If you are Jewish, the book of Esther serves as a reminder of the significance of celebrating Purim. But if you are a Christian not involved in Jewish festivals, what message does this book hold for you?
I see it as a representation of the Christian life, portraying how one can embody the principles of the New Covenant, much like Esther. Many Christians feel lost and uncertain about what God expects from them, or if there are even any expectations at all.
Chapter 8 is a chapter about taking your victory to the next level, where the enemy regrets ever troubling you. It signifies stepping into the purpose behind your breakthrough, becoming a representative of the kingdom, and dictating the course of events from that point forward.
Who should benefit from your victory? Chapter 8:1 describes Mordecai’s rise to power. Your relatives should be the first to experience a breakthrough. It emphasizes rewards for those who have acted honorably and rightly. Although he was initially condemned to die in sackcloth and ashes, he was eventually honored and restored by God, reversing his fate.
Irrevocable things
The law to destroy the Jews was an irrevocable law, much like certain unchangeable situations in life. What is the message of this story for such circumstances? Similar to Joseph’s perspective in Genesis 50:20, we should view them as “what the enemy meant for evil, God turns into good.” God has a way of using you and your story as a testimony that empowers others. He turns the very day chosen for your defeat by the enemy into a day of victory.
God has a way of using you and your story as a testimony that empowers others.
The victory then extended to the other Jews in Esther 8:11. What could the Jews do now? They had the authority to defend themselves, to attack and destroy, and to take the property of their enemies.
What does this mean to you? We might assume that after a breakthrough, life should become easier, but that is not the case. You are a runner in a race! You have a good fight to fight, but you have authority. That gives us the upperhand and like Jews in esthers day we should have joy and gladness in the midst of it. As Jesus said in John 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Doesn’t this chapter sound like you have power and dominion? To me it does!
Swift messengers spread the message of new hope; God’s breakthroughs spread like wildfire. It all began with Hadassah deciding to become Esther, initiating a revival and rescue operation that revived people who were destined to die and instilled in them the strength to fight. This story reflects a picture of revival, where life returns to downtrodden Christians and they get their fight back. Those who were distressed, hopeless, and condemned to die were given new hope, courage, and joy, no longer merely surviving. Revival may be closer than you think; if many people walk the path of Esther, it can lead to a wider revival.
This story reflects a picture of revival, where life returns to Christians and they get their fight back.
In verse 15, Mordecai walked with royal authority, signified by his clothes and signet ring, indicating that he was now in charge. Although a fight was imminent, the positions had changed, all because Hadassah became Esther. Your decision to change into an Esther can ignite revival in and around you.
Delegated authority sparks awakening
In this part of the story, Esther and Mordecai took action, not the king. They utilized his delegated authority, with the king’s approval. Why? Not because he was lazy, but because he had nothing else to do. After all he had already dealt with Haman. He was essentially saying to Esther, “You’ve got this.”
Our decision to change into an Esther can ignite revival in and around us.
The victory continues in chapter 8:15-17, reminding of Acts 5:12-14. Awakening occurs, and non-Jews become Jews. Why did this awakening happen? It resulted from Hadassah being willing to be transformed into Esther.
When God promotes you, he also assigns greater responsibilities. A transformed Esther has much to do. Esther’s victory impacted everyone around her, empowering her relatives, giving others authority, courage, and weapons, and drawing people to become Jews.
