Approaching With Confidence

Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace in front of the king's rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. Then the king said to her, "What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it will be given to you." Esther 5: 1-3 NASB

I am leading Beth Moore’s study in Esther. This week we are studying Esther’s appearance before her husband, Xerxes. History and the biblical account show him to be a hot headed and cruel despot. He could sign a decree to have an entire people destroyed within his own kingdom and then sit down and have a drink completely and callously indifferent to human pain and suffering. Persian law forbids anyone to enter his presence without being summoned. Esther entered with fear, trembling, and 3 days of corporate fasting. She obtained his favor and her life was spared and ultimately her petition granted.
This has caused me to reflect on my heavenly Bridegroom (John 3:29) who is the King of Kings. (1Kings 6:15)

· Unlike Xerxes He is not indifferent or callous/Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
· Unlike Xerxes we don’t have to fear or cower when approaching our King/Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
· Unlike Xerxes rhetorical “up to half of my kingdom” remark/our King will carry through on His promise, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9

It is so important that we know our King and understand His nature. I was leading a Bible study that encouraged us in one of the daily assignments to go outside for a walk and talk to God. Then we were to be quiet and listen. A woman came back and reported, “I didn’t want to go for a walk with God. I thought He would fuss at me and He didn’t!” She had believed a lie that kept her from the one who sits on a throne of grace. He gave His own life so that she could come to Him, not like a filthy beggar but as His child.

If we sense in our spirits that we are hanging back and avoiding prayer, we need to pay attention. What are we avoiding? If it is an admission of sin, we will receive immediate forgiveness. Don’t go for days beating yourself up. Jesus purchased our pardon on Calvary’s tree. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 In the King James Version there is an addition that is not in the oldest manuscripts. Somewhere along the way someone added a qualifier(who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit) that the NIV and NASB rightly leave out. There is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus period! He is approachable and calls to us, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS."For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Come confidently child.

MY PRAYER: Help us to remove every lying obstacle that would keep us from your throne of grace. Help us to remember that in the midst of the throne is a Lamb. In Jesus’ name, amen. Revelation 7:17

MY CONFESSION: I will approach your throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need. I stand on your Word! Hebrews 4:16