Be Still

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

Sundown March 2- March 3, 2026 marks Purim on the Jewish calendar.  Purim is a celebration that was established for God’s people in the book of Esther (see Esther 5:20-22).  I have been rereading the story of Esther in the last week or so and meditating on all of the intricate details because there are so many things in it that make me think of our relationship with King Jesus. If you have not read it, or read it recently, I encourage you to do so.  I am not comparing Jesus to King Xerxes who was a severely flawed human but rather the position he held. 

I can’t help but read Esther and see a parallel of her to the body of believers as the bride of Christ (stick with me because it can sometimes be hard to see beyond the human aspect of the story). Like Esther, we were chosen in Christ to be the bride.  As Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) says “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Unlike Esther we did not have to go through a year of preparation to be chosen by him.  We did not have to clean up and make ourselves beautiful to be chosen, in fact his word says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) He chose us in spite of our filth and shame and welcomes us who believe in him into his kingdom. It was Christ’s sacrifice that cleansed us “by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish…” (Ephesians 5:25 NIV)

It was also through Jesus’ death and resurrection that he became the High Priest and King, being seated at the right hand of the Father. Hebrews 5:6 (NIV) talks about Jesus being “a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”  The order of Melchizedek refers to the king of Salem who shows up in Genesis 14 shortly after Abraham defeats some of his enemies and blesses him. Hebrews 7:2 (NIV) expounds on that and says, “…First his name means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, “king of Salem” means ‘king of peace’.” Jesus came as not only King of Kings and Lord of Lords but also as our High Priest, forever nullifying the need for an intermediary between us and him.

In ancient times even the wife of the king had to fear for her life should she go to him uninvited.  As we see in the story of Esther, she had her people fasting and praying for her to receive favor from him and not lose her life.  But we, as the bride of Christ, the church are told in Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We do not approach Jesus, our King with fear of retribution.  We are able to approach with confidence knowing we will “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV). Knowing our King will extend his scepter of righteousness to us just as Xerxes extended his to Esther.

So, what is the point of all this you may be thinking?  I believe this is where the church – the “bride of Christ” – is right now.  We have an enemy who wants to take us out, each and every one of us.  And no, it is not a person, or a political party, or someone on Facebook posting things you don’t agree with.  As Ephesians 6:12 NIV says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Not only does he want to take us out he wants to take out every person that ever lived as soon as they are done being useful to him. So, next time you encounter someone who is doing evil things remember they are a person, made in the image of God, and are being used as a pawn of Satan.  They are someone that Jesus died for “not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

BUT our King, King Jesus, has given us all power and authority through his death and resurrection to stand firm.  Just as King Xerxes wrote a decree for the Jews to be able to defend themselves against the attack of their enemy, we have been given the tools (Ephesians 6), the power, and the authority to defend ourselves against the spiritual forces of darkness. The enemy may have power, but he has no authority.  Jesus has already won the victory, but there are still battles to be fought along the way.

This is our “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14 NIV) moment.  We can choose to say “yes” to our assignment, we can choose to stand firm in faith against the enemy and his schemes, believing that we were placed in this time and this moment for a reason.  Or we can stick our head in the sand, knowing we are saved, and not concern ourselves with the rest of the world that is in danger of perishing.  However, I believe that Mordecai’s words to Esther still ring true today “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance… will arise from another place.” (Esther 4:14 NIV)

It is time for the church to arise in faith, arise in prayer, and arise in love.

A Word the Lord gave me in my time of prayer, 2/17/26:

Wake Up Oh Sleeper.  Arise from the dead. Walk in the newness of life that I have given you. It is time to take seriously the words and the instructions I have given.  It is time to follow closely, not turning to the left or to the right but staying on the path that I lead you on.  It is time to untether yourself with the world and walk in the light and life of my salvation bringing my light to all men. Awake Oh sleeper. Rise up.  It is time for me to be your portion and your life.  Your salvation in this dark world.  Come away with me my bride.  Prepare yourself because the day draws near.

I am making ready my remnant and those who will hear my voice and heed my instructions.  I am calling out what has been hidden for this time.  The things I have put inside my people for such a time as this are springing forth to bring life to the wastelands. The places that have been barren are being made new, drawing forth life.  The sun rises on the righteous and unrighteous, but the day is drawing near where the two will be separated. Listen when I call.  Hear my voice, do not ignore it my children. Righteousness and peace are found in me and me alone.  Make ready your hearts as the day draws near. 

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