Purim: An Event that Changed History

You don’t hear much about the Jewish holiday of Purim (on March 4,5 this year), yet it’s based on an event so significant that it changed the trajectory of the history of the Jewish people. 

Occurring during the time of the Persian King Ahasuerus (486-465 B.C.), the king unwittingly left the fate of the Jewish people to Haman who wanted them exterminated. Enter Esther, a beautiful Jewess whom the king had chosen among a multitude of young maidens to be the Queen. Realizing Haman’s evil plan, she asked her people to fast and pray with her for three days before approaching the king to save her people. God answered their cry for deliverance and they were spared extermination.

Esther was in the right place at the right time with a tender heart of submission. While an earthly king had chosen her for her beauty to be queen, the King of kings had chosen her to bring deliverance to her people who were destined to destruction. 

It was no insignificant thing to approach the king, for if they did so without his invitation and he didn't extend his scepter to them, they were to be put to death. When Esther voiced this concern to Mordecai, he said, "...Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14c)  Her response, "Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16c). 

This young woman (probably a teenager) was beautiful and meek with a passion for justice that made her strong and bold. We need Esthers and Mordecais today: people whose hearts are anchored with God's purpose and vision, who can change the trajectory of history.

Evil and darkness are washing over this country like a tidal wave. If there's ever a time to fast and pray, it is now. "Who knows whether you have not come.....for such a time as this?"

Just a thought

Yesterday someone told me the story of a man in his forties who set out to ride his bike. He probably snapped his water bottle onto his belt, donned his helmet, said "See you later" to his wife and took off as he had so many times before. Except this time he didn't return. A car knocked him off his bike and another one ran him over. His wife was probably making dinner when she got the news.

Sometimes things happen that we aren't prepared for--so untimely. In times like these, I rehearse what my last exchange was with that person. Any regrets? Occasionally. Sometimes I wish I'd said, "I love you" one more time, or hadn't made that unkind remark.

I know it's late for a New Year's resolution, but we can make one any time we want. I want to treat others as if I may never see them again. That doesn't mean I'm going to sob on their necks every time we say "Bye," but to endeavor to end that exchange with a smile.

What does that have to do with real estate? Not much and yet so much. Whether I'm kissing my husband as he leaves for work, or telling the kids to clean their rooms, or taking a client to see houses, I will finish with a smile. Sometimes life is shorter than we think. I want to make the best of it for me and for others.