevocable decree to pay citizens to kill Jewish people on a particular day of the year. Haman cast lots to determine the day, which fell several months away.

For such a time as this

Mordecai learned of the decree and begged Esther to approach the king on behalf of their people. Esther was afraid because going to the king without an invitation could mean her death. Mordecai persuaded her saying maybe she became queen “for such a time as this?”

But first . . .

Esther gathered her courage and agreed to go, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” But first, Esther sought the Lord. She fasted and prayed for three days. She had her handmaids fast as well and asked Mordecai to rally the Jewish people to do the same. 

An invitation

When Esther went to the king, he extended his golden scepter toward her indicating that he welcomed her. He knew her visit was bold and that she must have a request of him. When he asked about it, she invited him, along with Haman, to attend a banquet the next day. She would tell him her request then. 

Mordecai honored

The night before the banquet, Ahasuerus couldn’t sleep. He summoned a servant to read to him the chronicles of his reign. He learned the account of how Mordecai saved his life and that nothing had been done to honor him. Before Esther’s banquet, the king ordered none other than Haman to parade Mordecai through the city with great fanfare and announcing to everyone the king’s favor toward Mordecai.

Pleading for her life

Esther followed her first banquet for the king and Haman with a second, at which she presented her request: her life and that of her people. The king was outraged that someone dared threaten the queen’s life. He demanded to know who it was. Esther revealed her Jewish identity, pointed her finger, and said, “That wicked Haman!”

How the story ends

The king took his signet ring – the stamp of his power and authority – from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had made especially for Mordecai. King Ahasuerus authorized Mordecai to enact whatever he saw fit to save his people from the irreversible proclamation. Mordecai issued a new decree permitting the Jewish people to defend themselves against the attack. On the 13th of the Hebrew month of Adar, the Jewish people fought back and overwhelmingly prevailed. 

Time to celebrate

On the 14th day, the Jewish people rested, having survived the plan to wipe them out entirely. God had delivered His people from destruction. Mordecai commanded that the 14th and 15th of Adar be set aside to celebrate, for generations to come. He outlined four elements to observe the celebration day: feasting, celebration, giving gifts of food to one another and giving gifts to the poor.

Purim Today

Today, Jewish people celebrate Purim on one day, the 14th of Adar. They gather at synagogue to hear a reading from the scroll of Esther, called the Megillah (Meh-GEE-lah) Esther. They enjoy festive costume parties and lively plays reenacting the Purim story. Audiences cheer at every mention of the story’s heroes and boo whenever Haman’s name is read. Celebrants stomp their feet and rattle noisemakers called graggers (GRAH-gurs) to completely “blot out” the name of Haman.

The most popular food tradition at Purim is hamantashen (HAH-men-TAH-shen). These triangular cookies are filled with jams, chocolate or other tasty fillings and said to resemble Haman’s hat or his ears.

A joyous Purim to you!

Purim is one of the most festive Jewish holidays. It includes rejoicing, costume parties, reenactments, giving to charity, and sharing food gifts with friends. But other than the festivities, what does Purim hold for us today, removed as we are from the ancient times when the story took place? What kernels of spiritual nourishment can we glean from this holiday?

First, let’s refresh our memories with the story.

The Purim account

In the 5th century B.C.E., the Jewish people were under the rule of King Ahasuerus. After he banished his disobedient queen, he conscripted young maidens from throughout the kingdom to enter a beauty pageant from which he would select the next queen. When the process concluded after a full year, the king chose Esther, a young Jewish woman who had kept her lineage secret.

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

Haman, a wicked officer, convinced the king that the Jewish people were a threat. He persuaded Ahasuerus to issue an irrevocable decree offering payment to citizens who killed Jewish people on a selected day of the year. 

When Mordecai heard of this, he begged Esther to approach the king to save their people. “Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?” he said. Esther knew that going to the king without an invitation was strictly forbidden, punishable by death if she wasn’t welcomed by him. 

Esther determined to go in spite of this dire threat, saying “if I perish, I perish.” She fasted and went to the king three days later. The king received her by extending his scepter to her, and Esther invited him and Haman to a banquet where she would explain her request. 

Before the banquet, Ahasuerus discovered that nothing had been done for the man who had saved his life. The king remedied that by lavishly and publicly honoring Mordecai – and ordering Haman – much to his distaste – to oversee it all.

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 that his position be 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.

What Purim Holds for You

Interestingly, God is not mentioned once in the book of Esther. But His hand is seen throughout the Purim story and reveals faith-building lessons for us today.

God intervenes 

Purim reminds us that God intervenes on behalf of His people. Even though it is not spelled out, God is the main character in the book of Esther. When Esther fasted, she sought His favor, and it is God who delivered her and the Jewish people. The king received Esther when she dared to visit him unbidden. And in the end, the irrevocable decree that meant the Jewish people’s destruction was overpowered by a second order permitting them to defend themselves. Their deliverance was overwhelming. Once again, God had stepped in to save His people from annihilation.

God acts to rescue us as well. Most importantly, He intervened to save us eternally by sending Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). He also interjects His power into our various life situations to turn them around for good (Romans 8:28). In big and small ways, God cares and intervenes for us, sometimes by means we won’t know until the world to come. His help may not occur how we expect or hope, but we can trust His plans.

God keeps His promises 

God promised to make Abraham a great nation and that his descendants would be as countless as the stars and sand (Genesis 22:17). He confirmed this word to Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 26:3‒5, 28:14‒15).  And in Jeremiah 31, God promised that as long as the sun, moon and stars remained, so would Israel (Jeremiah 31: 35‒37, verses 34‒36 in TLV). At Purim, He saved Israel from utter destruction, according to His Word. The Purim story offers another confirmation that we can trust God to keep His promises.

God’s timing can be trusted 

Mordecai’s reward for saving the king’s life was overlooked until just the right time when it would fit best into God’s plan of deliverance. Receiving no praise or applause for his good act, Mordecai was slighted, and he let it go. 

Later, the king saw a Jewish man who had saved his life and sought nothing in return. That provided Ahasuerus a good look at Mordecai’s character, and he immediately honored him in a grand way. Just a day later, when the king learned Esther’s request and stripped Haman of all authority, Mordecai’s trustworthiness was fresh in his mind. Not only did Mordecai receive the honor due to him previously, but the king then elevated him to Haman’s former position in the kingdom.

God’s timing to exalt Mordecai served a higher purpose and was likely sweeter for Mordecai too. The New Covenant Scripture exhorts, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time” (1 Peter 5:6). Even if we never receive the esteem of men, God sees in secret and will reward us – someday, in some way (Matthew 6:3‒4, 6, 17‒18). God’s timing can be trusted. 

God places people in positions to accomplish His purposes

God puts people in the right places at the right times to fulfill His plans, meet needs and arrange for good to come from even dire circumstances. God orchestrated Esther’s rise to the position of queen not long before Haman hatched his plot to exterminate the Jewish people. Also, it was Mordecai, not another, who overheard the assassination plot against the king, and not until after Esther was stationed in the royal house. 

Esther hadn’t expected to become queen of Persia, and Mordecai didn’t set out to save the king’s life. But God ordained those events to bless and save lives. Life delivers unexpected turns. How many of those surprises or difficulties in our lives laid the groundwork for God’s better blessing? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows His plans for us, and they are to give us a future and a hope. We can trust Him with our unknown futures.

God will lead us amid trouble

When Esther faced the daunting fear of death – by either the decree against the Jewish people or going to the king uninvited – she didn’t trust her own judgment. She paused and sought the Lord. She diligently fasted for three days. And though the text doesn’t mention God, we can safely assume she prayed to Him for wisdom and direction. In the midst of trouble, that’s what we’re supposed to do too.  

Proverbs 3:5‒6 tells us to “Trust in Adonai with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, saying He will give it without hesitation or reproach (James 1:5). We can trust God to guide us through troubled times as we seek Him.

God wants us to celebrate past victories

After the victory, Mordecai used his newly given authority to declare an annual holiday among the Jewish people to commemorate their deliverance. He urged them to celebrate “when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into celebration” (Esther 9:22). He instructed that “these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor their remembrance perish from their descendants” (Esther 9:28).

Remembering what God has done in the past bolsters our faith today. Throughout Scripture, God encourages and commands remembrance. He told the Israelites to take courage and remember how He saved them out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:18). The Psalms tell us to remember what God accomplished in days of old (Psalm 143:5). Similarly, in the New Covenant, God’s instruction that we dwell on the true, pure and lovely keeps our spiritual eyes trained on the good things He has given (Philippians 4:8). As we remember His faithfulness and goodness in the past, we see that we can trust Him for whatever lies ahead.

Purim is for rejoicing. As we look closely at the historical account, we also see a faithful, intervening God whose ways we can trust through the challenges and surprises of our lives today.

Please pray for:

Wednesday, March 20–Wednesday, March 27 • Psalm 37:23 TLV

• The Lord's help in ministering in Zimbabwe at this particular time
• All the in-country logistics to be complete and in place in a timely manner, including successful transportation and safe, effective set-up of all equipment
• Favor from the community and its leaders
• Foresight and preparation from God for the unexpected

Thursday, March 28 • Deuteronomy 28:6

• Stamina and shalom for staff overseeing last-minute details and safe and timely travel for partners and their luggage.
• All passengers and luggage to travel safely and arrive on time.
• Expectancy for each partner as the Lord stirs faith, hope, and vision for how He wants to use them during the Outreach.

Friday, March 29 • Psalm 4:8

• The Lord to prepare each of us to work together effectively and express the love of Yeshua through unity.
• Restorative sleep and for everyone's internal time clocks to quickly sync with Zimbabwe's time zone.
• Safe, timely and uneventful travel on rugged roads to Masvingo, each vehicle and driver operating with excellence.

Saturday, March 30 • Exodus 13:21

• The Lord's protective and guiding presence over the campsite and Clinic – by night and by day
• The staff as they help everyone settle in at the campsite
• Good relationships and unity among partners to begin forming a strong foundation from which to minister together
• The powers of darkness to step back and the King of Glory to come in and do great things for the people of Masvingo.

Sunday, March 31 • Colossians 2:2‒3

• Discernment and wisdom in the hiring of local workers who will serve with humility, honesty, and diligence.
• Each orientation to be clearly understood so every area can run efficiently throughout the week.
• A smooth start to the Outreach during this half-day of treatment, and shalom in the lines.
• Protection for the many patients traveling various distances to receive medical care at the Clinic, some even sleeping overnight on the ground to ensure their place in line.

Monday, April 1 • Philippians 4:19

• Hope – especially that which comes from knowing Yeshua – for the people and nation of Zimbabwe in a time of hardship and crisis
• Supernatural power and resources from El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, to help us meet the needs of those coming to us
• The Shabbat School training we will offer on Tuesday to local congregational leaders for their equipping in teaching and ministering to children

Tuesday, April 2 • Romans 15:19

• Spiritual and physical protection over every aspect of the Outreach, including partners, resources, vehicles and equipment
• Powerful and jubilant worship as a local choir leads us into the Lord's presence during the week
• Congregational leaders and prayer team members to be filled with strength, anointing, and boldness from the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel of Yeshua clearly

Wednesday, April 3 • Mark 10:15

• The Zehra Kids Program, conducted at the Clinic and in the surrounding area, to profoundly affect many children
• God to perform signs and wonders through our staff and partners that will confirm His all-surpassing power and lead to salvations
• The entire Masvingo area to be even more receptive to the Good News than in the past

Thursday, April 4 • Acts 2:41

• Good connections between local congregational leaders and new Believers that will be added to their fellowships
• Energy for the medical professionals and other volunteers to finish the week strong and encouraged
• Each person who comes for treatment tomorrow (the last day of the Clinic itself) to receive care ‒ either from us or directly from the Lord by His Spirit

Friday, April 5 • Matthew 25:23

• Each Outreach Partner to know that their work has not been in vain
• A wonderful time of celebration and Shabbat rest
• Testimonies to the goodness and power of God as a result of the week's ministry
• Safety tearing down and packing up the Clinic and campsite

Saturday, April 6 • 2 Corinthians 2:15

• Renewal for each participant during this day of rest and recreation
• The Lord to revive hope and minister to any hearts that are heavy as a result of seeing firsthand the distress of the nation and people
• The fragrance of Yeshua to linger in Masvingo and the new Believers to grow mighty in their faith

Sunday, April 7–Monday, April 8 • Isaiah 58:11

• Safe travel home for partners and the ability to re-engage with everyday life while also carrying the people and nation of Zimbabwe in their hearts with even greater passion
• Protection and provision for any staff members staying behind tying up loose ends to complete the Outreach
• Wisdom, resources and favor for Jewish Voice for future ministry in Zimbabwe to share the care and Good News of Yeshua during this period of so much need

We pray:

Lord, right now, our hearts and attention are drawn to the nation and people of Zimbabwe. Yet You see and care for them every day.  Will You allow us to partner with You even more effectively during this Medical Outreach and going forward?  Will You heal the sick, save the lost, deliver the oppressed and provide for the needy?  And will You teach us how to watch and pray and love alongside You as you do?  Thank You, Lord. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

March 1‒7 Prayer for Israel

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Air Forces (IAF)

Military service is mandatory in Israel for both male and female citizens over 18. Manning checkpoints on borders between Israeli and Palestinian areas are among the typical military functions, and these are often the sites of violent terror attacks. 

God, thank You for the men and women in Israel’s armed forces. Please protect them as they guard the people and Land of Israel. Give them courage and discernment in carrying out their duties. From high-ranking officers to the newly enlisted, heighten their powers of observation and perceptiveness to detect advancing threats against Israel and her people. Provide them with timely and accurate intelligence to thwart all enemy plans against them. Give them the wisdom to respond appropriately to threats and attacks. May the intensity of their work create a hunger to know You and Your peace offered through Messiah.

March 8‒14 Prayer for Israel

Immigrants (Olim)

Many Jewish people around the world have a burning desire to “make aliyah,” or immigrate to Israel. Doing so is a great joy, but it also comes with challenges. Once in Israel, immigrants – called olim (Oh-LEEM) – must learn the language, find work, form new relationships and integrate into Israeli society. Many struggle for years to assimilate while some never fully do.

Father, it is exciting to see You bringing about what Your Word foretold: You are gathering Your people from the four corners of the earth back to Israel. Please help these immigrants rise above whatever challenges they face in the Land that is both home and foreign to them. Help them learn the language and the skills they need to acquire sufficient employment. Provide for those who have fallen into poverty because they have not yet been able to integrate adequately. Lord, as You have drawn Your people back to Israel, bring them also to Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). 

March 15‒21 Prayer for Israel

Purim

Purim (PURR-ihm) is the most festive holiday on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates God saving the Jewish people from annihilation at a time when they lived under Persian rule. He elevated Esther, a Jewish maiden, to the position of queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). 

Father, thank You for the many times You have delivered Your people from destruction. Thank You for the Purim story and how it displays that Your mighty hand intervenes in the lives of Your people. Continue to protect Israel from her enemies today. While Purim is a time of celebration, may its spiritual meaning rise above the festivities so that all will contemplate how powerful, faithful and true You are. In these Last Days, use the Purim story to move people toward You, “for such a time as this.”

March 22‒28 Prayer for Israel

Believers in Israel

Believers in Yeshua make up about 2 percent of Israel’s population.

Father, thank You for the Body of Messiah in Israel. Though there are few, You indwell each one. Encourage these Believers and enlarge their faith. Strengthen them in Your Word. Heighten their hunger to study and “rightly divide” Your Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Help them to reach maturity in prayer, worship and wisdom. Give them favor in the Land. We ask that You will shine through them as an irresistible light among their neighbors, co-workers and friends, drawing all to the truth of Yeshua. 

March 29‒31 Prayer for Israel

Israel to come to know the Messiah

About half of Israel’s Jewish population is religious, observing Jewish life to varying degrees along a spectrum ranging from Modern Orthodoxy to Ultra-Orthodoxy.

Lord, God of Israel, the religious Jewish people in Your Land want to know You. As Romans 10:2 tells us, they have a zeal for You, but they lack knowledge because they don’t know Yeshua. Please open their eyes to see the Messiah that You promised to them in the Hebrew Scriptures. Show them Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies contained in the Scriptures. Let their minds be unable to escape these truths, and draw them to learn more. Remove the veil from over their eyes, and create in them a burning curiosity about Jesus. Bring Believers into their lives who will share the Good News and teach them what their own Scriptures say about Yeshua. Open their hearts to Him that they may come to believe.