Today we begin the inspiring story of Queen Esther... I thought it was interesting as I was reading, the purification process that the women had to go through before they went to see the king. In a small way, it made me think of the purification process that we are going through RIGHT NOW before we meet our heavenly King. This purification process is called the "Day of Atonement" time period, as we search our hearts and ask God to purify our lives for His glory.
There was something beautiful and attractive about Esther that captured the king's heart right away... It doesn't sound like she was into all the fancy things at her disposal... in fact, the ladies could choose whatever they wanted (to make themselves more beautiful) when they went before the king, but she took only what was required. And what shone forth was not all the glitter, glamor, make-up and other things that most women wore or carried. What shone through was obviously the purity and beauty from her heart. This should be a real lesson for us women today... And this, I believe is the secret of true beauty! Of course I'm all for wearing attractive clothing and taking care of oneself so we look our best. In fact, truth be told, I love pretty clothes and I've spent my fair share on skin care and beauty products. But again and again I'm reminded what matters most to our Heavenly King is not the pretty clothes we wear when we go into church each Sabbath, or when we go about our daily duties. It's not our profession of faith or what we do in ministry. It's not applause of men, or long titles. It is purity and beauty of heart. It's surrender to His ways and inner holiness that bows before His throne, above looking for the approval of man.
I read the following in Acts of the Apostles:
"The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian’s life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.Let's seek the beauty that is imperishable! And that doesn't fade with age!
It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit,” the “fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 523)
Tomorrow's Reading: Esther 4-5 and Luke 11
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