Hi
Here’s 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.” Esther 5:2 NLT
Back in the day, we often had restricted access to ‘important’ people; and even with an appointment one had to wait to be acknowledged. Not a moment before! In fact; I remember when I messed up with my exams in high school and required permission to do a do-over. Yup; what I now tongue in cheek refer to as ‘upper 5th form’!
Those days exam results came in September AFTER school had resumed, and EVERYONE knew the results before I got there. But; one had to apply in person for 6th form (kind of pre-university); find employment or make the DAILY trip to sit outside the principa’s office until he condescended to look at those awaiting their fate; and perhaps invited individual people to audience. Even then; the Ask was NOT GUARANTEED.
My wait in front of the principal’s office lasted 2 weeks. Oh yes! Two weeks by repentance bench (as I called it then); watching and being watched by teachers and students; friends and foes – who suddenly had business in my direction. A few had encouraging words; several gloated openly, others were silently empathetic. To me, it was all the same; humiliation intended to crush one’s spirit. I don’t think it worked very well.
Nevertheless, it was as though we were knocking relentlessly; with ZERO CONFIDENCE that we would gain entry. And no one knew for certain whether our request would be granted. I think that is how Esther felt when she sought the king to petition for the lives of her people. Even as his consort; Esther had no appointment and barging in unannounced could be the end of her life. Just like that.
The extension of the golden scepter was tantamount to the king opening the door to allow Esther access to him. He could easily have said no; and that would be that. No entry. No audience with him. Just like that.
To think; we each have access to the Throne of Grace. No longer hovering in the inner court; no sitting in humiliation out on repentance bench for everyone to see you waiting for two weeks. Oh no! Not at all! Not like that.
When we approach our God, the King of Glory, the Alpha and the Omega with OUR Ask; we are guaranteed an open door. Our Ask may not be guaranteed a resounding Yes; but we know that we don’t need someone else to condescend to grant access; for we can approach God boldly; thanks to the power and status we have in Christ. Just like that!
Isn’t it ironic that in English the principle spells “ASK”. In my mind, it plays in reverse – Knock; Seek; Ask. But in reverse; we miss the fact that ASK involves all three movements.
Knock; approaching the Throne of Grace
Seeking; with praise and thanksgiving
Asking; confidently for we know what we desire is in God’s will.
Do you have an ASK today? Rest assured that even if I or someone else prays with/for you; we each are empowered to stand in the inner courts with the knowledge that the scepter shall be extended; the door to God’s presence is opened. We can have audience; especially when we seek God for Who God is (and we enter with thanksgiving and praise; psalm 100-style). Most of all, we know that God will answer – perhaps not the way we desire; but God answers.
Let’s pray for our ASKs believing …
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
