Beautification

I was fascinated by the book of Esther lately.  What did she look like?  No one knows, but I imagine her like Gal Gadot, the famous Jewish actress of "Wonder Woman".  Esther was born beautiful, but then after the 12-month beautification process, which is quite a long time of just trying to get more beautiful, we can only imagine her being more striking then ever.  Wow.  And then I imagine that her inner beauty really shined through because common people loved her and she was not a materialistic girl though she can ask for all the gold/jewelry she desired.  She probably had the inner security of knowing she is enough without all the extra adornment.  Maybe that confidence made her stand out more than others.

I have to admit that my favorite type of movie is the rich prince falling in love with a commoner.  Cinderella with the many versions throughout history is a good example that I am not the only one who loves it.  My other favorites include:  "The prince and me", "Coming to America", "Pride and Prejudice", "Mrs. Winterbourne", and my old fav "Blast from the past" (I used to be a Branden Fraser fan) .  I wonder maybe God loves it too.  The book of Esther and book of Ruth are both great examples of it.  To me, this type of story reflects best how God loves us.  God, the owner of everything and the king of kings, saw something "uncommon" in us and love us who in so many ways are undeserving of His love.  These movies have a common theme, the main character (the common girl) often is extraordinary beautiful inside and outside.

I have heard a story about President Lincoln, that one day he conducted an interview for an important position.  There were many candidates who applied.  After one interview, a friend asked him why he rejected that candidate.  He said that he didn't like the way he looked.  This was shocking to me because it doesn't sound like what Lincoln would have said.  Then he added,  "a person is responsible for the way he looks after 40."  I will have to agree with that statement.  If we are often unhappy or feeling a certain way, after 40 it shows on our face.  (That is unless you have your face re-done.)

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Taiwan is how many cosmetic surgeons are there.  Every other street has a plastic surgery clinic that looks super fancy, sometimes two on the same street.  There are two clinics about 3 minute walk from us and they are both doing quite well.  In fact, I observed that  they spent more and more on remodeling and advertising.  Recently I know someone who had her face done and she didn't have much in forms of discretionary income.  Such an emphasis on looking youthful.  I also know this other lady who looks younger than her daughters.  I cannot say that I was too impressed though.  Sure they look beautiful, but the real question is do they have the inner beauty to match?

Back to Queen Esther.  I googled on the beautification process of King Xerxes days.  First 6 months are dedicated entirely to treatments with oil of myrrh, which is known for its powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and deep cleansing properties.   Daily massages with myrrh oil would exfoliate, heal blemishes, soften rough patches and act as a natural deodorant.  The the next 6 months are dedicated on the sweet odors and other cosmetics.  This involved infusing the hair, skin, and even clothing with expensive perfumes, frankincense, and spices.  The goal was to ensure the scent deeply permeated the skin so it would last.  Fragrance would ooze out of her pores.  Lastly, ancient cosmetics used lining of the eyes and henna to tint the skin.  That was pretty involved.

Queen Esther's beautification process is a prophetic picture of the Bride of Christ preparing for her King.  This reminded me that one day, the very trials we face today will help to make us so beautiful and glorious when we stand before our King.  In other words, today's troubles are a school of sorts, beautification school, preparing us for life in eternity with Him.   

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  (2Cor 4:17)

In fact, God is very involved in this process, He is committed to giving us beauty for ashes.  Just imagine, God chose to express His glory, His grandeur, His love and His beauty on us and the rest of His wonderful creation.  A Holy God would not only fashion a bride for himself out of the dust of the earth, but that He would go on to dwell within her, giving her a measure of beauty worthy of His infinite affection.  Even more remarkable than God expressing His divine beauty through his people is God depositing His life in us and enable us to show His life to others.  God indwelling in us is such a profound mystery, and it affects how we think, speak and feel.  

 God said, "This is the covenant that I will make them...I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds I will write them."  (Heb 10:16)

In the process of beautifying His bride, Jesus writes the laws of His Father on her mind and heart.  Just imagine, the Holy Spirit helping us to have supernatural ability to understand, to feel, to think like Jesus does.  Most of all, a new capacity to love God and love others.  We serve such an awesome and unique God!  As we know Him more, we become more like Him and more inner beauty shines through.  That gives me so much hope!  Though my body is not like it was in my twenties, I wouldn't trade my days now for any other time in my life.  And the good news is that as we age, we are getting increasingly more beautiful as we walk with Jesus!  Though there is momentary trouble, but it's all a plan to make us more beautiful and more like Him.  So go through the trouble knowing how much you are loved and how this temporary light affliction is paving for us an eternal, glorious beauty!  Then, you can tell the world where the source of your joy and beauty came from!