When we think of being saved for a purpose, most of the time, we think of our purpose as “Doing something for the Lord.” We may think, God has called me to be a ________. So, we do whatever it takes to try to make it happen. In our temporal existence on the earth, we may do that thing or things, whatever they may be to make God happy. But may I ask you a question, what is our eternal purpose when our earthly journey has ended? In the next blogs I would like to share some thoughts to consider.

 

One of my favorite movies I have watched repeatedly is, “One Night with the King.” This movie depicts the story of the Book of Esther. The movie portrayal is remarkably close to the biblical account of Queen Esther. If you haven’t seen it, please watch it. I know you would appreciate some of the insights I am sharing today.  Today I want to examine three parts of the story of Esther and how they relate to us, in Christ.

 

 WE HAVE BEEN SUMMONED

 

Since man sinned in the Garden of Eden, throughout the scriptures we see our Father reaching out to humanity to bring them back into His arms of love and grace. We see and hear Him calling us in the scriptures, in nature, and through the depth of our darkness. The word summon is not used in the Bible, but we do see these words defining its meaning: to call, to send for, to ask for, and to urgently demand.

 

In the story of Esther, King Ahasuerus’s wife Vashti defied his invitation to come to a banquet he had prepared for all his royal nobleman and officials. Because of her disobedience, he banned her from the throne and summoned the virgins of the land in search of his new queen. Esther was summoned. She was a simple Jewish girl, from very humble beginnings. Her parents died when she was a youngster, so she was raised by her Uncle Mordecai.

 

Like Esther, our Father has summoned us, virgin souls who said yes to His invitation. He has brought us out of the Kingdom of Darkness and placed us into the Kingdom of His dear Son to be married and joined to Jesus Christ forever.

 

I Corinthians 1:26-29 Amplified – Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, few powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. ²⁷ But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. ²⁸ God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God.

 

WE HAVE BEEN CLEANSED

 

When Esther and the virgins were brought into the palace, they had attendants who put them through rigorous cleansing rituals preparing them for the King. They were bathed in oils and exquisite perfumes.

 

 

When we gave our hearts to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit washed us in the blood of Jesus and washed away all our trespasses and sins. Then, He stamped and sealed us as His own, forever.

 

WE HAVE BEEN CALLED  

 

Not only have we been summoned and cleansed, but we have been Called for our Father’s Eternal Purposes which reach beyond time.

 

 

 

Called to Our Father’s Kingdom and Glory – For you know how we were exhorting, encouraging, and imploring each one of you just as a father does [in dealing with] his own children, [guiding you] ¹² to live lives [of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity] worthy of the God who [saves you and] calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (I Thessalonians 2:11-12 AMP)

 

Called to Fellowship with His Son – God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy, and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (I Corinthians 1:9 AMP)

 

Wow! Our lives are not merely about doing something for the Lord, but we have been called to have intimacy with Him; sharing our hearts, thoughts, feelings, and struggles with Him. Then listening to His thoughts and heart 24 hours a day. We have been called to understand His purposes and ways… Amazing!

 

Called to Fulfill Our Father’s Purposes – For He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago]. (2 Timothy 1:9 AMP)

 

Called to Suffer and Endure Hardships – For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. (I Peter 2:21 AMP)

And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance. (Romans 5:3 AMP)

 

Called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb – Then, the angel said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me [further], “These are the true and exact words of God.” (Revelation 19:9 AMP)

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Our Lord will work in us and through us to fulfill many roles during our temporal journey on the earth. We have been summoned, cleansed, and called for our Father’s purposes! What a joy it is to be joined again to our Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit both now and forever! There is so much awaiting us when we leave this temporal place, called earth! The Bible talks about us ruling and reigning with Christ throughout eternity and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

 

In Part 2 of We Have Been Summoned, we will explore more about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. We will examine marriage customs, the attendants and guests, the Bride of Christ, and how she has made herself ready by the grace of her Lord to rule and reign with her Lord forever. I can’t wait!

 

 Let us rejoice and shout for joy! Let us give Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb has come [at last] and His bride (the redeemed) has prepared herself.” Revelation 19:7

 

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Enjoy Christ and Enjoy Life!