April 15

“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” — Esth 4:16 BSB

When we are in spiritual darkness, troubled by a guilty conscience, or weighed down by sin, these things will keep us from drawing near to the Lord. But should we give in to these enemies of our peace? Are we never to press through the obstacles? Think of the man who was paralyzed for so many years—he would have remained on his bed forever if he had not been brought into the presence of Jesus. Or consider the woman with the issue of blood—she might have stayed on the outskirts of the crowd, feeling unworthy and unclean. But instead, she pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment.

So it is with us. Will we remain on the outskirts of God’s presence, merely walking around Zion’s walls, or will we dare to enter into the holiest place? Shall we, driven by fear, act like Cain and go out from the presence of the Lord? Or, despite our sins and discouragements, shall we draw near? The Apostle urges us to come with boldness to the throne of grace and to venture into the presence of the King of kings.

Esther risked her life by approaching the king unbidden, yet she resolved, "I will go to the king, and if I perish, I perish." She went in, and the king extended his scepter, sparing her life and saving her people. So it is with grace. Shall we stay away because of guilt and sin? No, the Holy Spirit not only encourages us to draw near but also enables us to do so. When we approach the throne of grace under His influence, we experience the blessing of drawing near—liberty, access, holy freedom, and the power to wrestle for the blessing, saying as Jacob did, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."