Nougat 23

Ever been in the presence of a dignitary before? Why were you there? What was the experience like? Did you have to observe particular protocols? Small bites to chew as we consider today’s Holy Nougat

“When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request and do what I ask, please come with Haman tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for you. Then I will explain what this is all about.”” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬, ‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Rendering homage

King Xerxes was perhaps the most feared, influential, and powerful king in the territory. Theologians and historical evidence suggest that when Xerxes ascended to the throne, the Persian Empire reached from India down to Ethiopia and parts of Sudan; in the story of Esther, Ahasuerus (aka Xerxes) is said to have ruled over 127 provinces from India (Hodu) to Kush, generally taken to be the Upper Nile Valley region. In short, Persia was the largest empire in its time. What is not often expressed is the fact that this didn’t always go unchallenged.

Protocols would have been in place for interactions with Kings, often equated with gods, in keeping with the authority and power they represented; as well as to safeguard their lives. It wasn’t uncommon for wives (and concubines) to await a request to be with the king. More so, they needed permission to be in the king’s presence uninvited.

We also have a Sovereign. His empire extends beyond this galaxy. Psalm 24 declares that the (entire) earth is the Lord’s and everything it contains. I dare suggest that that’s much more vast than the British empire in its heyday and more so than the Medo-Persian Empire. Should there also be a protocol for approaching our Sovereign?

In Matthew 6:9-13; and Luke 11:2-4, we have the model prayer. It guides us on how to pray. This may seem unrelated, but if prayer is about conversations with God, then Jesus’ model offers us the protocol for approaching God’s presence. This of course is in sharp contrast to the very formal system and rituals that entailed prior to Jesus.

Then, only the High Priest had direct access to God’s presence and even then, he had to dress in particular ways and enter God’s presence (the Holy of Holies) with abject humility and fear.

Because of our relationship with Jesus, we are not potential insurrectionists but children of God.

Because of our relationship with Jesus, we are joint heirs, thus allowed in God’s Presence without an appointment.

Because of our relationship with Jesus, our High Priest and Mediator, it is as though the Royal Scepter has already been extended to us.

Because of our relationship with Jesus …

How do we respond?

We pray in Jesus’ name in recognition that by ‘name dropping’, we have direct and total access to God’s throne. With worship and praise of The One Who intercedes on our behalf, we can boldly (confidently) approach God’s presence. Yes, there is a dress code; but again it is provided by Jesus, through the gift of God’s Spirit.

We don’t have to wonder whether we’re approved, Jesus has sorted all protocols. We simply use His name.

Hallelujah

Praise You Jesus!

To You be the glory and honor forever amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ