Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. Esther 7:3 ESV
At the moment when Esther was selected to become queen, she was invited to live in a palace, receive the finest clothes, and receive all the perks of being the queen of the largest empire on earth. All this had happened because the king thought Esther was the most beautiful woman in the world. But to God, Esther’s loveliness had nothing to do with her hair, her figure, or her face. The beauty that the Bible tells us about had to do with her character. We know this because by faith, Esther chose to be an intercessor for her people and willingly risked death and dishonor on their behalf before the king. Her physical beauty today, is related to us by words, but her inner beauty is retained forever in God’s heart. Esther’s story is a reminder to us all, that though our physical beauty and strength diminish with age, the reward that God has reserved for those who trust Him is a crown of glory that will never fade away!
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.1 Peter 5:4 ESV
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
As I have grown older, one battle I often find myself in, is with letting go of regrets. Oh, I am fully convinced that Jesus has paid the price for my sins, and for reasons beyond my understanding has chosen to include me in His family. But when I look back at parts of my life, that were dominated by selfish actions and choices, I am filled with regret and shame. A few years ago, I turned down the invitation to my 50th class reunion, mostly because of regrets. But God has been working in my heart over this issue, and I thought I would share the hope I am finding with others who struggle with this issue. In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul speaks directly to our problem of regret and makes a differentiation between, godly grief and worldly grief. He says that our grief over our sins cannot be avoided. We must come to recognize that it was our sins that drove Jesus to the cross. Our wicked actions meant His beating, mocking, cruel crown of thorns and nails through His hands and feet. Anyone who simply thinks they may dance into God’s kingdom without passing through repentance, has entirely missed the gospel message. The grief that God intends will bring us to the cross, but it does not leave us there. God does not want us to live our entire lives engulfed by shame, instead He wants us to look up to the face of Jesus and listen to His voice, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus has forgiven all our sins and with them, every regret. God’s will is not for us to live consumed by regrets, but instead filled with praise, both in Heaven, and on earth. We will be far more effective witnesses of His love, forgiveness, and compassion if we release those regrets to God and show others that true repentance is God’s chosen pathway to life, not the place where He wishes for us to pitch our tents. How wonderful the depth, breadth, and height of the love of Jesus Christ! How beyond our understanding is His release from regrets and the loving purpose of His heart!
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