Esther, an Old Testament typical representation of the bride of Christ -- the Church, took into the bridal chamber only that which was recommended by the counselor. Sister, brother, are you carrying baggage into the bridal chamber, or are you going equipped only with that which would appeal to the Groom? Self denial means putting away everything that we might want in preference for the King's will. The Holy Spirit is faithful to advise us and help us prepare to please our Bridegroom if we will ask and submit.
Reference, Esther 2:15,17 NIV:
[15] When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
[17] Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Other references:
John 14:16, 26 (Holy Spirit's advocacy)
Revelation 19:7 (the Bride's readiness)
Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 (self-denial commanded)
Romans 12:1 (worship through self sacrifice)
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Esther's example of self-denial
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1 comment:
Thank you for this one, too!
Lately God has been impressing upon me that things I thought were critical to the Life in Christ, are really more along the lines of ME trying to live it the right way. One day it dawned on me that the 'things' upon which I place so much emphasis, are really idols in God's eyes! We strive so hard to ‘do’ things in our power, and we end up devoting ourselves to those causes, rather than to The One who has called us to them. Even really good things can be idols, and that is why they are so difficult to detect. I was shocked and ashamed when I learned that I had been doing exactly that!
We have an enemy who knows us better than we know ourselves, and he never sleeps. He puts 'good' things in the path of our attention, so that we will forego the BEST, (which is forsaking all else for CHRIST!) Our enemy is just fine with us living a mediocre life, or a life filled with the baggage you mentioned, because that doesn't lead anybody to Jesus! We just sit and spin our wheels, and never change our world for the better.
I'm reminded of the exhortation in Hebrews 12:1, to throw off everything that hinders us, and the sin that so easily entangles, and run the race with perseverance!
Thank you for your wisdom and insight, and for following GOD'S leading, to remind your readers that we need only to fall before Jesus, and let HIM equip us.
God's Blessings Always!
L
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