The King is Waiting

Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. Esth. 5:1 (NKJV)

I find it interesting the notation that the King was facing the entrance. In other words, he was looking for visitors.

He was not hidden away in his palace, ignoring the requests or desires of his people, but rather he was facing the entrance to his palace.

He was on the lookout for a friend, a companion, a petitioner.

He was looking for fellowship. When Esther approached Him, He was there waiting and watching for his bride.

The same is true today.
The King of all Kings, Jesus Christ, is not hidden away somewhere.
He is not secluded in a far off place, ignoring the interests of humanity.

Rather, the King of Glory is facing the entrance to His kingdom.
He’s on the lookout for one who would enter.
He’s searching for that next one who will come to petition Him.
He’s focused on the entryway,  seeking fellowship, a friend, a companion, …..His bride.

(at times I simply end the introduction at this point)

Furthermore, you should know this:

In the previous chapter of Esther, it is noted that there are prerequisites to entering the King’s court. In fact, it says this:

2He (Mordecai) went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. Esth. 4:2 (NKJV)

When one was to enter the King’s gate, there was no more need for sackcloth.

Sackcloth was worn as a sign of mourning, or to signify anguish. But sackcloth shouldn’t be worn when entering into the King’s gate.

Why?

Our King doesn’t want His people to be in anguish or in mourning.

In fact, the reason to remove the sackcloth is that the King desires to replace the mourning and anguish in the lives of those who will approach Him. He has better garments for us to wear.

The Psalmist records it like this:

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” 11You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
Psa. 30:10 – 12 (NKJV)

In this service today, I want it to be clear to all:

Our King is facing the entrance to His Kingdom, waiting, looking in anticipation for those who would enter.

And His message is clear. Put away your anguish and mourning and enter into His gates to receive dancing and gladness.

I hope all will accept His invitation!