Wednesday, August 17, 2016
One of the features in the biblical story of Esther concerning her intercession for her people is that anyone who approached the Persian king uninvited risked being put to death according to the law of the land at the time. In the end, it was Esther’s intercession that saved her people from being completely destroyed. Esther herself, even though she was the queen, was not exempt from that law and would have been executed if the king had not extended the gold scepter to her to indicate that she had been spared. In fact, because she sensed her life was in the balance, Esther asked her uncle Mordecai to gather all the Jews to fast on her behalf for three days and three nights, declaring “And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
Although it is the complete opposite for God’s children, we often forget the unmatchable benefit of being able to approach the King of all kings at any time or place with confidence and assurance. Hebrews 4:16 extends this invitation to us: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Although many have, in particular ministers, this is one promise we must never forget. The truth that God can be approached at any time, should remind His ministers everywhere to make themselves available as much as they can to all who call upon them, especially God’s people. Sadly, some churches, and especially their pastors, don’t always make themselves available, and that includes their own members.
If you have ever felt the sting of being rejected because you were not able to approach one of God’s ministers, let me remind you that we can always go to Someone much greater. Our Heavenly Father will always be willing to hear us. In fact, He is more anxious than we are to have a time of personal fellowship with us. And although He is the Creator of the world and the King of all Kings, He also is our Father in Heaven. So don’t ever hesitate to draw near to Him for any reason. Think about this: Don’t you just love to hang out with the people in your life you love the most? Well, you’re the one the Lord loves the most and He always wants to hear from you and spend some quality time with you. Spend time with Him often.
God’s promise for today: (Ephesians 3:12) “In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
