In the book of Esther, King Xerxes held an 180 days of celebration. After, the celebration, he held a seven day banquet for all the people from the greatest to the least who were in the fortress of Susa. The king spent a great deal of money and it was a splendorous and beautiful banquet. The queen was also holding a banquet at the same time for the women. Queen, Vashti, was a beautiful woman. The king the called for the queen. He wanted the nobles and other high ranking officials to gaze at her beauty. But the queen refused. This had made the king furious.
King Xerxes on the advice of his wise men made a new law to banish the queen. The law could not be revoked. He had decreed a new law to banish the queen.
King Xerxes then searched for a new queen. By God's grace, Esther had been raised for this purpose. She was a Jew and she had become the queen. King Xerxes did not know she was a Jew at that time.
In short, the king was deceived into making a decree or law to destroy all the Jews. Esther's uncle/cousin had come to Queen Esther to plead to the king on behalf of her people. But at that time, the king had not spoken to her for 30 days. In fact, unless one is called by the king, if one goes before the throne without permission, one is doomed unless the king holds up his golden scepter.
This was the one purpose Queen Esther had been raised by God. It was to save her people. She did not do anything to deserve her position of royalty. She was called and chosen.
King Xerxes can represent God and Queen Vashti can represent His people. When God calls His people, many are refusing to obey. As many have and will refuse His calling, many will be banished forever as they refuse to do His Will.
But also as God's people, many are like Queen Esther, a people called and chosen to be His Bride. In our wilderness or dry times, there may be seasons in which God many not be speaking to us. The king had not spoken to Queen Esther for 30 days. But when challenging times arise, when it appears God is not listening and when our families, friends, and much are also at stake, we must come boldly before HIM to this throne.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
But the law stated that no one can come before the king Xerxes without his permission. Many are in sin and because of the law, many are not able to come before Almighty God. What will you do to enter His Presence?
Queen Esther declared a fast of no food and drink for three days. She said that even though it is against the law, I will go and if I die, I die. She went to the king risking her life for her people.
Many Christians are in sin and they may feel they are in the wilderness or they may feel as though God is not listening to them. But God loves us and is waiting for us. He is watching you to see if your faith will move. HE is watching you to see if you will choose life.
She fasted to humble herself. She fasted to prepare to enter the throne of king Xerxes. Spiritually, she and her people were fasting to humble and afflict themselves lowly so that God may hear their cries. Queen Esther risked her life. The law stated no one can enter the throne of the king and live unless the golden scepter is raised.
Esther 5: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.2 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.3 Then the king said to her, What will you have, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of the kingdom.
Even though sin has prevented so many from entering the Holy of Holies and HIS presence, we must fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace. HE may grant us favor and grace. HE wants to see your attitude that you want HIM and to be with HIM at all cost even if it will cost you your life. HE want to see and know that you desire HIS presence more than everything in life including your life. This is not a theory. This is not theology. This is not what could be. This can be reality. It is a reality to enter the Holy of Holies and to walk with HIM daily. This is something we must achieve by walking daily as a living sacrifice dying to oneself so that HE may fully manifest in us.
The law says that sin cannot enter the throne or presence of God. But Jesus Christ has made the way through His Blood. Now, we must draw to HIM with a full heart, no longer divided and many must repent. Many must forsake the world and the love of the world. We must be determined. We must be focused. We must desire HIM alone. We must go even if it will cost us our life. And when HE sees us at the entrance, HE will allow us to touch the golden scepter so that we may receive mercy and favor. HE is willing to let us inherit the Kingdom of God.
Joel 2:12 (AMP) Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].
Glory to HIM
Pastor Steve Yong Kim
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