Character

New Beginnings has been on my mind and in my heart as I’m beginning a new Bible Study with wonderful ladies from Hessel Church. We’re starting a book on Esther and the first lesson sets the stage.

The King of Persia is having a huge party and everyone has had too much to drink. He’s portrayed as rich, opulent, spoiled, and not concerned about others. He wants to subject his beautiful wife to the leers (or more ?) of his guests and demands she appear before all his drunken guests.

Queen Vashti refuses as she doesn’t want to be treated as a concubine or disrespected in this way. The King feels very disrespected by her response and decides to look for a new Queen. Spoiler alert- Esther, a woman of faith, will be chosen and God will use her to save the Jews from a plot to annihilate them.

The writer of our study, Lydia Brownback, had us compare the character of King Ahasuerus with the King we are invited to serve. I was so blessed by concentrating on the character of God through the scripture passages she chose.

King Jesus will reign in righteousness and justice says Isaiah 32:1-8. He is a shelter and refuge like a stream of water in the desert or the shade of a rock in a thirsty land. He is noble in character, plan, deeds, action.

So different than the character on display around us in politics, national or international. It makes me long for heaven in a deep way where Jesus will rule in all and over all. Not that I need to go there right now 😆

We have things to do here until He calls us to our eternal home. As we celebrate who He is, may others around us wonder. Hopefully they will see a peace in our lives because of whom we serve. Jeremiah 23:5-6 says He reigns wisely and does what is just and right. He keeps us safe. He is trustworthy as “the Lord our righteousness.”

Trusting in God’s character will show in our lives. Peter referred to this when he talked in 1 Peter 3:4-6 regarding inner beauty. Fear in our hearts shows on our faces and in the decisions we make, the words we snap.

As we practice gratitude let’s rejoice that the King we can choose to serve is trustworthy and has our best interests at heart even when we don’t understand our circumstances. In rain and sunshine, health and sickness, sorrow and joy this can ground us.

As you go about your current journey of life may God show you His streams of living water and shade rocks of rest that you may be renewed. Then may He use us to refresh others as He displays His character in and through us. What a joyous way to live!