God's Actions when we Act

Scripture: Queen Esther daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote this second letter with full authority to confirm the letter about Purim. Esther 9:29

Observation: To my knowledge, this is the only Old Testament book in which the text declares the author and purpose of the book. This passage clearly states it is written by Esther and Mordecai to confirm the circumstances surrounding the festival of Purim. (I did a very quick check, and most sources concur it is likely written by Mordecai.)

This makes the book unique. While there are strong assumptions about who wrote books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and the entire Pentateuch, none of them come out and explicitly cite themselves (they may declare the source of the words, but there are questions about if someone else transcribed them). This would certainly invite the question, then, about why this sentence is included in Esther. The most likely answer is that this situation required some authoritative evidence. To me, the most likely reason for needing such authority is the condition of the Jews with regards to festival observances. They had fallen out of practice with regards to festivals required in Deuteronomy. This was now an opportunity to renew a unifying practice.

However, all festivals ordained in Deuteronomy - while they were in remembrance of events - included practices that honored God. Purim has no such ritual or references designed to honor God and acknowledge his authority. In fact ... God is not mentioned at all as being the source of power that granted the Jews such great victory over their enemies, and the concept of some higher controlling authority is only once broached between Esther and Mordecai throughout the book.

Esther and Mordecai seem to confirm themselves as the heroes. They write the book, perceive their story is required as definitive authority, do not mention God, and even in the end create a epilogue (chapter 10) summarizing Mordecai's greatness.

Application: In the book of Esther, I see two people - Esther and Mordecai - struggling with the balance between God's authority versus their own actions. They tell of a series of events in which they acted ... and there is no doubt the acted with courage, guile, intelligence, and decisiveness. However, the narrative indicates God's authority and control ... placing them in circumstances way before action is needed, introducing devine 'coincidences' (the king's reading of the historical record at exactly the right time, the timing of Haman's actions), and providing supernatural protection for all Jews in their moment of peril.

And so the lesson for me is ... God is in everything, even when we do not acknowledge him. Yes, the lesson is also ... acknowledge God!!! But it is clearly possible for God to work through people who themselves are not active in their acknowledgement of God.

This is a lesson I have seen in conversations at Alpha, where those still questioning their faith can say things that influence the belief of other seekers. However, this does not mean I should function independent of God and let him work things out. I must stay close to God and pursue my relationship with him.

Prayer: Lord, I know that this very day I do not appear to be a man seeking after your own heart. I pray for your spirit this day. Please, Lord my God and my father, be with me this day. Forgive my sinful words, actions, and thoughts. I know I am flawed, as the flesh is always sinful and weak. I do wish to walk with you this day. Please guide my steps and hold my hand. Amen, and amen.