He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
- from Esther 9:22

Yesterday, we reflected on the reality that the miraculous rescue that the people experience in the Esther story still didn’t fix all of their problems. Today, we see Mordecai commanding the people to mark the Purim celebration with the practice of giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Generosity marks this celebration. But the people who are being commanded to be generous were already relatively poor. If any of us were as poor as these people were, we’d be freaking out. In terms of access to food, education, healthcare, retirement, government protection and all of the benefits we have in our society, we’re wealthy compared to the community to which Mordecai wrote. But Mordecai’s command shows us something special.

We see both that God provides and that we’re called to serve. It isn’t that God provides so we don’t have to serve. And it isn’t that we have to serve because God doesn’t, can’t or won’t provide. And it definitely isn’t that we wait to serve until God’s finished providing. No, God’s provision and our serving go hand-in-hand.

God dignifies everyone with an invitation to serve. Everyone is affirmed in their agency without regard to their income, education or social standing. Everyone can do something.

As we approach Chatham Serves, what particular gifts do you have to offer? What difference does it make that your serving goes hand-in-hand with God providing?