Purim’s Message for End-Time Christians: Prepared, Trusting, and Positioned
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
The story of Purim, found in the Book of Esther, unfolds a tale of divine deliverance hidden in natural events. Here’s a summary:
-
Queen Vashti is deposed, and Esther, a Jewish orphan, becomes queen after a year of preparation (Esther 1:19; 2:17).
-
Mordecai, often mistaken as Esther’s uncle, was her cousin who uncovers a plot to kill the king and saves him (Esther 2:7, 21-23).
-
Haman, the king’s advisor, plots to destroy the Jews, casting lots (pur) for the day (Esther 3:7, 13).
-
Esther risks her life, approaching the king uninvited after fasting, to plead for her people (Esther 4:16; 5:1-2).
-
The king honors Mordecai, Haman’s plan backfires, and the Jews are saved (Esther 6:10; 7:10; 8:11).
-
Read the full account in Esther 1-10 (KJV) to see God’s unseen hand at work.
As end-time Christians living in what are the last days, the story of Purim, celebrated in the Book of Esther, serves as a powerful blueprint for our journey. This isn’t just a Jewish holiday; it’s a prophetic call to the Church, echoing themes of preparation, trust, and divine purpose that resonate deeply with our faith today.
Preparation Through the Process
Esther didn’t step into her role as queen overnight. She endured months of preparation, as we read in Esther 2:12-13: “Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) Then thus came every maiden unto the king…”
For six months, Esther was anointed with myrrh—a spice that symbolizes suffering and is a necessary ingredient in our preparation process. Yet, this is only part of the recipe. As 1 Peter 4:13 (KJV) states, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Then, for six additional months, she was anointed with sweet-smelling spices like calamus, which symbolizes divine order, and frankincense, a fragrance released by fire. A total of twelve months signifies God’s government. This refining process prepared her for the moment when God would use her to save His people.
For us, the end times are a season of spiritual preparation. Through suffering and holy fire, the Holy Spirit refines us, shaping us through trials—highs and lows, hurts and victories—for the “bigger things” ahead, molding us to reflect His divine order and conduct His business on earth.
As a pastor and a father, I’ve learned that our best efforts to spare or shield others from His process can fall short, but God uses every bump and curve to prepare us. Are you embracing your process, trusting that He’s making you ready? Are you imploring the Lord to fill you with His fire, releasing His fragrance to a hopeless generation?
Trust in a Hidden God
God’s name isn’t explicitly mentioned in Esther, yet His hand is undeniable, orchestrating natural events into supernatural deliverance. In these last days, when the world feels chaotic and answers seem scarce, Purim reminds us to trust a God who works behind the scenes. I’ve witnessed Him step in “at the nick of time” countless times—faithful even when lessons are tough and warnings go unheeded. Some of us need moments of being “on our faces” to hear His heart, while others may require moments of being “on our backs,” but He never fails.
For Such a Time as This
Mordecai’s words to Esther in Esther 4:14 resonate with us: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This is a rallying call for end-time believers. We’re not here by chance. The Spirit empowers us to stand boldly, like Esther, in a world plotting its own Haman-like plots. As end-time Christians, we’re positioned to intercede, proclaim truth, and witness God’s deliverance. I’ve learned that when my advice is ignored, God is still able to accomplish all that concerns those I love—and He’s doing the same for you. You’re here for a reason. Will you step into your “such a time” moment?
A Call to Action
The Story of Esther isn’t just history—it’s a living message, our story in these end times. You might see yourself in Esther, called to a purpose you’re still discovering, or in Mordecai, faithfully watching and waiting for God’s timing. As we anticipate Christ’s return, let’s prepare through prayer and fasting, trust in God’s unseen hand, and embrace our divine assignment. As Esther 5:2 says,
“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.” —so too, the same God who turned gallows into victory is at work in you. He is refining, sustaining, and positioning His Bride with favor—for such a time as this.”