Remembering the Past

Esther 9:17-32 
 
The Feast of Purim has begun.

• Can we remember a time when God did something wonderful for us?
• Can we remember a time when the Lord did something for someone else?
• Can we remember a time when we were useful to the Lord? 

 
In verses 17-22: 

• People sometimes have short recollections with regards to God’s reliability.
• To help deter this problem, Mordecai recorded these events and urged a yearly occasion to celebrate the noteworthy day of Purim.
• Festivities of eating, happiness, and the giving of gifts are significant approaches to recall the actions of God.
• Today the holidays of Christmas and Easter assist us to remember the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• We should try not to let the festival, or the giving of gifts conceal the significance of these extraordinary occasions for what God has done for us nor should we commercialize the celebration.
• Commercialization can take away the true meaning and intent of the celebration. 

 
In verses 23-32: 

• Among the Jews, women were required to be hushed up, to serve within the home, and to remain on the edge of a strict religious and political life.
• In any case, Esther was a Jewish lady who got through the social standards, venturing outside the normal part of life to hazard her own life to support God’s people.
• Whatever our place throughout everyday life and society, God can utilize us.
• We are to be open, accessible, and prepared, because God may utilize us to do what others are apprehensive even to consider. 

 
How are we to apply this to our lives today? 

• Do we remember when the Lord saved us, or when He answered a prayer?
• Jeremiah 33:3, Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 
• If the Lord has helped us in any way, how have we given Him thanks?
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 
• How do we honor God for what He has done for us?
• 1 Corinthians 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 
• Although we may be in a position that we are not allowed to speak, how do we let God use us so that we can shed His light and proclaim the Gospel of Christ?
• Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea. I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

 
No matter the situation, we are to be a willing vessel: 

• Luke 1:28-30, And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not. Mary: for thou hast favour with God.
• We can look throughout the whole Bible and find people who were willing to be a vessel used by the Lord.
• How many of us today can say the same thing?
• Are we truly a willing vessel?