I first heard about the new PWOC theme for this year late last May at the WILD (Women Intent on Leadership Development) training some of us attended: “Arise, for the Lord extends His scepter.” As I was preparing to present the theme at the kickoff this Thursday, I once again thought about the image of a king, extending his scepter to signify that he was granting permission to approach his throne. Since I learned of the theme, I have wondered why the story of Esther is not mentioned in the theme explanation. The king extended his scepter to Esther when she had approached him uninvited, risking death. But instead of ordering her execution, he welcomed her into his presence, asking what she would like him to do for her. (Esther 5:1-3) In the same way, Jesus paid the price for our sins, granting us “entry” into the presence of God when we entered into a personal relationship with Him.
Today I realized that while the story of Esther shows how a scepter was used by kings to grant access, it is not a very good illustration of how God similarly grants us access into His presence. In the story of Esther, after her first approach she once again risked death to speak to the king uninvited, and once again, the king extended his scepter. (Esther 7:3-4) While the scepter in our theme does represent God’s favor and His granting of access into His presence, it is not an invitation we must continually seek, risking death if He should choose to reject us. He has accepted us once for all because of His Son. We have a permanent invitation into His presence, because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We do not have to come to Him in fear, trying to make ourselves “good enough” each time we approach Him. Jesus paid the price in full. He is our access.
Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16
