JUST TOUCH ITEsther 5:2 “When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.”
FAVOR EXTENDED
Can’t you just picture this scene in your mind? Queen Esther dressed in her royal robe approaches the inner court of the king. She knows this action is risky. She hasn’t seen the king in a month and there is no telling in what kind of mood he will be. She could be dead in minutes.
It doesn’t say, but I believe Esther probably sent a prayer up to the Lord. “Oh God, please don’t let him kill me. Please let him extend the golden scepter.” She approaches and sure enough, the king smiles and extends the scepter. Esther reaches out and touches the scepter accepting his offer of grace.
TEACHING MOMENT
When was the last time you extended your child grace rather than law? Many parents are so focused on keeping the rules that they forget the importance of teaching grace to their children. Sure, we need to be consistent and hold our children accountable. But there are times when giving grace teaches so much more.
This is a wonderful passage to use to teach that to our children. Stories like this in Scripture paint a picture in such a way that the image is burned into their little brains. You could even use a prop as you read this to them. Let them reach out and touch a golden scepter. More importantly, let them experience grace when you could give punishment.
Do you remember the last time God gave you grace instead of law? Boy, I do. It was, well, TODAY. All I deserve is death, but He gives me life. All I deserve is eternal punishment, but He gives me eternal reward. Why? It’s not because of anything I have done. It’s all because of Jesus. Don’t forget that.
A Moment In Time 