Do This In Remembrance… | March 31, 2019

The Tables Are Turned!
Mordecai is feared! WHY?
In Susa they killed 500…
They also killed Haman’s ten sons… look at the list…

This Was Holy War!

“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” – Genesis 6:5

“…the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” – Genesis 15:16b

The Kings Joshua defeated… look at the list… | Joshua 12:9-24
Saul was supposed to wipe out all the Amalekites
But he spared King Agag (Haman was an Agagite)

No Plunder Taken
Three times we read that they did not take any plunder—vv. 10, 15, & 16
Why not? Didn’t Mordecai give them permission?
This is Holy War. All things are devoted to God.. | Joshua 6:17
Jericho loses, Ai wins,… for Achan’s sin | Joshua 7:11-12

But This Wasn’t Exactly Like Holy War
Haman’s decree reversed God’s | 1 Samuel 15:3 & Esther 3:13
Mordecai’s decree mirrored Haman’s | Esther 8:11b
With ONE critical difference… self-defense!

This Should Be Celebrated & Remembered
Israel had no King through which to wage Holy War… but God remained faithful to His promise
Purim is celebrated each year, one month before Passover

Where Was God In All of This?
Holy War is God’s vengeance over evil
By God’s mercy & grace the Cross gave us a “time-out”
Jesus’ death on the Cross requires we cease Holy War
His sending of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to love our enemies and forgive those who persecute us

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26