Year of Realization – Day 9: Endure preparation.
“Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women.”
Esther 2:12 NKJV
It’s a fact, some people want to accomplish something, be able to do something, and so on, without paying the price of preparation. Never is this statement more true than in the case of some people desiring to do great things for the Kingdom of God.
Now, clearly, there are those who may want to do great things for the personal aggrandizement they suppose will follow. But even for those who have pure motives toward the work of the Kingdom, there may be reticence to endure sometimes arduous preparation.
Did you know that as the redeemed, we collectively form the Bride of Christ?Additionally, the Bride of Christ must welcome preparation.
“Then I heard something like the shout of a vast multitude, and like the boom of many pounding waves, and like the roar of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all] reigns. Let us rejoice and shout for joy! Let us give Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb has come [at last] and His bride (the redeemed) has prepared herself.” She has been permitted to dress in fine linen, dazzling white and clean—for the fine linen signifies the righteous acts of the saints [the ethical conduct, personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character of believers].”
Revelation 19:6-8 AMP
Indeed, although the process of preparing for our Bridegroom is only made possible by the Holy Spirit of God within us, our part is to allow the word of God to perfect us by cleaning and preparing us.
“You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you].”
John 15:3 AMP
“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.”
Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT
Paul, in instructing Timothy, makes clear to him his responsibility in preparing himself for the works the Lord has for him.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:21 AMP
In our opening scripture we find that Esther was subjected to 12 months of what amounted to intense beauty treatments. Whereas these were foisted upon her, we have no indication that she, in any way, rejected the process. Indeed, we will find that she had well-prepared herself for what would come next.
Remember, in addition to being the Bride of Christ, we have the awesome privilege of being our Lord’s representatives here on earth. As such, we do His work with gladness while allowing His word to continually clean and prepare us for what will come next, both here and in the world to come.
Additionally, we do not become embittered by trials and discipline which also serve to make us a well-prepared Bride as we anxiously await our soon coming Bridegroom!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming. Get ready for Him!
#yearofrealization
Year of Realization