MUSINGS

THE TRUE GRACE OF WOMANHOOD We usually, and rightly, relate the service of Hegai to Esther to the Holy Spirit’s service to the assembly to make her wholly suited and delightful to Christ, but I was impressed in a reading on Esther 2 that it also relates to the all-sufficient service of the Spirit so that what is normal in womanly grace may be brought about in the individual believer. This is a vital matter in these days when womanhood is often so degraded by self-assertion and independence, and when Satan would so beguile believing women by worldly features that they become almost indistinguishable from the world. We certainly do not need to resort to the beautician or the jeweller to secure what appeals to the heart of Christ (see 1 Peter 3: 3, 4).

Esther “required nothing but what Hegai … appointed”, and the Christian woman requires nothing but what the Spirit provides to be formed in what is “of great price” in heaven’s assessment. It says that the king “loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight”. May this be our standard—what pleases Christ. He has His own standard of womanly glory. It is seen in the women of the gospels. He said in Luke 7, “Seest thou this woman?” In her—despised by the haughty Pharisee—was the precious expression of devotion to His Person and the sacrifice of all she had, so that He might be refreshed and His heart delighted by what corresponded in her to Himself.

Dear sister, all you need to be attractive to Christ you will find in your links with the Holy Spirit. He will form you in all that appeals to the Lord Jesus as you rely entirely upon Him.

FCM