The Favor of the Lord

King Ahasuerus of Persia had incredible banquets lasting for weeks. He had trained peacocks to walk up and down the long feasting tables carrying the best of wine to his guests that they drank from golden cups. Many years later Alexander the Great conquered Persia and found 1200 tonnes of gold bullion that Ahasuerus had amassed.  On one occasion the king was searching for a new queen. And from amongst the 1400 other young contestants, Esther, a Jewish girl, was chosen to be Queen of the whole world.Esther is a picture of the church; a bride to be married to the King. Hegai the king's eunuch, who was in charge of preparing the women, is a type of the Holy Spirit. We have to ask why this king of fabulous wealth and status, would choose a poor orphan Jewish girl, for surely that answer will help us know how we can find favor with our King.Esther was lovely and beautiful. Beautiful means she was stunning to look at but lovely means something quite different. Have you ever gone away from someone and thought, what a lovely girl.  You were thinking about who she is on the inside, about her heart. There was something about her that is lovable, a gentle sweetness, full of kindness and graciousness. She had a natural and personal aroma of beauty about her.  Her fragrance was only enhanced by the bathing and perfume preparations.Friend, as the Holy Spirit prepares a bride for Christ, let the Holy Spirit release and prepare in us, a fragrance that is attractive to the King.