Read: Esther 9:1-17

The day had arrived — thirteen Adar. It was the day for both decrees to be carried out — the decree of Haman to kill the Jews, and the decree that the Jews could defend themselves. 

There were many great fights that day. The seed of Satan fought against the seed of the woman. Again we see this battle, this fight between God’s people and the followers of Satan. Satan tried to destroy all the Jews so that Jesus Christ couldn’t be born, but God didn’t allow this to happen. Instead, the victory on this great day went to the people of God. Many enemies of the Jews were killed. We read that seventy-five thousand died.

God was the one who saved the Jews from the hand of their enemies. He was the one who put fear into the hearts of the enemies so that they would lose this fight. God gave the victory.

God also gives us victory today. We are also fighting a battle. But our battle isn’t fought with swords and spears. We don’t need to kill people. We are fighting against sin in our lives. Our hearts are full of sin and we want to do all the wrong things. The world around us and Satan also try hard to make us sin. Every day we need to fight in this battle. We need to fight against our sins.

And just as the Lord was with the Jews in Esther’s day and gave them victory of their enemies, God will give us victory as well. Actually, God has already given that victory in Jesus Christ. Jesus has already won the battle against sin. This doesn’t mean that we no longer sin. While we are still on this earth, we need to fight against our sins every day. But we know that Christ has already overcome Satan and so one day our sins will not send us to hell, but instead our forgiveness in Jesus Christ will allow us to live eternally with the Lord. Thank the Lord for giving us this victory.

Reflection with your child:

What battle are you fighting today?

Source: Sermon by Rev. H. Alkema