The book of Esther is definitely unique. There are no overt reference to God, prayer, etc. But it's the very omission of God that makes it a literary device which enhances the truth that God is present and working through all the seemingly random circumstances. I find that very intriguing!
Esther herself stands as a "Jesus like" figure, ready to sacrifice herself for her people. It's a fascinating book to read and to learn more about the Jewish festival of Purim and God's continued grace to His people.
This chapter tripped me up and I had a hard time pinpointing why. I didn't disagree with what the author wrote. I thought it was an interesting and valid bridge she made equating us ("us" meaning I would assume Christians primarily in the Western world) with Esther "for such a time as this". We have been given much, there's no disputing that. The statics she wrote were worthy of stewing on and considering on a massive scale as opposed to what our neighbour so and so next door has. As Christians we also hold in our grasp through grace the eternal gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We have something everyone needs all over the world!
What I came up with then, was reading this chapter backwards. Not backwards like Hebrew. Good grief. I mean starting near the end of the chapter. Humour me if you will? This is the love story that has been coming for you since the beginning. That Babe in the manger - He is the Prince on the Cross who saves you with His life, so your identity is no longer wrapped up in being one of the rich ones inside the gate. Your identity is wrapped up in being one of the rich ones inside of Him.(181) Who am I? I'm a redeemed child of God. My very identity is covered in His! I am rich indeed!
When you unwrap your worth in the Gift of Christ, you release your grip on all the other gifts. You are loved and carried and secure, and what else do you need when you have Him? You are free, free, to lavishly give away your gifts when all your value, worth, joy, and riches are in the greatest of gifts. (181) OK. Now go back to the beginning. Because now that my soul has breathed in the sweet air of the gospel, I am looking for a way to express it and she brings in some very realistic needs of the reality of the world we live in and how I might express my faith in it. We are the "ones inside the gate" and we have much to share! Where to start? Look here.
2 comments:
Yes Rachel! Very insightful! For me also, this chapter didn't reach me as deeply as the other chapters so far, but I didn't know why, and I didn't really think about it much until I read what you wrote. And those two paragraphs you noted were, for me, the spectacular ones in this chapter.
More than sharing material gifts, this chapter brought to mind my desire to "be the bridge to the King" for others. I want others to know and experience that which brings me all the peace, hope, and joy that I have. I don't want to share it in a "shout it from the rooftops" kind of way. I want to do it in an intimate introduction kind of way - "Come, there's someone I want you to meet."
Regardless of the kind of sharing I'm doing, I want those with whom I share to know that I do it because I TRULY care. Not because it is my civic or religious duty, not because others will think well of me or I'll feel better about myself, not because I need a year-end tax deduction.
I also want them to know that the gift is from God, and it is merely coming THROUGH me. God blessed me, but it's not really mine - it's all his anyway. Just take it, and thank me if you like, but make sure you thank God. He loves you so much.
So as I celebrate Christmas with family this year, I don't think I need to feel somehow guilty that I am enjoying food and gifts and warmth and shelter and love along with my hope of salvation while others have none of that. But I think some perspective is in order. Lord, may I not forget those "outside the gate," or turn away from them because they're not a pretty sight. Thank you that you don't turn away from me because I'm not a pretty sight either. Help me to remember how blessed I am, physically and spiritually. Thank you for all your blessings. Open my eyes to the opportunities to share with others, and give me a willing heart to do so.
Oh - I REALLY appreciate you sharing how you're applying this to your life. The desires of your heart put into words are worth sharing and I'm so glad you did!
I love how you are ending some of your posts with a prayer - what a neat opportunity for me (and whoever else) to join with you no matter where we live!
Praying with you, sister! Amen
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