ESTHER 9:22

Here, it was a celebration of deliverance, supernatural deliverance. The people of God were earmarked for complete destruction and genocide but the Almighty sovereignly intervened and miraculously turned the tables (Esther 9:1). Instead of the enemy wiping out and exterminating the Jews, the Word informs us that “The Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them” (Esther 9:5). Maybe we should panic less and pray more!

It should not be overlooked that here the celebration was not contrived but spontaneous. However, whether spontaneous or planned, the people of God cannot forget to celebrate. It was not a celebration in honor of the king’s wealth or possessions but a celebration of utmost significance which meant more than the world to God’s people. It was truly a religious celebration in honor of the King of kings for His supernatural intervention on their behalf. It brought about genuine joy and gladness, feasting, and festivity.

The Word says “… And the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, and joy, and honor” (Esther 8:15, 16). Yesterday, darkness and sorrow, pain and disgrace but in the twinkling of an eye, the Almighty dramatically intervened, bringing glorious rescue and deliverance to them and with it the greatest joy.

What God has so graciously done for us should never be taken for granted. In Esther 9:22 we read “As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned 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.” It is interesting to note that what started out then as an impromptu celebration became a noted tradition still celebrated today by Jews of every generation. They celebrated the Lord and each other!

May the Church of God religiously carry on this tradition of heartily celebrating our victories now, praising our Savior enthusiastically, always being mindful of each other and by practically always remembering the poor and less fortunate among us. We celebrate the Redeemer for every triumphant work of grace wrought in our lives. On this Father’s Day, we sincerely praise him for being such an amazing Father to us all and for blessing us with so many godly and good fathers! We pause to celebrate God and the God in you! Just having good fathers is another cause for joyful celebration!