The OT book of Esther is an exciting read. It’s a book full of intrigue, drama, and suspense. Esther, a member of a conquered and enslaved nation, was miraculously chosen as queen of the Persian empire. Like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, Esther was suddenly promoted to a position of influence in Persia.
Shortly after her appointment, a conspiracy against the Jewish people was revealed to her. The mastermind behind the conspiracy was the king’s right-hand man, Haman. Because of a perceived insult by Esther’s uncle Mordecai, Haman determined to exterminate the Jewish people. Of course, Haman was not aware of Esther’s nationality or her relationship to Mordecai.
The plot thickens when Esther is made to realize she must risk her life to save her people. The risk was real. In Persia, people didn’t just walk into the throne room of the king. To approach the throne without being summoned could result in death. Oriental kings were very arrogant and finicky. If they chose to hold out the golden scepter, the life of the uninvited visitor would be spared. But if not, the intruder would be executed on the spot. To make matters worse, Esther had not been called to the throne in a month.
Finally, in a desperate attempt to save the Jews from annihilation, Esther approached the throne in fear and trepidation saying, “If I perish, I perish.” The story has a happy ending. Grace was extended. The plot was uncovered. The Jews were saved. And Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.
Even though she was the Queen, Esther was afraid because she didn’t have confidence of access. She didn’t have confidence to approach the king. But we do! Hebrews 4:16 is our standing invitation to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to obtain mercy in time of need. And Hebrews 10:19-22 extends the invitation again to draw near to the throne of grace with hearts full of confidence!
You never have to go before God’s throne in fear and trepidation saying, “If I perish, I perish.” The golden scepter
of grace is always extended to those who approach God’s throne. So don’t linger in the outer courts another moment. Enter in, past the torn veil, into the very throne room of God. Through Jesus Christ, we have access!
Pastor Todd
Shortly after her appointment, a conspiracy against the Jewish people was revealed to her. The mastermind behind the conspiracy was the king’s right-hand man, Haman. Because of a perceived insult by Esther’s uncle Mordecai, Haman determined to exterminate the Jewish people. Of course, Haman was not aware of Esther’s nationality or her relationship to Mordecai.
The plot thickens when Esther is made to realize she must risk her life to save her people. The risk was real. In Persia, people didn’t just walk into the throne room of the king. To approach the throne without being summoned could result in death. Oriental kings were very arrogant and finicky. If they chose to hold out the golden scepter, the life of the uninvited visitor would be spared. But if not, the intruder would be executed on the spot. To make matters worse, Esther had not been called to the throne in a month.
Finally, in a desperate attempt to save the Jews from annihilation, Esther approached the throne in fear and trepidation saying, “If I perish, I perish.” The story has a happy ending. Grace was extended. The plot was uncovered. The Jews were saved. And Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.
Even though she was the Queen, Esther was afraid because she didn’t have confidence of access. She didn’t have confidence to approach the king. But we do! Hebrews 4:16 is our standing invitation to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to obtain mercy in time of need. And Hebrews 10:19-22 extends the invitation again to draw near to the throne of grace with hearts full of confidence!
You never have to go before God’s throne in fear and trepidation saying, “If I perish, I perish.” The golden scepter
of grace is always extended to those who approach God’s throne. So don’t linger in the outer courts another moment. Enter in, past the torn veil, into the very throne room of God. Through Jesus Christ, we have access!
Pastor Todd
