March 5 Boldly Forward

Esther 5:2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
 
ON my office wall I have a rendition of an artist’s view of Jesus welcoming his beloved into Heaven. Jesus arms are wrapped around the man, embracing him fully in love. It is easy to feel God’s mercy, peace and grace in this painting. I find great comfort to be reminded that the sovereign Lord, who knows my every sin will lovingly welcome me home. Easily and righteously he could dismiss me into eternal death as I have failed to purely live for him. But he has promised he won’t condemn those who confess Jesus as Lord.
    In a like manner, Esther certainly would have grateful for her king’s mercy as she entered into his presence. He had sovereign authority in Persia to kill his queen for violating a law that said the king must first request her presence. Although, the king did not ask for Esther, she went in faith. She put her life completely into the hands of the sovereign God. Esther steps, not only into King Ahasuerus’ presence, she steps fully into the Lord’s hands. In his love, the Lord God embraces the woman who trusted in his power. The Lord’s favor, indeed, is upon Esther as the king expresses his welcoming favor to his queen.
    Remember here how Esther had first seemed to look for an escape from this deadly assignment. But Mordecai convinced her to step into God’s purpose. She took courage as she called on God with prayer and fasting. Then she got up to go into danger. She found God had prepared the king to welcome her. We are reminded that God’s kingdom work begins with prayer. Then it is complete with our actions into his purposes.
    But Esther’s obedience in God’s care does not stop here. Now, as she first tastes God’s favor, she has more bold things to do. Esther must continue to act into her plan to expose the evil Haman and to save the Jews.
    Here is a picture of obedient discipleship. We must heed Jesus’ command to go into difficult places. We must fast and pray in preparation. We must get up and go. And we must keep going until the task is complete.
    Learn from this example set before you. Live real for Jesus. After all, he has really died for you.
 
Prayer: Give me faith, Holy Spirit, to boldly get up and go into the places you direct me. In Jesus’ name, amen.