The book of Esther can teach us many things but one particular aspect is the preparation Esther was willing to undergo to be acceptable to the King. This is set out in Esther chap 2 v 9-18. Hegai, the keeper of the household was pleased with Esther and showed her favour and speedily gave her "things for purification and her portion of food" (Amplified version) and seven maidens to wait on her in the best king's apartments. We have to realise that "in Christ" we are chosen (like Esther), 'justified' (given entrance to the king's palace) and are being glorified (Rom. 8v30).

Glorification is the divine process of soaking (waiting and meditating) in the presence of God to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and for purification to take place in our lives like Esther. We must be willing to allow God to work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, to change us into the image of Christ. (2 Cor 3v 18). In chapter 2 v 12 the book of Esther tells us this process involved six months of 'oil of myrrh' and six months of sweet odours (Amplified version says spices and perfumes) and other things for purification. This was necessary for Esther to be prepared to be presented to the king. Similarly, under Moses, in order for the priest to minister in the tabernacle he had to wash at the laver and to be anointed with holy oil. The anointing oil was only to be used for worship to God and was holy unto the Lord. This was God's divine standard 'Be ye holy for I am holy' (Lev 11 v 45). David in Psalm 45 v 8 says, 'All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes and cassia - out of the ivory palaces - whereby they have made me glad'.

We therefore must be like Esther and allow the Holy Spirit to minister the living word which is the daily portion from God and anoint us daily with fresh oil. The anointing is the enablement to minister and this is clearly demonstrated in the life of Jesus on earth. Esther by this process gained the approval of the King and because of this the sceptre was extended to her at the time of great need for Israel the Church. The sceptre of God's throne is righteousness and His righteousness is extended to us the church as it was to Esther making us come with boldness into the immediate presence of God where our petitions are heard and can be granted. Esther portrays a child of God whose dedication and obedience reversed the evil purposed against God's people.

It is important for each of us to live in the Spirit, stay in the palace (heavenly places) and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth so we may grow up in Christ and become effective in the Kingdom of God. Like Esther by taking our place in Christ we can actively hurl back the works of darkness in our day and make satan's devices of no effect. Paul in 2 Cor. 2 v 14 Conybeare's translation says - "thanks be unto God who leads us on from place to place in the train of his triumph to celebrate His victory over the enemies of Christ and by me send forth the knowledge of Him a stream of fragrant incense throughout the world for Christ's is the fragrance which I offer up to God.

Let us be determined to soak in God's presence, wait on the Lord and let Him feed us on the finest of the wheat until the King cannot resist us. When we stand prepared before Him our requests will be granted and our petitions answered for His kingdom. Let us be willing to go through with this process like Esther and be the one God can rely on to be in the right place at the right time. Let us seek the favour of the King our heavenly bridegroom. Our divine King holds all the riches and the blessings. He has all power and He can change everything for good. Our bridegroom is awesome.

Gordon Davis Gorseinon