ESTHER 5‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP

“When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king extended to her the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.”

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When the three days of fasting declared by Esther were over, she approached the king. To come before the king uninvited could mean instant death. But Esther had already concluded that if her people were to be saved, then there was no alternative. She said: “If I perish, l perish,” (4:16). Since the prayer and fasting were purposefully to break royal protocol, Esther still needed to approach the king in person. Prayer and fasting is very important but it may not absorb us from our responsibilities. Prayer and fasting can sharpen our spiritual focus, and enable us to take the right and most effective action. Again, prayer and fasting will embolden us to take certain bold steps and actions. Esther, knowing the king’s love of beauty, paid particular attention to her appearance. She wore the most beautiful apparel she could find and she slowly approached the king. It is obvious the king was overcome by Esther’s beauty and loveliness. However, I can confidently say that prayer and fasting releases a certain amount of God’s glory on His people when we fast. The king held out his royal sceptre to Esther – a sign that she was welcomed. What a splendid picture this is of the way we sinners are accepted by the Almighty. God has a “sceptre of righteousness” (Heb. 1:8), which represents His holiness. We are not pure enough to approach Him. However, dressed in the robe of righteousness which Christ provides, we are able to come before God, touch the sceptre of His purity which He holds out to us, and welcomes us into His glorious presence as if we had never sinned. What an awesome God and King He is – One that is worthy of our worship. May God and your superiors favour you. Have a wonderful weekend. SHALOM: God’s universal blessings to you