Bow--in the Presence of the King!
Enter Esther, lovely Bible maiden, chosen from a poor, unknown Jewish family to be queen of a royal household. The beauty contest in the land was not the only adventure in this young woman's life. She was called by God to represent the Jewish people, targeted by a wicked man for annihilation. Uncle Mordecai urged Queen Esther to bravely appear before the King to save her people. Now NO ONE appears before the King without summons--life could be lost for being so bold. But bold, and committed to God, she was. Her people were in grave danger--she must try to save them! I can just imagine how, with faith, yet with trembling knees and pounding heart, this lovely, beloved queen bowed before the king, hoping he would extend his sceptre and hear her request. Whatever fear she may have had was unfounded! The king loved Queen Esther--and the floor was hers! Haman was to be hers too--but I'm getting aHEAD of my story. HANG on, for...
What about me? Dare I approach the King of Kings? Do I have the right to enter His royal room to present MY petitions? Indeed I do--for Jesus Christ has paved the way. The veil has been rent in twain and now I, a redeemed child of the King, can "come boldly to the throne of grace...and find grace in time of need." I do--and as the Holy Spirit prompts, I bow in loving worship and awe before the Father and the Son--King of the Universe, King of my life. It's a holy place, a heavenly place and I humbly go there. For I am safe, sanctified and secure--and there I bow--in the presence of the King!
unBurden--in the Presence of the King!
The story continues. Esther had a problem. Her people had a problem. They were about to be annihilated by a wicked powerful man, Haman by name. Something had to be done--and quickly. But there was another "hitch"--for the king had no idea that Esther, his beloved queen, was a Jewess, and also on the "hit list" for a country-wide tragedy. Esther could not reveal the entire story at once--she waited in wisdom--and with a plan. The plot twists and the tables turn. For, with the skill of a supreme schemer (and watched over by a Supreme God!), Queen Esther plans two mysterious banquets for herself, Haman and the king. She finally unburdens her heavy heart to the king, reveals her Jewish heritage and beseeches the King for help from the hands of this wicked man. The appalled king asks, "Who IS he and where IS he?" AHA--this is HER moment! Queen Esther points...and before we hasten on, hang on, for...
What about me? Dare I unburden MY heart to the King of Kings? Do I have the right to "let it all hang out" as I tell Him my frustrations, my fears, my heartsick woes I can tell no one else? Indeed I do--Jesus Christ has opened up the way. The veil has been rent and I can come boldly into His throne room to present my petition and to know He will give attentive ear to my heart's cry and need. And so I go, day or night, in storm or calm, in sunshine or rain, in sickness or in health, in poverty or wealth--for I'm safe, sanctified and secure--and there I unburden my heart--in the presence of the King!
Blessings--in the Presence of the King!
A grand conclusion awaits us--for Esther's story did not end with the burden! It ended with blessing, for the King looked with love and compassion on his queen. Her people's fear was turned into favor--and Haman's glory was turned into gore as he was hanged in public view, never to threaten God's people again. Once again, God showed His mighty deliverance to His people and to Esther, the queen of His heart! The story is a well-loved Sunday School story--and it's no nursery rhyme! For a King far greater than Queen Esther's king came to her rescue and saved her and the people of His heart with His mighty hand! "Hang on" just one more time, for...
What about me? Dare I hope and pray and seek the King's blessing in MY life? Do I have the right to come before Him and receive bountiful blessings from His almighty hand? Indeed I do--for once again, Jesus has opened up the way. The veil has been rent in twain, I am grafted into the vine, and I too can receive abundant blessing--love, joy, peace--from His loving Hand. I'm safe, sanctified and secure--and I am blessed--in the presence of the King!
A Hurting Word...