Approaching the Throne

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16

One of the most enduring symbols of royal power and authority is the throne. The throne is the symbol of the monarch’s authority, power, and justice. In times past, evil doers were brought before the throne to receive justice. Only the monarch and his court were privileged to be there. If any unworthy person was found near the throne, he would be punished. 

The Book of Esther gives a perfect example of this. When the Jews were in danger of being annihilated, Mordecai, Queen Esther’s cousin, sent a messenger advising Esther to approach the king and plead on behalf of her people. Esther‘s response was this, “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called me to come to him for 30 days.” (Esther 4:11) Even the queen was only allowed to approach the throne by invitation.

Approaching a king uninvited was a serious offense that could lead to death. To think that we are not only allowed but invited to approach not just a king, but the King of kings is quite something to consider. Because of Christ, we can come boldly and confidently before the throne of our gracious God. Instead of punishment, we will find mercy. Instead of judgment, we will find grace to help us when we need it most.