Compare Esther 8:4 with Hebrews 4:16 on approaching authority with confidence. A snapshot from the palace – Esther 8:4 “Then the king extended the golden scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.” • Esther’s life literally hung on the king’s response; without an invitation, death was the legal penalty (Esther 4:11). • The golden scepter signaled full acceptance, safety, and the right to speak. • The moment the scepter was stretched out, Esther moved from fear to confidence and “stood before the king.” The heavenly parallel – Hebrews 4:16 “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • God’s throne is not only sovereign but also gracious. • Confidence is commanded, not merely permitted. • Mercy and grace are guaranteed outcomes for every believer who comes through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). Linking the two scenes • Human royalty: conditional access. – Esther dared to come only after fasting and prayer (Esther 4:16). – Acceptance depended on the king’s mood and law. • Divine royalty: continual access. – Jesus, our “high priest” (Hebrews 4:14-15), permanently opened the way. – Acceptance rests on His finished work, not our performance (Romans 5:1-2). • Visible signposts of favor. – Golden scepter ➔ tangible invitation. – Cross and torn veil ➔ permanent invitation (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:20). Why confidence is possible • Christ’s mediation – “There is one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). – His blood speaks a better word than any earthly protocol (Hebrews 12:24). • God’s character – “Gracious and compassionate, slow to anger” (Psalm 145:8). – “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). • Our new identity – Adopted as children, we cry “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). – “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). Living the truth today • Approach promptly. Mercy is for “time of need,” not after we fix ourselves. • Speak honestly. The scepter is already extended; no fear of rejection. • Expect help. Grace arrives in the exact measure required (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Rest in acceptance. The King’s favor is irreversible, sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). |
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