_edited_p.png)
The book of Esther still grabs the imagination. Just last week, the Jewish people celebrated the Purim holiday to remember their deliverance from the evil scheme of Haman to annihilate all of the Jews during the 4th century B.C. Your know the famous phrases that show up in this story-
-Mordecai's pointed question to Esther:
" . . . .And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
-Esther's answer:
" . . . I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (v. 16)
As we read the familiar plot, with its twists and ironic moments, we are reminded again of God's power and determination to save His people. We see the transformation of flawed people into strong and wise agents of God's working. We are supposed to laugh at the pitiful and aburb antics of the men who think they are in power. And we are to be strengthened in our trust in God who rules the nations while we sleep. His hand of providence is everywhere seen though his name is never mentioned.
This time reading the book of Esther, I was challenged to find the contrasts between King Ahasuerus of Persia and King Jesus. And in the process, I realized anew why prayer is such a privilege.
King Ahasuerus cared first and foremost for himself. He only cared for others if it affects his well being. His reputation, position and possessions were the most precious things to him. King Ahasuersus was all about externals. He loved to put on a show. When he was crossed, he responded with cruelty. He discarded people easily.
Jesus cares for us. Though He could have signed an edit for our deserved destruction because of our rebellion, he gave his life so that we might be saved. Jesus loved us when we were ugly with sin and had nothing to offer Him. He is devoted to cleansing his redeemed bride of all spots or blemishes. Jesus does not treat his people as disposable commodities for his own pleasure.
King Ahasuesus made pompous decrees (often with little thought - or with the counsel of foolish men) that couldn't be changed, only to wish they could be. He was impetuous and malleable. Easily swayed by flattery.
Jesus is The Great King who decrees all that is to come to pass. He does not need any counsel, nor could anyone give him any. His decrees cannot be changed, but all His will is holy, good, just, and wise.
King Ahasuerus was separated from his people. His palace was on a hill outside the city behind a wall with an imposing palace gate. Inside, there were three courts. No one was allowed to enter the court in from of his throne room. There he sat on his throne and dictated the comings and going of people with his goldern scepter.
Jesus came and dwelt among his people. With the poorest of the poor. He did not come to a palance. He came to a stable. He knows what it is like to live in this broken world. He sympathizes with our cares. At his death the curtain that divided God from us was torm in two. He became the mediator between us and God - to welcome us into His presence.
King Ahasuerus had to be approached hesitantly. With protocol. And with fear of doing it wrong and the possible repercussions. King Ahasuerus had to be “handled.” Esther had to be very careful what she said and how she said it. There was always the possibility he would explode with anger. He was unpredictable. Fickle. Only looking out for his own reputation.
Because of Jesus, we are welcomed into God’s presence. Our way there was paid through the His blood. So rather than the rod of judgment, we are offered the scepter of God’s favor. Jesus is never changing. We know he will always be loving, gracious, kind, wise, just.
We do not have to manipulate him or beg. We don’t have to be careful with how we come to him. Our prayers do not have to be perfect. We don’t even have to know what to say! Jesus wants to listen to our prayers, and he loves to give us what He knows is best for us.
In prayer we have the privilege to talk directly to the King of Kings.
When we pray, we are talking to the Creator of the universe. The Sustainer of every living thing. The coming King who will rule in wisdom and righteousness. He is the one who decrees what is to pass and establishes the steps of our lives. The only one who can and will do everything that He purposes to do.
In prayer you are talking to the Only One who charts the course of the stars and seasons and weather patterns, who holds every person of earthly authority in his hand and can turn them wherever he chooses, who can change the hearts and minds of those you love and who can direct the outcomes of their lives.
This is our King and you have been welcomed into His throne room. He holds out His royal scepter for you and says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
Come my soul, thy suit prepare.
Jesus loves to answer prayer.
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King.
Large petitions with thee bring.
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.
-Newton
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:16)