Boldly approaching the throne
Throughout much of history, it was a serious matter to approach a king. To understand why, we need look no further than the story of the noble Queen Esther.
King Ahasuerus had summoned his queen, Vashti, to appear before him so that his guests might marvel at her beauty. But for whatever reason, Queen Vashti declined. Ahasuerus was so enraged by her refusal that he banished her from his presence, and sought to replace her with a beautiful young virgin. In this manner, Esther came to be Ahasuerus' new queen. Esther pleased the king more than any other woman, but even as his favored queen, her position was precarious: If Esther displeased Ahasuerus, her fate could be the banishment of Queen Vashti - or worse. She knew full well that the king was quick to execute any who opposed him.
Esther was faced with a difficult decision when she learned that Haman, one of Ahasuerus' officials, had grown angry with the Jewish people and sought to have them all killed. Haman was wealthy and powerful, but still he was at a disadvantage. He did not know that the beautiful Queen Esther was a Jew. Esther had concealed her heritage upon the advice of Mordecai, her cousin who had raised her. When Mordecai learned of Haman's evil plans, he sent word to the queen, and urged her to appear before the king and plead on behalf of her people.
The stakes were high for Queen Esther. She was grieved over the situation, but she explained to the messenger:
All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.1
Esther had not been summoned to appear before her king. To do so unannounced could mean death for any who dared - even the queen. But upon reflection, Esther chose to plead for her people. She concluded, I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.2
Thankfully, King Ahasuerus received Esther when she appeared before him. He spoke kindly to her, and listened to her requests. Her bravery lead to the deliverance of her people, and Haman was hanged on a gallows 50 cubits high - the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
We are told that Queen Esther was beautiful, but that is not the reason she is memorialized in scripture. Esther set an example for us, those long years ago, when she chose to risk her own life for the sake of her people. She boldly approached the throne of Ahasuerus, to say - even as Job did - though he slay me, I will hope in him.3
We too, may approach the throne of a great King if we dare to. He is the mightiest King of all - the King of Kings. He wields all power, not merely to execute those who betray him, but to cast their souls into eternal fire. If Esther was dismayed at the thought of displeasing the earthly King Ahasuerus, how much more terrifying is our own predicament? If a wise queen trembles before an earthly king, what hope do we have - mere mortals that we are - should we appear before the great King of all creation?
Here, we can only marvel at our situation. What manner of King awaits us, should we dare to approach him? In what spirit may we draw near? We are told in Hebrews:
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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.4
What an unspeakable gift is ours in Christ! He does not mock our weaknesses; rather, he sympathizes with them. When we are tempted to sin, he does not turn his nose up at us; he fully understands. He sits enthroned above all, but with no desire to condemn us. His is a throne of grace. He summons us to appear before him indeed, and when we do, we are showered with mercy. There, we find forgiveness for our sins, and grace to help us in our time of need.
Esther was surely relieved to find favor with her king. May we ever follow in her footsteps, to boldly approach the throne of our own great King. We can do no better than to kneel before him, and there receive blessing upon blessing, and mercy upon mercy. In our hour of need, may we seek no other sovereign but our Lord. As he has graciously promised, whoever comes to me I will never cast out.5