“…whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the kIng into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live.” Ester 4:11
In the book of Ester, we discover the story of a young woman, upon whose shoulders seemed to rest the deliverance of the entire Hebrew population at that time in Persia. Though Mordecai, her uncle had told her that if she did not seek audience with the king, to plead for her people, God would save them by some other way, Ester became convinced that she had been born, and raised by her uncle, entered the king’s court, “…for such a time as this.” However, to come before the king without being called, even though she was the queen, could result in her death. All would be depend upon the use of a gold sceptre which the king might, or might not, extend to her. Her access to the king, and audience with him, would hinge on what the king would do with that sceptre, that instrument representing his authority, and power to give life or take it away.
In the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, we find a similar picture, but this time, the King is God Himself. Because He is holy, perfect, and a consuming fire, there is but one way provided, and by which, one can come unto the throne upon which He sits. The author of the letter to the Hebrews calls the destination, “the holiest.” (10:19) He also declares that access to this “place,” even to the throne of God, is only possible by “…the blood of Jesus.” There is absolutely no other way for sinful man to come to God, but by what Scripture calls, “…a new and living way, which He (Christ) hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh.” (10:20) The sceptre of God, in essence, will not and cannot be extended to any one who will not come in the name of the Lord Jesus, entirely trusting in the merits of His shed blood. On the one hand, it is a very narrow way, and as Jesus said: it “…leads to life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) On the other hand, this “new and living way” is a certainty, established and kept by God, so that the sinner, putting his whole trust in Christ, can come with full assurance of faith. That “way” is one of faith, and life, where the Eternal God will meet the repentant sinner in a manner as certain as the coming of Christ into this world. The Eternal King’s sceptre will always be extended to the one who comes in faith, according to the worth and power of Christ’s precious blood, the name above every name, and the quickening of the Eternal Spirit. This is the certain way to know God, and be assured of the blessing of eternal life, and blessing on this earth, as it is in heaven.
Why is the way so narrow? Is it because God desires that it should be hard to find? How can one be sure to be able to find it?
The question of narrowness stims from man’s concept of his own righteousness, and worthiness. From a spiritual and righteous standpoint, men compare themselves with others, to justify their sin, or even to establish their own righteousness, and standards of righteousness. The Lord Jesus, in His teachings, puts all sinners in the same position, whether on the surface or not they appear righteous or not according to the standards of men. This He illustrated by the death of certain Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices. Also, He spoke of a tower that fell on eighteen men, and killed them. It would “seem” that those who suffered such deaths were greater sinners. Regardless, every sinner is lost. No one can come before the holy God without trusting wholly in the blood of Christ.
Dear Father, Please receive us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.