Part 1 — The Power of Intercession

INTRODUCTION

The Feast of Purim is considered one of the minor Feasts on the Jewish calendar. It comes exactly one month to the day before Pesach. It is hard to imagine that Passover is only a little over a month away. It's time to start your spring house cleaning. Preparation for Passover begins a month before this feast.

Ironically, the story of Purim and Passover are similar. Both of these feasts are observed in the Spring, and both were instituted in a foreign land, Egypt and Persia. Both the Pharaoh of Egypt and Haman of Persia had an anti-Semitic spirit. They were both proud and arrogant men who sought to enslave and destroy Gods ancient people.

Purim is a story of God's supernatural intervention into the lives of His people. The sovereignty and power of God is clearly seen as we read through this book. The difference between Passover and Purim is that at Passover, it was God himself who brought about their great deliverance through signs, wonders and miracles never before seen in world history, so in a very dramatic way God revealed Himself as the God of Israel, whereas, in the story of Purim, God worked behind the scenes using His people to bring forth their deliverance and victory. It demonstrated the power of intercession. Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not mention the name God, and yet the sovereignty of God is clearly seen in this story.

Purim is the Hebrew word for "lots" in remembrance of the pur (the lot) that was cast by the wicked Haman to determine the month and the day on which the Jewish people were to be killed. Ironically, the lot that was thrown to determine the day of the Jewish people's destruction became the very day the Jews set to celebrate their victory over their enemies. This book is full of ironies. The principle of Gen. 12:3 is very clearly seen in this book, "I will bless those who bless my people."

The Feast of Purim is also known today as the "Fast of Esther", but in ancient times it was called "Mordecai's Day", and it is believed that it was Mordecai who wrote this book. The story took place in 538 B.C. The majority of Persian Jewry chose to remain in Persia (modern day Iran) rather than return to their ancient homeland. For more than fifty years, they flourished in the land of Persia. They had become comfortable, built homes, became wealthy, content, and well integrated into Persian society. They had lost their vision and desire to return to their ancient homeland and help rebuild.

This is not unlike many North American and Diaspora Jews today who have become very comfortable and content in their lifestyles. The thought of returning to Israel with the threat of potential war, of integrating into a different culture and learning Hebrew, of facing a lower standard of living and giving up so much, is a price that many would rather not pay. But inevitably, God will always remind His people not to become content and love the world or the things in it. Time and time again, God has always reminded the Jewish people, and often painfully, that we have been called and chosen to be a holy people, a people not to be reckoned among the nations, but called to come out and be separate. The two main heroes of this story are Esther and Mordecai. Esther's name was derived from the pagan goddess, Ishtar (the name Easter comes from) and Mordecai from the Babylonian god Marduk. Esther's Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning myrtle and was a fitting name given to her because of her tremendous beauty. Hadassah's parents died when she was young, and her cousin Mordecai adopted and raised her as his own daughter.

Mordecai held a high office in the Medeo-Persian Empire, which gave him access to the palace and the King's gate. Mordecai never hid his Jewish identity, nor was ashamed of it, whereas he counseled Esther not to mention her nationality. In fact, it was because of the righteous stand that he took, in refusing to bow down to anyone but the God of Israel, that created the circumstances for this story to take place. Mordecai was from the tribe of Benjamin (the same tribe as King Saul) and this historical fact created an interesting background to this story.

The other main character in this story was Haman, Mr. Bad Guy. He reminds me a lot of Arafat today - the same anti-Semitic spirit. Haman was an Agagite (Esther 3:1) a descendant of Agag, the king of the Amalekites who lived during King Saul's reign (1 Sam. 15:8). They were enemies of Israel. The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, the grandson of Esau the brother of Jacob (Gen. 36:12). The sons of Jacob and the sons of Esau were bitter enemies.

This hostility began during the days of Moses and Joshua when the Amalekites refused to allow the Israelites passage through the Sinai on their way to the Promised Land. The Lord never forgot this hatred, selfishness and pride of the Amalekites and He pronounced a curse upon them to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." (Read - Deut. 25:17- 19/ Ex 17:14-16/ Num. 24:20) God commanded King Saul to destroy all of the Amalekites. It was God's intention to fulfill this curse on the Amalekites under King Saul's reign, but Saul disobeyed the Lord's command by not destroying the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-9).

Had King Saul been obedient in carrying out this command, this threat of the annihilation of the Jewish people in the Book of Esther would never have occurred. And so we read the descendant of Saul (Mordecai, who was from the tribe of Benjamin, as King Saul was) and Haman an Agagite meet once again almost six centuries later. We know that Mordecai completed the job that King Saul failed to do.

The Book of Esther is a compelling and powerful message of Intercession. It is a message that I believe God wants to challenge us with this morning. I have shared this message in part before but I believe it is worth repeating, to remind us of the importance of prayer and intercession. Last week I shared a message on the Messianic vision and part of our vision is to Intercede on behalf of our people.

B-R-I-D-G-E

Build,
Repair,
Intercede,
Develop Community,
Glorify God, Equip His People

Read Is. 62:6,7 speaking about the calling to be watchman upon the walls. If there is ever a time that Israel needs prayer, it is now! There are events happening in Israel at this present hour that have some prophetic parallel with this ancient story. Israel is facing a crisis that threatens their very survival as a nation. Read the account of a prophetic update. Arafat has the same spirit as Haman.

That is why this morning I want to challenge us in the area of prayer. I want to call our congregation to a time of prayer and fasting during this feast of Esther. I encourage you to pray for one or all three days of this feast (Thursday is the fast of Esther). The battle lines are being drawn, and I believe that it is only when we become committed in a deeper way to a life of prayer that we will see God move as He did in the story of Purim. The book of Esther is a wonderful story of the power of intercession and how one person's life made a difference. God chose Queen Esther to intercede on behalf of her people. She was willing to rise to the challenge, even willing to sacrifice her very life for the sake of her brethren.

No greater love has one that he lays down his life for his brethren. The faith and courage of one person made a difference and brought about this great victory. God is calling us to be like Queen Esther and Mordecai who are willing to intercede on behalf of our Jewish brethren.

The Book of Esther has a very relevant message for believers today. The main characters in this story can be seen as pictures and types. Haman is a type of Satan, who seeks to destroy God's people. Mordecai represents the Jewish people. Esther represents the bride of Messiah and the King is a type of King Messiah. Queen Esther can be seen as a picture of the true Bride of Messiah. She was raised in a Jewish family, and grew up to be a beautiful and godly woman. Through the providential hand of God, this orphan was grafted into royalty and exalted to a place of honor and prominence by being chosen as Queen over the greatest world empire of that day.

Does this not describe the body of believers today? As Jews and Gentiles, we have been grafted together into royalty and exalted to a position of honor in the heavenly places. Peter is speaking of the Gentile believer when he said in 1 Peter 2:9,10 -

"But you are a chosen race a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. For you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God, you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. ...Therefore keep your behavior excellent..."

Mordecai is a picture of the Jewish people. Mordecai was faithful to the Covenant promises of God and it was because he refused to bow down and worship Haman that the events of this story took place. Mordecai chose to do what God has commanded his people throughout history to do.

"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them, For I the Lord your God, am a jealous God."

Esther 3:1-6 - When Haman, who is a type of Satan, saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with wrath. Esther 3:5,6 - But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai, that they were Jews. Instead Haman, sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom.

Why did Haman not just kill Mordecai? He knew there were more Jewish people where he came from. It would not have been enough to kill Mordecai alone. And so he plotted to destroy all the Jews living in his kingdom. He realized that they were a peculiar people who were different from all of the others in his kingdom. Esther 3:7-11 - Haman pronounced this decree of death upon the people of God. 4:1-5 - This has been Satan's desire throughout the ages, to destroy the Jews simply because they are different, to curse Israel, whom God has blessed, is to set oneself in direct opposition to God. To hate Israel is to hate the God who created her for His glory. The Lord has consistently said in His word.

"He who touches you touches the apple of my eye." Zech. 2:8

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that accuses you in judgment will be condemned. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication is from me declares the Lord." Is. 54:17

It was Mordecai who recognized the providence of God in placing Queen Esther in a very strategic position as Queen. He appealed to the Queen to intercede on behalf of her people. Her first reaction was of fear (4:11), yet Mordecai reminded her (in verses 13,14) that God would deliver his people, with or without her help. In response, Queen Esther rose to the challenge and called three days of fasting and prayer (4:15,16) "I will go before the King, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish". This is the heart of a true intercessor. Esther was willing to intercede on behalf of her people, even if it meant her very life.

I believe that God is calling and challenging His people today with these same words. "Do not remain silent - For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place." God is not limited. If we are not obedient He will raise up someone else to stand in the gap. The words of Mordecai are prophetic, Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther had to go before an ungodly king to appeal and make this request to him. As children of God, we have a righteous and Holy King who delights in responding to the requests of his people. We can go before King Messiah and intercede for the salvation and deliverance of our people, our families, our loved ones our friends, and our nation. We know that it is not God's will that they should perish with a decree of death over them. It is God's will that all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. Queen Esther went before the King with fear and trepidation, hoping she would not perish. God is certainly able to change the hearts of any leader. "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water, he turns it wherever he wishes."

As she went before the King not knowing how he would respond, he held out his golden scepter to her. She not only found favor with the king but she was promised much more than she had ever expected. What is your request? It shall be given you, even up to half of my kingdom. Wow! If this ungodly king was willing to share half of his kingdom with her How much more will God give to those who ask Him? He is able and willingly to give us exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

As God's people we don't have to approach our king with fear and trepidation. We can approach His throne with boldness, confidence and assurance.

Heb. 10:19 - "Therefore brethren, having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Yeshua, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. This is the confidence that we have before him..."

God delights that we would approach him and intercede on behalf of our people. The golden scepter that the King extended to Queen Esther was a symbol of his authority. As Queen Esther made her request known, and revealed Human's evil plan, the king was unable to overturn this decree of death that had been pronounced upon her people. God had His own way of bringing judgment upon Haman and the enemy of the Jews.

The principle of Gen. 12:3 was demonstrated in this story. God will bless men to the degree that they bless the sons of Israel and especially God's greater son, Yeshua, and the curses that are hurled against Israel, God will bring back upon the heads of her enemies.

The Arab world does not realize what they will have to face when they strike out and curse Israel.

Ps. 83 - "Come and let us cut them off from being a nation."

The God of Israel and the god of Allah are headed on a collision course, and we all know who will win. To paraphrase part of Romans 2 one could say, Because of the Arab's stubbornness and unrepentant heart, they are storing up wrath for themselves in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Gentile, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile."

The book of Esther is full of ironies that describe this principle of blessing and cursing. We see this principle of the Abrahamic curse fulfilled in the life of Haman. It was Haman who built the gallows for Mordecai, but he himself was hung on it. It was Haman who sought to strengthen his authority and position in his kingdom, but instead, his position was given to Mordecai. It was Haman who sought to kill all the Jews in his empire, but it was Haman and his whole family, as well as all those who hated the Jews, that were killed. It was Haman who sought to wipe out the worship of the one true God by trying to prevent men from bowing to the God of Israel, but instead, in Esther 8:17, it says that many among the peoples of the land became Jews because the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

The very day that Haman determined to destroy the Jews became the very day the Jews instituted as the day to celebrate God's victory over Haman and his enemies. The path of anti-Semitism is well-worn, and always leads to the destruction of those who travel on it. The Hamans of history, and even those of this present hour, are many. The Pharaohs, the Antiochuses, the Hitlers, the Khomenis (whose name actually means the same as Haman), the Arafats, the Assads, the Saddam Husseins and all those who seek to destroy the Jewish people will come under the curse of God.

Jer. 31:36 - "If the ordinances of the sun, moon and stars depart from before me, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nations before me forever."

We have our own experience from Psalm 7,

"O Lord my God...save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me..."

In every generation, God has raised up people like Mordecai and Queen Esther who are willing to take a stand and intercede on behalf of God's people. In this account, the King wrote a new decree that gave them the right to defend themselves. This decree of death against the Jews is a picture of the decree of death that has been pronounced over all of mankind. All mankind is guilty before God and worthy of death, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Yet we know that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords stepped off His throne of glory, in his exalted position of royalty and honor, and came to this earth to cancel this decree of death that was pronounced over all of mankind by offering himself as a substitute and paying the penalty for our sin.

Col. 2:13 - "And you being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made you alive together with Him, having forgiven you of all your trespasses, having wiped out the decree of death that was against us, and he has taken it out of the way, having nailed this sentence of death to the cross. It says he also disarmed the principalities and the powers (Satan and his powers of darkness) and he made a public display of them triumphing over them through the cross."

Because of his great act of love and mercy, we have been forgiven and set free and seated in the heavenly realms far above all principalities and powers. God has chosen to share not half of his kingdom with us but HIS ENTIRE KINGDOM. We have obtained an inheritance reserved in heaven for us. Yeshua has also extended his golden scepter of authority to us. We have been given His authority to go forth in his name and set the captives free, to bring a message of deliverance to all people. "All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." We have been given Yeshua's authority. We have been given a written decree, the word of God. Esther 8:13-17, "Many became Jews..." 9:26-28. God has called us to intercede on behalf of others. He has placed us as watchman on the walls.

Isaiah 62, "I have set watchmen on the walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord DO NOT KEEP SILENT and give him no rest till he establishes and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

This is our challenge today. God has called us to be intercessors. Isaiah was a willing intercessor. In Isaiah 6:8 it says that Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Heneni - "Here am, I send me!"

God has called each one of us to a ministry of intercession, to be willing to stand in the gap for our families, our loved ones, our Jewish brethren, Israel. Are you willing to say, Heneni, "Here I am, send me"?

Continued in Part 2

written and / or assembled by Cal Goldberg, Messianic Leader, Beth Shechinah