Preparing Esther

photo credit: clipart-library.com

Many of us are familiar with the story of Esther. While reading, a few parallels jumped out at me. 

Esther 2:9 says, "And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification..." 

1- she was chosen and immediately had the king's favor 

2- she obtained his kindness 

3- he gave her things for purification 

When we look at Christ, notice any similarities here? He chooses us, is kind & gentle, then He cleanses and purifies us! 

Here Esther is being prepared to be queen. So it is with us who belong to Jesus!

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen..." (vs 17) 

Esther had won the King's heart! Not only his but verse 15 says, "...she obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked at her..." If we are truly Christ's beloved, shouldn't He be seen through us by all who we cross paths with?

Virtuous or Viscous

Many are familiar with a virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31, but did you know that the Scriptures give warning on the opposite type? 

Antonyms for virtuous

"bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong"

(according to Merriam Webster)

Words of wisdom from the Word...

"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing."

Proverbs 9:13

"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." Proverbs 11:22

In case it has been a while since you've read or studied a virtuous woman, I encourage you to take a prayerful visit to that important passage.

Remember, beauty is only skin deep apart from Christ! A lady of nobility will outshine the naughty. 

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

So, whether it be friendship or a relationship, be cautious in those you surround yourself with. Do you have the discernment required to spot the differences in these two character or personality types?

May we be mindful...

"They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight."

Proverbs 11:20