Please read your Bible text: Esther 5:1-14
‘When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court he welcomed her, holding out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched its tip.’ 5:2 (NLT).
More than just clad in her royal robe Esther was also clad in the garment of faith. It was faith that made her courageous even to put her life at stake in stepping into the king’s inner court uninvited. Today as I look at this scene of Esther approaching the royal throne in the inner court – I remember the Scriptures in Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The throne of Xerxes was a throne of fearsome authority and threatening allegiance; the Throne of God is a throne of awesome GRACE and overflowing Mercy. Earthly throne is dependent on man’s uncertain mood and changing temperament – Heavenly throne is secure in God’s unwavering favor. Esther may be clad in faith as she approached the king, but we who are in Christ are clad in grace as we approach our King!
Esther approached king Xerxes in faith in the absence of the absolute surety of the king’s favor. That’s why she said, “If I die, I die” (4:16). We approach our King in the absolute surety of His favor, and with boldness enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). Behold a greater than Esther, a greater than faith…GRACE…for when you see grace, faith is effortless and there is absolute surety of hope!
I see a contrasting parallel between these two thrones – King Jesus’ as against king Xerxes’!
1) Clad in Royal Robe – v.1
Esther was clad in her royal robe as she entered the inner court of the royal throne. Thus you, the believer clad in the royal robe of Christ’s righteousness enter the inner court – the throne room with your request. You have already obtained grace for have you not been accepted in Christ? Besides His throne is specifically labeled ‘the Throne of Grace’ (Hebrews 4:16). The Lord waits that He may be gracious to you always.
2) Touched the Royal Scepter – v.2
Esther had entered the throne room uninvited and unless the king stretched out his royal scepter, a sign of favor extended – it would surely mean certain death for Esther! Either he stretched out his scepter of favor in approval or he shouted his order of disapproved in anger. For Esther, she had to wait for the royal invitation – for us we have the royal Invitation awaits for us! Why are we so slow to come into His throne room? Esther touched the tip of the royal scepter in reciprocal of the king’s favor – have you touched the tip of the divine scepter?
3) Ask for Half of the Royal Kingdom – v.3
King Xerxes enquired Esther about her request. He was even prepared to grant her half of the royal kingdom ( v.3). Doesn’t this strikes a similar chord in the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ – ” You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13).” The Lord said, “Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession”. ( Psalms 2:8). Let’s believe God is the greater giver than king Xerxes. In fact God is the greatest giver. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from God who is the Father of lights (Jas 1:17). You can ask God for big thing simply because you have a big God. Have you claimed up to the half of the kingdom?
4) Invite His Royal Majesty to Your Banqueting Table – vs.4-8
Esther invited the king to her banquet – her request was simply the deliverance of her people. But look at her wit and patience in waiting for an opportune time with the king to bring up the matter against the royal edict of genocide of her people! She didn’t rush. Have you invited the King Himself to your banqueting table?
For the King Himself is willing to be your guest. We feast at His table, but He also comes and sups with us at our table. “Behold I stand at the door and knock, he that opens the door, I will come in and sup with him” (Rev 3:20). Esther knew how to please and not pressured her king; do you know how to please your King?
5) The Dross in the Royal Palace – Hatred Begets Crimes – vs.9-14
In every quarters of life, there would always be the mixture of evil in our midst. How we need to be on guard against the dross of hatred. The villain Haman hated Mordecai so deeply and it led to his evil scheme to kill! Not only his hatred, we sense his pride as well as he boasted and bragged ( vs.11-12). A gallows was prepared for Mordecai as advised by his evil companions, including his wife (v.14) – but it was to be (at a twist of event) his own. Beware – the seed of hatred sown, even a little, could breed a monstrous disaster!
THINK: When you see GRACE, Faith is effortless. Without Grace, faith is mere effort of your trying to believe.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that in YOU, I am highly favored, and greatly loved to approach your Throne of Grace that I may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Amen.
David Quek
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