There is much for us to learn today from the Book of Esther, the account of God’s people in exile. Esther is the story of two queens and two brides of a mighty King, but with different destinies. Vashti was present in the beginning but not at the end. Esther and Vashti’s futures were determined by their attitude and response to the king, honour or dishonour. We might also say to please the king(Esther) or please herself(Vashti).
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the Kings Hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the sceptre. Then the king asked, “What is it you want Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom it will be given you”. Esther 5:1-3
Esther observed the Royal Protocols, but Vashti would not. Esther dressed in her ‘royal robes’ to meet the king and ‘he was pleased with her’. Royal robes might symbolise ‘Praise and Worship’ for us today. Giving honour to God first as our Great King and Lord.
Queen Esther ‘stood in the inner court of the palace’. She was the Queen but she stood, waiting to be called forward into the king’s presence. The initiative was with the king, she waited until called and there are times when we too must wait.
We might say Esther was ‘prayed up’, she’d just completed a three day total fast with neither food nor drink. Yet she had to wait until the king extended the gold sceptre to her, she needed to receive mercy/forgiveness when coming into his presence and she had to touch the sceptre (acknowledge his mercy). Even as his Queen and after all her religious devotions she still needed the king’s personal invitation to approach his throne. Today it’s only ever through Jesus that we can approach God, never in our own standing.
The king was used to being petitioned with many requests but Esther had prepared a banquet, again looking to His needs first(she hadn’t been called by him for 30 days 4:11). She had pressing and life threatening needs, but she spent time with the king before making any requests. I’m sure God must be disappointed at times with our endless requests and little time for intimacy, just waiting in His presence.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matt 6:33
May God bless us today and help us to come to Him with honour and thanksgiving through Jesus.