The Scepter

I just wanted to share a quick word on something I learned in bible study last week. I am in the middle of Esther, the latest Beth Moore study, and have really enjoyed it! Thank you, Alyssa, for inviting me!! Anyway, I don't have time to go into the whole book of Esther so you'll have to read it for yourself but... here's the part I loved last week.

Esther 5: 1-3 "Now it came about on the third day (of the Jews in Susa fasting and praying) that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace in front of the kings rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. 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 tip 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 shall be given to you."

The facilitator of our study is Brenda Blankenship. Each week she tries to give us a little something to remind us of a main point of that weeks lesson. Last week we each received a little heart scepter. Now, this was really a little Valentine floral pick but instead of a flower, each one had a red heart on the end. They look like little velvet heart wands but we called them scepters. She explained that during the week she had thought about the king extending the scepter to Esther. Esther was in a life or death situation. She hadn't been invited to come before the king and according to the law, she could be punished by immediate death for disobedience!! The only way for her to remain before the king was to have him extend the golden scepter to her, allowing her to appear before him with her need. Here's the point. We are all in a life and death situation before our King. If we place our faith and trust in Jesus, the King of Kings, we accept the scepter of life that has been extended to us. Jesus offers grace to cover our sins and allows us to have an audience with HIM!! From that point on we can boldly approach the throne of God with our requests. We don't have to put on a front or pretend to be dressed in perfection. We don't have to worry about being struck down with a bolt of lightning. We don't have to wonder if we will find favor in His sight! Jesus doesn't just extend a scepter to us, He extends His heart, His forgiveness and His love. Isn't our King amazing??? Love to you all!!
Shannon