Posted in Bible Study

Our Bible Study this week focused on Isaiah 61:3, he gives us beauty for ashes section. It delved into Tamar’s life that found her sitting among the ashes (2 Samuel 13) and also touched on the hopes and dreams little girls find in Cinderella.

 Although the author does not believe in Fairy tales, this one is very real to me. You see I have lived this fairy tale and the Bible truth in various aspects of my life.

 I was sitting in the ashes of my life, seeking warmth when the Lord Jesus found me and bathed me with His tears and lit a fire in my soul. Like Tamar I had been raped by someone I cared deeply about and like Tamar my resolve was the same, Marry me! Unlike Tamar I was pregnant. Family members also as made my decisions for me, like Absolom and David did for Tamar. Just as destructive as their choices for her were so were mine; instead of ashes, I was in an abortion clinic. Instead of restoring my honor, theirs was protected. Like Amnon, my young man also turned his back on me. How foolish I was to think we could have made such a tragedy right. Until this study I had not realized I too had sought marriage as an answer.

My story could have easily been left to Tamar’s tragic end but for my Bridegroom. He came into the dark corner and sought me out. He discovered a princess sitting among the ashes. He sought me out for I was huddled in the ashes hiding my shame. He chose me. He saw my beauty instead of the ashes. My Bridegroom prepared me to be his Bride. In spite of my scars, he saw His Beloved.

There is a new-ness in being a Bride. Apprehension met with joy; anticipation mixed with desire. Your heart has been won. You were sought after and chosen above all else to be the one He longs to cling to. You are to become one, the completer, the helpmeet, the flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone. In preparation I am soaking in the spices of prayer. Shining, shimming clean am I, stripped away are the ravages of the world. I am clothed in His Righteousness no longer the ash covered rags of my own. Fragrant incense clings to me in a way that smoke and soot used to. How pleasant it will be to dwell together. In Him I am renewed. The garments He arranged for me are splendorous. I am in Awe that He has supplied all that I need. My joy is in His choosing me. My joy is in His coming for me. My Joy is in His covering me. My joy is for all generations.

Now I wait. I am listening for the sounds of His arrival. The sounds of the trumpeters, the cries of the crowds “Here’s the Bridegroom” (Mt 25:6) Even in my sleeping, my heart is awake. Listen, my lover is knocking. (song of songs 5:2)

Can you hear Him calling?