Behind the Scenes – The Esther StoryНамуна

We pick up our story with Mordecai in mourning. When Mordecai hears of the king’s order to destroy the Jews, he stands outside the palace in sackcloth, wailing bitterly.

Esther sends a messenger to find out what has caused her cousin such deep distress. The messenger reports back to her the news of the chilling edict. He also communicates Mordecai’s instructions to Esther to go to King Xerxes and plead the cause of the Jews.

Seems simple enough, right? Esther could walk up to Xerxes, the man who had chosen her as his wife, and beg him to spare the Jews. But then Esther mentions a little complication: No one was allowed to seek an audience with the king on their own. The king ordered you to come into his presence. You didn’t get to pick and choose when you could meet the king. By law, if the king found you in his presence without being summoned, it meant a death sentence. The only exception was if the king extended his golden scepter and spared your life. It had been thirty days since the king had summoned Esther. 

Let’s pause the story to reflect on how vastly different the King of this universe is from the self-important king in our narrative. The Almighty King always has His golden scepter extended toward us. He invites us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace so we may receive help. His invitation is always open because He sent His Son to stretch out His arms on the Cross of Calvary. 

What a privilege to come just as we are before the King who always welcomes us. We don’t have to qualify ourselves with our beauty, brains, talent or good works. 

Father God, I stand before You in awe and declare Your majesty and splendor. As undeserving as I am, I come to You because You invite me into Your presence. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the Cross I cling. Amen