OCTOBER 5 – Reading 278

by Sherilyn Dagaldino| October 5

“CELEBRATING GOD’S FAITHFULNESS”
(Esther 7:1–10:3)

And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor. – Esther 9:20–22

Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews cast a shadow of fear over God’s people. Yet even though God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, His presence and providence are undeniable. He had already placed Esther as queen, equipped her with courage, and given Mordecai wisdom and influence. Nothing caught God by surprise.

After their deliverance, Mordecai established Purim as a yearly remembrance. The purpose of Purim was to remind God’s people to never forget His faithfulness — to turn relief into joy, sorrow into gladness, and mourning into celebration. Their response was not silence but celebration: feasting, generosity, and rejoicing together.

This reflects God’s heart throughout Scripture. From the Passover to the wilderness feasts to Purim, God continually gave His people rhythms of remembrance — not to leave them in fear, but to call them into joy. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

For us today, communion is our rhythm of remembrance. At the cross, what seemed like certain defeat became eternal victory. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are redeemed; through His resurrection, we live in His joy. Communion is not only a remembrance of His death, but a celebration of the new life we have in Him every single day. We live in joy — His joy — because He has us and is always with us.

Simple Truth:
God is faithful and always with us. He calls us to remember His goodness and to live each day in the joy of Christ.

Reflections:

1. Think of something in your life right now that feels impossible. May this passage be a reminder of God’s faithfulness — that even if you don’t have the answers, He does. He has you.

    

2. What would it look like for you to live each day in His joy, celebrating His presence with you?

Application:

• Remember: God’s presence and faithfulness are unshaken, even when unseen.

   

• Celebrate: Choose joy, because He has you and is always with you.

   

• Live as Worship: Let your life be a daily act of gratitude to your King.

   

• Communion: Receive the bread and cup not only in remembrance, but as celebration of Christ’s victory and your new life in Him. 

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You are faithful, near, and unchanging. Thank You that You know all things and hold all things together. Teach me to live not in fear, but in Your joy — the joy of knowing You are always with me. As I remember Christ’s sacrifice in communion, may my life be a continual celebration of Your goodness. You are everything I need and more. Amen.