The Fast of Esther

Tonight at sundown marks the beginning of Purim, a holiday that celebrates the Jews’ triumph over their own annihilation. I have written about Purim before (see my post titled “Chag Purim Sameach”), so I will not retell the history of the holiday again. The focus of this post will be the fast of Esther. It is interesting to note that the Book of Esther is the only place in Scripture where God is not specifically mentioned. However, make no mistake, the presence of God is alive and well all throughout the book.

Esther and Mordechai were devout Jews and they bravely intervened on behalf of their people to save them from annihilation. Esther fasted for three days and asked the Jewish people living in the kingdom of King Ahasuerus to fast as well. The purpose was to prepare themselves for a victory. Esther fasted so that she could empty herself of every distraction and draw close to God, so that He could empower her to do what she needed to do. God’s Spirit was able to enter her and fill her with such courage that she was able to proudly proclaim, “If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). In the end, the Jewish people triumphed over the evil that sought their destruction. Only by the Grace and Power of God could this have been accomplished.

You may now be asking what fasting has to do with anything. I used to wonder why so many people of faith find fasting to be so important. I will admit that I have found it to be a very difficult thing. However, I do believe that God has worked on me in this area and this is what I am learning. Fasting is a way to show God how committed we are to drawing closer to Him. By sacrificing in this way, we are proving that we are willing to be obedient through denying ourselves and praying for the desires of our hearts. As long as that desire lines up with God’s will, by fasting and praying about it, I do believe He grants the breakthrough we so earnestly desire.

Fasting and praying was very common all throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament through the New Testament. All of the prophets fasted and prayed, at one point or another, so that they could draw closer to God and hear what He was saying. Revelations came, time after time, after a period of fasting and praying. Only when we empty ourselves and leave ourselves open, can we be filled with the Spirit, power, and knowledge of God. Many Jewish people participate in the fast of Esther the day before Purim to commemorate the victory the Jewish people had over their annihilation and also to draw closer to the One that made that victory possible.

If fasting does not appeal to you, that is understandable. It is very difficult and, for some, it is medically dangerous to do so. There are other ways to draw closer to God and accomplish things you desire. I pose these questions; what are you willing to give up in order to get what you want in this life? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve a breakthrough? Will you give up your pride? Will you give up a need for instant gratification? Are you willing to go without so that someone you love may benefit in some way? Are you catching my meaning? Amazing things happen when there is less of our own ego and more of the things that create change in our lives. For me, the best change happens when I get out of God’s way and allow Him to move in my life. So, I will be participating in the fast of Esther today, in the hopes of achieving a needed breakthrough in areas of my life, but mostly to feel closer to the One who allowed me to come to such a time as this. With that, I throw down this challenge to you. Examine what you are willing to let go of or sacrifice in order to move forward in your life. Change sometimes comes only when we get out of our own and God’s way! Chag Purim Sameach and God bless!

Super Bowl Fever

It has been quite a football season. For the first time in the organization's history, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. Although we are Steelers fans in our house, we caught the Eagles fever along with all of the other Philadelphia and South Jersey fans. As the Eagles powered their way through the season, right up to the Super Bowl, I started to notice something really great. People from all walks of life, backgrounds, status, all joined in unity because of their love for their home team. The fact that the Eagles were considered to be the underdog this year really added to the excitement.

It was truly remarkable to see so many people who may never have had anything in common high five one another, shake hands with one another and even hug one another. I witnessed people coming together in prayer for the Eagles. Now, I realize that some people may find this to be a frivolous thing about which to pray, but I do not. I believe that God cares about what we care about, the big things and even the little things. God wants unity among His children and I truly believe that if it takes a sports team to bring His people together, than so be it!

So, I started thinking about this feeling of unity and brotherly (and sisterly) love that resulted from supporting our Eagles. Suddenly, whatever differences people may have had, no longer mattered. People focused only on the main thing that drew us together. The spirit of comradery and fellowship made people forget about that which divides and they focused on the united desire to see the Eagles victorious. If I can name one positive thing that sports brings, I would have to say that spirit of unity in a common goal.

So I asked myself, why does it take a game for people to let go of prejudices and animosity? Can't we as a people focus on that which unites us all the time? There will always be differences among people and that does not have to be a bad thing. It certainly does not have to make one person hate another. Instead of focusing on that which makes us different, why can't we make an effort to look for the things with which we have in common? If we would all learn to do that, I believe there would be much better communication, less strife in the world, and more meaningful relationships to be had.

So, I pose this challenge. In the spirit of comradery and sportsmanship, I challenge all of us to keep the Super Bowl fever going. Let's continue to enjoy our shared passions and allow our differences to fade into the backgrounds of our daily lives. Translate this fever to other aspects of your lives. When you encounter someone whom you would have normally ignored, because you assumed that person was too different from yourself, try striking up a conversation. See what commonalities you may have with that person. I would bet there are at least a few. Folks, the only way we can begin to heal the rift between people is to stop hating because of differences. Let us try to find our shared values and focus on those. So much more can be accomplished that way. The world would be a better, more peaceful place that way. I know this may sound simple and trite, but, sometimes, things really are simpler than we make them out to be. So catch the Super Bowl fever! God bless!