Today is the Jewish holiday of Purim. It is a holiday that remembers the story of Esther, a woman who saved the Jewish people in exile through her bold advocacy on their behalf. The holiday of Purim has a tradition that I think is marvelous. On this day, people are encouraged to practice random acts of kindness for their friends and for those who are in need.
If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your household perish. It may very well be that you became queen for such a time as this! (Esther 4:14)
Esther wasn’t a spiritual giant. She didn’t ask to be put in a position of influence. She was an ordinary woman who found herself in extraordinary circumstances. We remember her because she rose to meet the challenges that faced her. Esther is a good reminder of the potential we have when we make space for God in our lives and hearts, the focus of our work during Lent.
We may not face the same challenges that Esther did, but all of us can rise to meet injustice in our own way. Consider how you might be called to stand up for those in need for such a time as this.
Questions for Today
- What is one challenge of our own time that is weighing on your heart?
- Is there any way that you can respond with kindness and love to this situation with your own life?
Lent Action Guide
This is an entry in my Lent Action Guide which will be featured all Advent long.
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