A Deeper Meaning

Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. [Esther 1.17] 

When we today consider the Bible's reference of God's people as His bride, we must be certain we don't think in our modern understanding of marriage. Modern society is so steeped in equality indoctrination that the significance of Esther's story is at risk of being misunderstood.

Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.” Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the LORD delights in you and will claim you as his bride. [Isaiah 62.4]

Whether we like it or approve of it or not, the social norm for domestic order contemporary to the Bible's mentions of God's people as His "bride" was nothing like today. In fact, as seen in Esther's story, patriarchal rule was the standard. Vashti indeed clearly disrespected her husband (not to mention her king) by the social standards of that day. Her actions, by those standards, were shameful.

Here's a quick and scary thought. What if God still thinks of His bride by the standards of Esther's time? If our God "does not change" (Numbers 23.19), then it's not up for debate when He tells us to do something - we either do what He says or risk being banished from His presence forever so that we will not influence others in our disobedience. This could explain a lot regarding the modern "Church" today.

How many times in conversations have we heard or even said ourselves, "I know I don't obey God like I should, but I'm thankful for His grace." as if we've been given some sort of free pass to determine for ourselves what is okay and what is not? Esther's story, in conjunction with Isaiah's record of God's people being His "bride," should put the fear of God in us about being so presumptuous! And yet, we make "allowances" for ourselves every day. We have forgotten Who is in charge and our societal domestic practices today, not ironically, reflect this fact.

"Christ in us" is not a license for "anything goes." In fact, "Christ in us" enables us to obey God. Yes, there is forgiveness, but forgiveness is not a free pass to sin - forgiveness does not convey the right to our own opinion - to despise God in continued disobedience! And, just because "everybody's doing it" does not make it okay either!

Ezekiel revealed God's timeless standard:

And this is the basic law of the Temple: absolute holiness! The entire top of the mountain where the Temple is built is holy. Yes, this is the basic law of the Temple. [Ezekiel 43.12]

In light of Esther's story, being the "Bride of God" or the "Bride of Christ" takes on a deeper meaning.

Father, help us to understand that Your rule over our lives (including Jesus occupying the throne of our hearts) is not subject to our opinion about what is right or wrong. Help us to see that "absolute holiness" is not what Jesus rescues us from, but instead brings us into. So be it.