The story of Esther is one of our favorites. It’s a Cinderella story on steroids.

Not only does the king choose her, she saves her people.

She’s like a biblical Super Girl! 

I want to be like Esther when I grow up. Brave and full of faith.

But a closer look at the story shows that she wasn’t always brave, and her faith wasn’t always great. She even went as far as telling Cousin Mordecai that she couldn’t go to the king because she hadn’t been summoned. She was a rule follower. She could be killed.

Mordecai told her that if she wouldn’t stand up for her people, she and her family would die, but God would save his people. And then he spoke some of the most famous words from the Bible:

Those words were the turning point in the story. They were the catalyst to her decision to risk her life.

The Bible tells us that after three days of fasting and prayer Esther “put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall . . . When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand.” (5:2)

The King James Version reads, “. . . she obtained favor in his sight.”

We all breathe a sigh of relief. Though she had not been summoned, the king extended his mercy. There would be no punishment this time. He asks, “What is your request? I’ll give you all you want up to half my kingdom.”

At the risk of likening this barbaric king to our very good and loving God, I just can’t pass up the analogy.

It’s time to put on our royal robes.

I believe Esther never really considered herself more than an ordinary girl living in a palace until that fateful day. And in all her ordinariness, she was afraid. . .until she was reminded of the royal position God had placed her.

And just like Esther, I think we all feel very ordinary even though we are born into a royal priesthood when we believe in Christ. And we are clothed in beautiful robes of righteousness able to enter the inner place, the throne of grace. 

God loves us whether we’ve accepted our robes or not. He doesn’t mind if we are wearing torn jeans with dirt smudged on our face. But there’s something about putting on our robes and stepping into this authority in Jesus knowing that we can enter His throne room and petition for the salvation of many.

My friends, you have come to such a royal position as this. 

You are no longer ordinary. Christ came so that we would live an out of the ordinary life.  (Click to read a post that further explains this).

Pray with me?

“Lord, we come to you humbly yet dressed in beautiful robes, as a royal priesthood entering your throne of grace. Holy Spirit reveal to us our purpose for the places you have us and how to take our authoritative positions you’ve given us through Jesus. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Show us how to pray. Strengthen us to rise to the occasion, and cast out fear. In Jesus name. Amen.”

 

Join the conversation: What color is your robe?

 

Jesus loves you,

 

I’m linking up with Tai East at the Faith and Friends blog hop. Check it out for more encouragement. Blessings!