OT Promise 266: Rest, Joy, a Good Day

Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

This sounds like a Holiday, like Christmas, but it is the institution of the Feast of Purim for the Jews. The historical story of Esther is like an allegory, revealing from earthly life what really is going on in the spiritual world. Haman (symbolizing Sin and Satan) builds a gallows (symbolizing the Cross) to hang Mordecai the Jew (symbolizing Christ), but in a turnabout Haman (our Sin) is hung (crucified) instead. The Jews of the kingdom of Persia (us people) are saved from persecution and death (eternal death in hell) on a chosen day.

Therefore, “The Day,” Purim, became a Feast Day, because the day that was meant to be the death of God’s people turned into life and salvation. This is the promise of Good Friday. And it is the celebration of great joy on every Church Festival, and of every Sunday, and indeed every day that we spend time with the Lord hearing the Gospel of life. Every day we have rest from our spiritual enemies, sorrow is turned to joy, and mourning becomes a good day.

The promise of God for us becomes real when we remember, rehearse, and celebrate the gospel story. We receive this promise when we repent, when we are reminded, or remind ourselves, of God’s Grace in Christ. The Lord promises us rest from enemies, joy in place of sorrow, and a good day instead of mourning. We live! We do not die! Have a good day!