Dear beautiful and mysterious Bride of our Lord Jesus. Continuing on with our look at Esther, here is the next principle, and it’s all a big secret! In fact can you keep a secret? Scripture has kept the most glorious of secrets hidden, and yet the mystery is now revealed to those who would hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We find this mystery again in the name of Esther. We looked previously at her name Hadassah, but today I want to look at her name Esther. In Hebrew the root of this word means “hidden” or “secret”, and it describes beautifully the nature of Esther in Scripture but also parallels with us the Bride of Jesus. The Biblical account records how Esther was kept hidden from those who would cause her harm.
Est 2:10 Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. Also Haman was clearly unaware of Esther’s Jewish nationality, as shown by his delight and confidence to be invited to a special banquet by Esther, despite his own instigation for the annihilation of her people the Jews) so also the Bride is kept hidden both in a spiritual sense that she is hidden with Christ. But also in a physical sense that the bride will not be fully revealed until the time of the Lord’s appearing.
Col 3:3,4 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
When God created man in Genesis 1:27, it says “Male and female, He created them”. But in Genesis 2, we see Adam naming all the creatures that passed by him, and yet no suitable helper was found for him, and it says that Adam was “alone”. So where was Eve? How is it that Adam is alone in Genesis 2? The answer of course was that Eve was in Adam, and needed to be brought forth from Adam’s side. In the same way where is the Bride of Jesus? She is in Christ, and through His death paid the dowry for His Bride that she might be brought forth just like the blood and water that flowed from His side, when the spear was thrust in His side.
The Bride is hidden, like Esther. The world will not recognise her any more than it does recognise Jesus. She is happy not to be the latest celebrity or attraction, she cares nothing for the flattery of others, but is secure in bridal love and intimacy with the One that she knows brought her forth. Do not expose your flesh, but be hidden. Keep your self for your wedding day, stay pure, flee the lusts and temptations that come.
O Lord my Kinsman Redeemer, I dare to lay beside your feet. Let the corner of your robe cover me, as I surrender all to you my Master and Bridegroom. I have nothing to give except my heart and devotion to you. Come O Lord, you are my greatest desire. Your love is better than wine. You have won my heart, and I am yours, now and forever.
Mike @Call2come
