Esther 4:12-16, 5:1-2
“When Esther’s words were reported back to Mordecai, he sent back this answer:  ‘Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.  For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’  Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather together all the Jews…and fast for me.  Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  I and my maids will fast as you do.  When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.  And if I perish, I perish.’…On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace…When [the king] saw Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand.  So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jeremiah 17:12. 14
“A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary…Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

Mighty King, you deliver us from the day of ruin.

You saw the plight of your people and in mercy sent your Son.  Christ, in three dark days, prepared himself to approach the holy sceptre on our behalf.

Take our lives, destined to perish but for his intervening plea.  Make our hearts glad in the knowledge that your hand is now raised in acceptance from the throne.

Thank you for our humble Saviour—placed between the judgement seat and the souls you love.

Listen to ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’ (track 4) by Enfield