There is great significance in specific biblical dates and times, months and years, seasons and appointed times. Understanding the larger timescale, (or rhythm, actually) that we’re a part of can give us wisdom in how to move forward. It can also help shed light on something that may be going on bigger picture. 1 Chronicles 12:32 says of the sons of Issachar that they were “men who understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” The sons of Issachar were not just skilled in the signs of the times, they also knew the law. Today, this level of understanding – paying attention to the times and knowing God’s ways, really does give us special insight in knowing what course of action to take.
Today, though it is March 1st on our Gregorian calendar, it’s actually the 14th of Adar on the Jewish calendar. As such, it marks a very special day: Purim. Today, I felt strongly that there is a reminder for us all in the message for Purim. One we need to be bold enough to lay hold of and one that will bring great encouragement to those who have been facing some serious challenges.
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates a time in history when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The entire story is what makes up the book of Esther. For the sake of space and time, I’m not going to tell the story again here. Especially because as I read the book of Esther today, I realized there were several “new” things popping out at me that I’d never caught before. As I was jotting all of this down, I sensed that there is special revelation to be had in reading the book for yourself. So I don’t want to interfere with that by giving you the cliff notes. Please, do take some time to read the whole thing for yourself.
Here’s what I felt led to remind us of:
This is a day of justice. Regardless of what the “lots” have looked like that were cast against you, this is a time, a day of quick and immediate turnaround. What was meant for evil against you, God is going to use it to bring good. Lift up your eyes and see where your help comes from!
This is a time to enter His courts with praise. Prayerfully visualize the court-room of heaven. Entering a courtroom would typically be associated with tension, unease, nervousness. Do not be nervous right now! Enter His courts with a thankful heart and with praise on your lips. Praising Him for Who He is.
The scales of justice are being balanced. God sees all. Take comfort in the fact that He has seen your affliction. And He keeps VERY specific records:
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 NLT
Whatever wrong has been done against you, whatever evil has been planned against you, He has full account of it. And in His justice He is going to use that as leverage to balance the scales back out in your favor. “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a might stream.” Amos 5:24 NKJV
Ask. Be bold. But don’t ask amiss, or with corrupt motives, driven by your own desires or by bitterness. Be specific, but first and foremost, ask God for HIS justice. Righteousness and justice are the very foundation of His throne. He knows how to bring justice to you. In a court case, after hearing all the evidence, and when justice is going to be rendered, there comes a time when a decision has to be made as to what will be given as restitution. Align your heart with the heart of the Father, and ASK. If you ask anything in His name it will be given unto you.
Lastly, let HIM do it. If you take matters into your own hands, you forfeit letting God be your Defender and your Vindicator.
Think generationally. Think broader than the space of your own shadow. This has to do with the future. This has to do with that which is not seen more than it does with what can be seen.
May God lead you to know even more specifically what is being held in the storehouses of heaven for you. May He do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or imagine.
Linda G. Riddle
Linda G Riddle 