“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8

Scepter

I remember at one point in my first job—oh, so very long ago, when I was a teenager—I felt I deserved a raise from minimum wage. I settled on a nickel per hour as an appropriate raise to ask for. With fear and trembling, I entered my boss’s office and stood with sweaty palms, perspiration beading on my upper lip. After stating my case and requesting the raise, my boss—a very kind man—explained to me that if I wouldn’t accept my agreed-upon wages, he was sure there were other establishments that would hire me.

I don’t think I’ve ever again asked for a raise from anyone. It was easier on my emotions to learn contentment and trust God for my provision.

In the Book of Esther, the lovely queen wants to approach the king, her husband. I daresay she put far more preparation into the timing of her request than I did. First, she and all her friends and family fasted for three days. Then she put on her royal robes, and stood respectfully waiting to be seen by him. When he noticed her, he held out his royal scepter to her, indicating his acceptance and approval. “She found favor in his sight” (Esther 5:2), and was able to approach him and state why she had come. She knew she might die by coming in unbidden, but she also knew her life was in God’s hands.

The scepter (a “ruling stick”) held by our King Jesus is a scepter of righteousness. This is the scepter of authority in the kingdom of which we are citizens. Revelation 22:17 says that whoever wants to come, can come. These are not words of rejection, but acceptance. Then in John 14:13, He says that whatever we ask in His Name, He will do.

An invitation to whoever and a promise for whatever from a rejection-free King. Why can we enter boldly? Because we did not come to Him first, but He invited us. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

“Oh Lord, Your promises are very great. You accept us when we come—so we come now. Your ruling stick is righteousness. Thank You. Amen.”