Immerse: Chronicles Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 156
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IMMERSE
•
CHRONICLES
contains six references to banquets: two at the beginning, two in the
middle, and the two at the end that celebrate the Jewish victory. The
book was very likely read during the feasting that was a regular part of
the Purim festivities. So each new generation of Jews comes to relive
the story as they are put right into the action.
By following this pattern of reading and rereading the Scriptures
today, the ancient stories can become our stories. Through regular
feasting on God’s w
ord—especially during our own festivals and celebrations of God’s work in history—we can enter the drama of the Bible
ourselves. We tell and retell the stories in the Bible in order to be
shaped into people who play our parts well in the ongoing story of
redemption.
From Esther, we learn that we too must sometimes take bold actions
for the sake of others. We too must be courageous, trusting that God
is providentially working, and we must be willing to confront the dominant powers of our world in creative ways. And each generation can
rightly celebrate the good gifts of community and life that we receive
from God.
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