Here we are in the middle of our study of the Book of Esther.  Throughout her book, Esther: The Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht shares her understanding of the meaning of the symbolism used in the Scriptures concerning Esther’s story.  One of the most beautiful pictures painted with words is here in Esther 5:1 and 2.

On the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the royal or inner court of the king’s palace opposite his throne room.  The king was sitting on his throne, facing the main entrance of the palace.
And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand.  So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter.

Take a moment and picture it in your mind…it is a vision of power, of majesty and of grace.  And it must lead us to a vision of the same—power, majesty, and grace—as we, like Esther, approach the Throne—God’s Throne of grace.  Esther, however, approached Ahasuerus’ throne with genuine fear knowing it might mean death.  Remember her words to Mordecai?

Esther 4:16
…and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.

Here is where the similarity ends.  It ends at the Cross.  Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, was the spotless Lamb—the Perfect Sacrifice—required to take away our sins.  We need have no trepidation or fear.  Our welcome has been attained; we have access given to us through the precious blood of Jesus.

Colossians 2:13 and 14
He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,
which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away
have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

There is no doubt—we can have boldness and confidence; we can draw near in full assurance; we have hearts and bodies which have been cleaned; we have been brought near—by the blood of Christ!  And so…

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.

Oh what joy…what thrill…what hallelujah goosebumps we should experience!  My sisters, by Jesus’ blood we have arrived!!!  Not by works, not by anyTHING we could do—not prayer, not tithing, not service, no good works of our own—nothing of ourselves!  Only Jesus’ blood, His righteousness, provides for us.

And so, my sisters, I encourage you to remember what is available to you.  Do not allow the enemy of your soul to tell you any different!  Jesus died for you (and me!).  His blood has purchased us.  We have been given access to God Almighty.   Therefore assured of your righteousness through Jesus, go boldly and confidently,  before His throne of grace to receive the mercy and the grace your heavenly Father has to give to you.

*****

Let’s Pray:
We stand continuously amazed and awed at all that You have provided for us, Lord Jesus!  Always in submission to Your Father’s will,  You offered Yourself as the only, the perfect sacrifice to purchase us back from eternal death to life.  No words can ever truly express our gratitude and thanks…may we live in obedience to You thus showing our love for You, Lord.  Amen.