A Reason To Party

Some stories have been around awhile. Yet the message is just as applicable today as when they first were told.

So Sunday, I did a centuries old practice by telling the story of God delivering His people. I handed out to adults paper plates made into bean shakers – and we all participated. The kids came forward and I told the story. We booed and shook the plates when the name of the bad guy was said. And cheered at the name of the hero and heroine.

Esther — whoop whoop. Haman – boo, rattling of beans. Mordecai – hip hip hooray. It was mayhem and wonder at the same time. The kids had so much fun. We had giant dice thrown all over the stage to emphasis the lots (the Purim) that Haman used to decide which day would be set aside to destroy the Jews.

I’m talking of the celebration of Purim. The annual celebration of God’s delivering His people. Haman’s plot to eradicate the Jews was foiled. God caused a great reversal of events and saved the people and judged Haman.

But the kicker is that God is still in the delivery business. He delivers me and you from sin and the death sin brings. He delivers from the bondage of depression, addictions, brokenness and more. And like Esther, God doesn’t always show Himself directly (God is not even mentioned in the book) but you know He is there.

Even when you don’t see Him, God is at work.

At the publication of this entry, Purim starts tonight – at sunset. But don’t wait till then to celebrate – if you’ve been delivered by God, then everyday, every moment, should be a celebration .

And maybe take a moment in your prayer time to pray for Israel – God”s chosen nation.

God is not done delivering yet. And for that, I celebrate.