"The Esther Woman"

The Church, His Bride

The inspiration for this painting came at a women’s retreat in Vail, CO.  As I was prayed and inquired of God what His heart was for these women at this retreat, I kept seeing a picture with a woman in a coat of many colors. She was beautiful, strong and captivating. As I painted her, I felt she embodied many characteristics of the church, His bride. The robe, many and varied in color, represents the various shades, hues, tints, and colorful expressions that are in God’s church. The jewels in the crown and necklace symbolize how she is of great value to the King. She is a carrier of His heart. She is prepared by God and has great beauty. God sees her as royalty and the crown represents the authority God gives to her. She has great influence. Her coat suggests movement and dancing. To bring the King such joy and fun is in her heart of service. The Esther woman carries destiny in her. She is obedient unto death. Remember, this can speak of God’s heart for women but also the Bride, Jesus’ church:

 Psalms 45:11-15 reflects His heart in this:

11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him.

12 And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; the rich among the people will seek your favor.

13 The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is woven with gold.

14 She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colors; the virgins, her companions who   follow her, shall be brought to You.

15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be brought; they shall enter the King's palace. (NKJ)

Isaiah 61:10:

10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (NKJ)

The story of Esther shows again how important “the Esther Woman, the Church, His Bride” is in the saving of a nation. It’s about the beauty, favor, humility, queenly (bridal) authority that God gives to His people.

Esth 5:1-5

1  Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.

2  So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

3 And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-- up to half the kingdom!"

4 So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."

5  Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. (NKJ)