PURIM TEST
Purim is a Jewish observance, but Christians can learn something
about faith, hope and trust by studying the background for this special day for Israel. The entire story makes excellent reading and is in the Old Testament Book of Esther. It may be the best explanation of the differences between faith, hope and trust. The use of the word "faith" is frequently given by people who claim to be Christians. This is disturbing, because being a Christian DOES have certain absolute responsibilities. There is no material charge for the acceptance of Christ's offer of salvation. But there is a definite spiritual charge. Esther gives us the real meaning of having "faith."
Because our ministry is Faith Walk Ministry, we are acutely aware of the differences in meaning of these three words. The dictionary isn't much help because the words have related meanings. Often we see someone support their action by saying it is because of their faith or Christian faith. This has become a catch-all for religious OPINION. If you make a decision based on your Christian faith, you must follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. If He didn't give us any instructions on the specific subject, we have no option to claim He made a related statement. He is our leader and role model. We do not have an option to put words in His mouth. We are not the leader; we contracted to FOLLOW Him. I'll get to the Book of Esther in a bit, but the importance of the words faith, trust and hope should be on your mind as you read Esther. Purim is the ideal place to receive the understanding of Christian faith.
If you accepted Christ's offer, you agreed to follow His teaching and life rules. When we claim to base our faith, hope or trust on our Christian teaching, we must follow the spiritual agreement (contract) we made with Christ. The spiritual contract was signed in our heart, where it isn't seen. It is an eternal contract that we cannot alter in any way. He gave us the full details. We cannot piece together any subjects or items. If we do, we break the contract. Then it is up to Him to decide if we merit eternal life. The Father has given that choice to Christ. When you claim your action or statement is because of your faith, you need to make clear the particular faith. The Book of Esther tells us the true depth of faith. At that time, Christ was not yet on earth. Her faith was in the God of Abraham. Believers then followed the Law as given to Moses. Christians follow Christ's directions which include a modified Jewish Law plus one additional commandment.
In the Book of Esther, we are searching for the key to measure your
Christian faith. The people of Israel were widely dispersed during the time of this story. Esther, a Jew, was the queen of an empire ruled by a secular king. I can't give you all the details of this book because of limited space, but you will find this a fast-paced story with an unusual ending. Esther replaced the original queen after a kingdom wide search of young women. Esther was an orphan, raised by Mordecai as his daughter. Mordecai had access to the king's court, and he told Esther not to reveal she was a Jewess. There was a man in the king's court who hated Jews, and he persuaded the king to issue a decree to permit kingdom wide slaying of Jews.
Decrees had to be delivered to all points of the widespread kingdom,
so considerable time had to be allowed before the order could be carried out. Mordecai saw the only hope for Jews would be for the king to issue another decree, in effect canceling the original. This could only happen if the queen made the request. The problem was, no one (man or woman) was permitted into the king's inner court without being called by the king. To defy this law meant death unless the king held out a golden scepter of approval. This was a life and death decision. This was the ultimate test of FAITH. It was the test of full belief that God could and would protect you from death. This takes us back to the New Testament, and Matt. 17:20, where Christ told His disciples the ultimate test of faith.
"And Jesus said unto them, 'Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.'" Like everything else in scripture, it is God's choice to honor your faith or refuse your request. This means He expects you to use intelligence and common sense in expressing desires. Any element of doubt can eliminate the success of a request. This is true in the often misunderstood miracle of faith healing. Many times when we seek something, we have not "thought out" all consequences, and it is better that God doesn't answer our request.
Esther realized the seriousness of this possible solution, because she had replaced a previous queen who was deposed because of disobedience to the king. She asked Mordecai to request all Jews to fast for three days and pray for her. Esther knew the fate of all Jews rested on her success. She placed her life in jeopardy to try to save her people. That's Godly faith, and today would be Christian faith. The king extended the scepter, and told Esther she could ask for half the kingdom if she wished. God led Esther to invite the king and the Jew hater, Haman, to a banquet she prepared. Haman didn't know the queen was a Jew, and he believed the invitation placed him in high regard by the king. Although he had many perks as an inner court insider, he still fumed to his family that the Jew, Mordecai continued to refuse to bow down. Haman's wife and
friends suggested he build a gallows and hang the Jew. Haman
immediately took action to build a gallows.
God was at work. That night, the king could not sleep, and he commanded that the book of records of chronicles be brought before the king and be read. It was found written that Mordecai had told that two keepers of the door had plotted to kill the king. The king asked what honor and dignity had been given Mordecai for this action. None was given. The king sought suggestions for honoring Mordecai. It so happened that Haman was in the outer court, planning to ask the king for permission to hang Mordecai. The king summoned Haman in, and before Haman could make his request, the king asked him what should be done for someone whom the king wished to honor.
Here's where we see God's sense of humor and perfect method of pay back. Haman thought the king had him in mind, and pulled out all the stops. This honored man should wear apparel of the king, ride the king's horse, and wear the crown royal. The king accepted the suggestion and directed that action be taken and the honored man should ride thus arrayed through the streets. Then came the coup detat. The king told Haman the man to be honored was Mordecai. Furthermore, Haman was instructed to see that the order was carried out. Haman went home to his wife and friends, lamenting his fate. They told Haman he had opposed
the Jews, and he would surely suffer. Now he had to attend the banquet Esther had prepared.
At the banquet the king again asked Esther for her request, and repeated his original offer to include as much as half the kingdom. Esther asked that she be given her life, and her people should be given their lives. He was astounded they had been "sold" and set for destruction. He asked, who was the wicked man that had brought this about? The queen answered it was Haman. The king became wroth (he had been tricked). Kings don't like this. The king left the banquet and went into the palace garden. When the king was gone, Haman went to Esther to plead for his life. You have to remember that people in those days dined in a reclining position. Haman arose, and went to plead his case. However, being in a very emotional state, he stumbled and fell upon the bed of Esther.
The king was already in a high state of anger, and when he returned, there was Haman on Esther's bed. The king was now completely outraged, asking Haman if he intended to force the queen in the palace. Things couldn't get much worse, right? Wrong. One of the chamberlains, told the king that Haman had built a gallows to hang Mordecai. The king ordered that Haman should be hung on that gallows. Esther had not only faith in God, but trusted her life in God's hands. She received everything she requested plus the elimination of the enemy. The king also gave the house of Haman to Mordecai.
Esther was spared, but the king's original decree was still in effect. Esther asked the king to cancel that decree. The only way to do that was to issue a decree reversing the original. This the king did, setting in motion the destruction of the enemies of the Jews in all the provinces of the kingdom (127). Mordecai continued to hold a high position in the kingdom and the Jews were no longer oppressed. You can understand the high regard Jews have for this observance. They were once again on the
threshold of extinction.
Don't take words like faith, hope and trust lightly. If you claim you do or say something because of faith, make it clear what your faith is. If it's Christian faith, make absolutely certain you are following Christ's teaching. Other religions, other races and people of no religion are also part of God's creation. God and Christ do not close the door to anyone. John 3:16 clearly tells us God includes everybody in the world. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Obviously,
all people have the right of self defense. Self righteousness is a serious problem among Christians. Faith and Christian faith or belief are being used as an excuse to try and claim Jesus Christ taught something He did not. This is bearing false witness, breaking one of the commandments. To a genuine saved Christian, you reveal your lack of scripture knowledge as well as your lack of respect for God and Christ.
If you have true Christian faith, you have trust in the power of Christ. You also have trust that He will do what is best for you. He knows better than you. Purim is observed in the month of March. Be sure to read this short Book. I can't do the story justice in a short review. Scripture should always be your Go To.
Rev. Walbear
No comments:
Post a Comment