March 7 Honoring Request

 
Esther 5:4-5 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared.
 
NOTE the way Esther addresses her king. “If it please the king” are humble words to the one whose word is law in Persia. She comes to Ahasuerus knowing two life-dependent truths: The king has her life in his hands. And the king is able to fulfill her request. The king may be pleased or not to agree to her petition.
    Then you see King Ahasuerus answer her request with an effective, resounding, “Yes!” “Bring Haman quickly.” he says. Esther’s humble honoring request has received an honoring answer. The king’s favor is on Esther as he grants her request.
    Isn’t this a good illustration of how we are to approach our Lord? When we pray, we have been taught to say, “Your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10). We learn in the Bible that God answers all prayers in his will. He will say to our requests, “Yes!” “Not now.” “No.” or “Here’s a different way I will respond to you.”
    We are in God’s favor that we may continually approach him with our petitions in joy and thanksgiving as Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  We can safely and surely ask of our King any desire and passion on our heart. Then he will respond.
    Be humble to know you can’t deal with life in your own power and means. Understand you need help. Esther needed help to save her people. She went to her king. We each need help to live into Jesus’ teachings, to care for others, to serve Jesus’ church and to be “delivered from evil”. With an honoring heart, go to the King.
 
Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, may we keep your name holy. May your kingdom come. May you will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Forgive our sins. Give us grace forgive others. Deliver us from evil. Keep us safe in your kingdom, under your power and in your glory forever. Amen.
 
Happy birthday, Barb James. You are my wife, whom I love. In you I am well pleased.