Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Six humble women confidently drew near the throne room of the King of the universe, interceding on behalf of others. Praise poured from our lips to honor our merciful Savior. As we began lifting up the needs of a fallen world, our hearts ached for the return of our prodigals. Emotion filled the room as our souls reached out to touch His scepter.
It was a reuniting of minds, the prayers of mothers and grandmothers for wandering children in a lost world. We had allowed the things of life to get in the way of meeting regularly to pray. Now it seemed the world’s ungodliness intensified at a rapid rate. It felt as though clouds of destruction surrounded us. So we put aside any fear that threatened to paralyze us, reclaiming with sound minds the power and love of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:7). Our desire to stave off evil’s powerful influence over our families escalated with renewed potency.
Finally we sat face to face with each other, beginning a powerful hour of prayer. Tearfully we pleaded with our Heavenly Father for our families, our nation, and the world. We confidently approached His throne, believing we would receive His merciful grace in our time of need. Talking with Him through the authority of His Word equipped us to sense the presence of His Spirit (Matthew 18:20).
We knew God understood the desires of our hearts, and yet we also knew He longed for us to commune with Him through prayer. In one accord but with distinct voices, each of us offered words of adoration, repentance, and supplication. As we interceded for our children, Jesus also interceded for us before our Heavenly Father. With humble confidence we desired to touch the hem of His garment that He might answer our prayers (Matthew 9:20-21).
Earlier we had reviewed the example of Queen Esther as a way to approach God. Esther’s uncle Mordecai had warned her of a plot to annihilate the Jewish people—her people. As queen she held an invaluable position to possibly stop the plot. But she had to align herself with her people while knowing the king was unaware of her Jewish heritage. She also risked death by going uninvited to speak to the king. Still she and her uncle knew they would all die if she didn’t chance an encounter with the king. Mordecai supposed Esther had come to royal position for such a time as this.
Understanding the severity of the situation, she requested that her uncle gather together all the Jews in the city of Susa for a three day fast as she and her maids also fasted. Fasting involved prayer and they needed to prepare for her encounter with the king by calling on Almighty God. Would the king show mercy and hear her request or would she be put to death?
As time drew near to enter the inner court of the king, Esther donned her royal robes. Covered in prayer, she approached the king with prestigious confidence and courage. When he caught sight of her standing in the court, he was pleased to see her and held out the royal scepter, his instrument of mercy. She moved forward and touched his scepter, accepting his gracious mercy. He prepared to hear her request (Esther 4-5).
Just as Esther held the responsibility of her royal position, we too are royal priests who have a responsibility to identify with the rest of God’s people. We wear the royal robes of Jesus’ righteousness when we accept Him as our Savior. We need only to humbly bow before Him and receive His mercy and grace.
When AMEN (meaning let it be so) was proclaimed within our circle of prayer, we stood up, sharing smiles and hugs. Anxiety had been transformed into relief. We had placed our situations into God’s trustworthy hands. Making plans to meet again, we went our separate ways holding fast to God’s faithfulness to each one of us.
As we have approached His throne and reached out to receive His grace, we yearn for our families to do the same. To take hold of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. To receive His mercy and grace. To live abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Have you reached out to touch the scepter of Jesus’ grace? Are you sharing the gospel and praying for future generations? It could be that you have been called for such a time as this.
Put on your royal robes and approach God’s throne with assurance. Reach out and receive His grace. The king granted Queen Esther’s request—her people were spared. The King of the universe waits to hear and answer your prayers.
Have you been called…..FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?