Do you recall the scene in Mary Poppins where the children need to clean their room up? As a child I was enamored with that scene and wished with all wishes that I could snap my fingers like Mary Poppins and work “clean up magic” just like her! Come to think of it, now with six children of my own, I’m still wishing I had that kinda snap magic; or maybe just her universal umbrella; I’d even settle for her super suitcase! This got me thinking amidst all those wishes, about what wonders might I be wandering past while wallowing in what isn’t?! Then it struck me like a magic wand or let’s say… a scepter!
What Bible story comes to mind when you think “scepter”?! Yes! Esther!! Esther, an epic drama/romance/royalty/adventure/thriller/horror/war/wild miraculous victory of the underdog story, all wrapped in one!!! (I tell ya what, who needs Netflix when you got the Bible!?!!)
By chapter 4 Queen Esther is faced with the task of saving her people but under a wild web of deception and providence she must first go see the King, risking her life! As she weighs her options she is told, …who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Esther responds as a true heroine, …I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 The only way for Esther to approach the king and not die, would be for the king to show favor by extending the royal scepter upon her approach! Totally wild, right?! Well, let’s rewind a moment to another “scepter”.
In Genesis 49 blessings are being handed out all around and we get to verse 10 and what do we see?! “The scepter will not depart from Judah,… Who, pretell, comes from the line of Judah?! Hallelujah, King Jesus Himself (see Matthew 1:1-16)!! If you don’t know Him, Psalm 103:8 sheds a little light on His character, The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Tucking this tidbit in the pocket of your heart, let’s get back to the epic Esther adventure…
Against all odds, by chapter 5 the king extends the scepter to Esther and her life is spared! Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Dear one, is your life running more wild than a Netflix reel? Do you wonder why all your wishes seem to be on backorder? Beloved of God, hear now this whisper of Truth to your heart, this extension of His “scepter”, For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 Mary Poppins has nothing on The King of kings, Who wants you, loves you, has a throne of grace and beckons you and I to approach unafraid; finding more than we could ever ask, think or even imagine!
Why waste time on wishes when we can thrill in what is!!?!!
Redeeming Grace 99|1 Ministries 