Esther Series – part 3

Pastor Eric A. Green

 

Then the king's servant who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king."  Esther 2:2

"Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."  This thing pleased the king, and he did so.  Esther 2:4

. . . Esther was also taken to the king's palace.  Esther 2:8

In order to be considered a candidate for the king's bride, a woman had to be beautiful, young, and a virgin.  Physical beauty was necessary, because she was to be the object of his desire, a pleasure to behold, a source of personal pride, an example of his exquisite taste, and the pinnacle of his "possessions."  Her youth denotes health, vigor, and her relative inexperience in life, allowing her to be shaped, molded, and matured into her new marital, social, and political roles.  Virginity was the standard of unmarried women of Esther's day, and the wife of the king could not be compromised in any way by intimate sexual, romantic, or emotional relationships with any other man. 

When we take a deeper (spiritual) look at this passage, we are able to draw parallels to our relationship with Jesus, our heavenly king and husband.  The Bible calls the church of God the "Bride of Christ" (John 3:29), which He is preparing for Himself without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:22-33). 

Does your practical life make you eligible for the awesome privilege of enjoying an intimate love life with Jesus Christ?  As a pastor, I witness so many whose choices and lifestyles make it impossible for them to be credible witnesses for Christ.  But those of us who truly desire to be with Him are learning to turn away from the self and sin that once filled our days, and we are looking to Jesus for all we need and desire.  I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse, prepare, and lead you into the life of holiness you are called to - and when the Father looks for those to present to His Son, He'll find the youth, vigor, beauty, and purity in you that makes you fit to be with Him forever!

Let’s talk about it!

Pastor Eric