Approaching the Throne...

God at Work Behind the Scenes: Message Seven of Esther Series

Esther 5:1-8.

ETS: Esther boldly approached the king was granted favor.

ESS: We ought to approach the throne of grace with boldness.

OSS: [MO: Devotional] {SO: I want the hearers to approach the throne of grace with boldness.} Cognitive: I want the hearers to know the heightened anxiety and tension that was present during this portion of the narrative. Affective: I want the hearers to feel the anxiety and heightened tension of Esther as she approached the king with such an important matter. Psycho-motor: I want the hearers to approach the throne of grace with boldness understanding that God is merciful and compassionate- He cares about us.

PQ: What happenings took place in the text?

UW: Happenings

Intro.: [AGS]: I remember working one day and assembling a piece of merchandise. I did not really look at the instructions, and perhaps I was working more quickly than carefully. I did not notice that two sets of screws were different lengths. They looked similar upon first glance, and they belonged in the same general area on the piece of merchandise. Before I realized it, though, I had put the screws in the wrong place, and I had messed the piece of merchandise up. It wasn’t a structurally altering mistake or even one that would deem the piece unusable or void. However, it was enough that I needed to let the boss know because it was noticeable and could likely hinder the piece’s value. I was so terrified and intimidated at the thought of having to tell my boss that I made a mistake and messed a piece of merchandise up. Yet, I knew it was the right thing to do. Can you relate? Perhaps you have a similar memory from a work-related incident. Maybe its a memory from a particular issue in your marriage. Regardless- you were anxious, and there was obvious tension surrounding the situation. [TS]: This is similar to the text, today. Though the account is different- it does not involve a boss and an employee, it involves a king and queen; it DOES involve a heightened sense of anxiety and tension. Can you imagine being in Esther’s position? It was illegal during her time to approach the king unless requested by him to do so. Yet, she knew she had to. After prayer, Esther boldly approached the king. [RS]: Each of us have likely been in situations where anxiety and tension were heightened. Think about sharing the Gospel; think about approaching God with a request that is a “big deal” to you; What do we do? Do we respond in obedience? Do we follow through?

TS: Let’s examine together the happenings of the text now:

The first happening was Esther approached the king. (vv. 1, 4, and 7-8)

After the three days of fasting, Esther went to the inner courtyard to approach the king.

During that time, it was illegal to approach the king having not been summonsed by the king. Thus, great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty were involved in this approach- what boldness. Notice, though, that Esther did so with respect: she put on her royal clothing. She did not go in disrespect.

She requested a banquet with Haman and the king.

Though it was an intimidating task, Esther followed through with it.

APPLICATION: Heb. 4:14-16 informs us that we have a Great High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, yet without sin- also, that knowing this, we can approach the throne of grace boldly in order to find mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Thus, no matter how intimidating the issue may be to talk with the Lord about- we must go to Him trusting that He is at work behind the scenes, and He already knows the outcome.

The second happening was King Ahasuerus granted favor to Esther. (vv. 2-3; 5-6)

The narrative notes that as soon as He saw Queen Esther, she gained favor in his eyes.

Additionally, twice, it is recorded in these few verses that she could request anything and up to half of the kingdom would be hers. WOW!

APPLICATION: Yes, intimidating, but nonetheless, favor was granted. We must trust that God values us. His favor is upon us. He is looking out for us.

The hymn, “Before the Throne of God Above” comes to mind:

“Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea A great High Priest, whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands My name is written on His heart I know that while in heaven He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart No tongue can bid me thence depart”

CONCLUSION:

[1] Perhaps you have something that you are dealing with that is a big issue- something you are perhaps intimidated to talk with God about. When we trust that God is at work behind the scenes, we trust that He already knows about that issue, and He already knows the outcome of the situation.

[2] Will you trust Him today? Will you approach His throne of grace boldly?