Purim in Our Time

These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. Esther 1:1

I assume you all know the story of Purim, the Jewish Festival commemorating the defeat of the anti-Semitics in Persia, led by Haman, the last of the Agagites. Just in case you have not, I urge you to read the full story, as recorded in the Book of Esther. My focus today lies not on the past but on the present and the need for an Esther today.

Throughout the world, anti-Semitism is rising. In Germany, right-wing groups, some following neo-nazi dogma, are rising in numbers and threatening, again, the security of the Jewish population. In North America, we are witnessing a rise in the desecration of synagogues, homes and cemeteries, where Jews worship, live and are buried. Although these acts are relatively few in number and there are no overtly anti-Semitic political groups arising, the trend is abundantly clear. We are at the edge of another wave of hateful and hurtful sentiment and action to be taken against God’s Chosen People. And why is this?

Over the centuries, when people lived in security and socialized with each other without suspicion, there was relative peace in the interaction between Jew and non-Jew. However, as soon as there arose a threat to this time of security, there arose those who attempted to find a cause, outside their own actions. Often the cause was the Jew.

Today, the focus is on the mistreatment of the ‘Palestinians’, who live in Israel. This mistreatment, seen through Western eyes, is not really shared by those Arabs living and working in Israel. Their wealth is increasing, and their security is much more stable in Israel than it ever was in any other country. Then, who is complaining? Who is rising against the Israeli establishment? As often is the case, they are young, unemployed young men who want what others have but, for whatever reason, are unable to achieve their desires. Then, we find the ‘Palestinian’ school system indoctrinating their youth in violence against Israel and its people.

As we have seen all-too-well, the propaganda machine of the ‘Palestinians’ is well-oiled, fueled by the unachieved desires of those who have chosen to live in sub-standard conditions and through the contributions of many in North America and Europe, who have been mislead by the ‘news’ originating in the ‘occupied territories’. How, then, do we oppose the desire “to wipe Israel off the face of the earth?”

Funny that I should pose this question now, as I enter the conclusion of my writing. As I look upon the situation in the Middle East, I am acutely aware of the events, which will quite soon occur. Adonai Yeshua, the Lord Jesus’ return must be preceded by a period of chaos and destruction. This has been prophesized in both the Hebrew and Apostolic Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments. But our role is to speak out within our own communities, helping those around us to fully understand what is happening within Israel. We must combat the propaganda spreading out from those who would destroy God’s people. We must stand up to those who would spread hate towards any people but, right now, especially towards our Jewish brothers and sisters. I pray God will grant you the strength and the resolve to be part of the solution. Perhaps you, reading this blog today, are the Esther we need.

May the God of Avraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you richly.