Agency

The story found in the Book of Esther glides to a soft landing in the closing chapters. There is a bit more conflict to put down because Persia is a wide-ranging kingdom. But the Jews prevail and both Esther and Mordecai secure their place in the nation. It is a story that is still celebrated each year on the Jewish calendar with the Feast of Purim where the Book of Esther is read in its entirety as the celebration commences. And it all began with some country folks believing it a thing worth remembering: That is why rural Jews – those living in villages -observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other. ~Esther 9:19

Unlike other Jewish festivals and holy days prescribed by Yahweh and the bearded lads, this one was truly a populist movement. Throughout its rich history, the Feast of Purim has told again the story of the miraculous deliverance in song, dance, food, generosity and elaborate dress. It features five distinct traditions:

  1. Exchanging gifts of food and drink known as mishloach manot.
  2. Donating charity to the poor known as mattanot la-evyonim.

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  3. Eating a celebratory meal.
  4. Public recitation of the Book of Esther – usually in synagogue.
  5. Reciting additions to the daily prayers and the grace after meals.

Mordecai – showing an adroitness not found much in today’s political class – not only affirmed the festivities, he codified them into law:  Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar  as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. Esther 9:20-22

It’s quite remarkable when you think about it. These events took place around 400 BC. Not many celebrations have lasted for close to 2500 years. And, as we mentioned, God remains hidden within the narrative. There is not a trace of a: “Thus saith the Lord;” yet, the sense of God’s sovereign hand at work is unmistakable. However, the real message of the Book of Esther calls to mind a thing that theologians and philosophers refer to as “agency.” Simply put “agency” means the wherewithal and the freedom of an individual to act in a given environment – to make choices that either define or diminish. In the Book of Esther God allowed the spotlight to remain on human characters making difficult choices in trying situations. We do not wish to minimize the hand of God in this story, but it’s important to realize that human  hands play an outsized roll as well. I’m not sure if we hear that enough. I’m not sure if I’ve preached it enough. Standing around and waiting for God to do something is not always a great plan. It is oftentimes an excuse for laziness or fear or both. We’ve been given a brain and a body. In many places throughout Scripture the Lord says that he will bless the things we choose to put our hands to. That’s an invitation to agency. Get moving and see what God can do with your momentum. That’s the story of the Book of Esther.