Pleasing the King

when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favour in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. *3*And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” *4*And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” *5*Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. *6*And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” *7*Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: *8*If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.” 
Esther 5:2–8.

After the nerves and anxiety of the past few days, why doesn’t Esther just get it over with? Why doesn’t she just blurt out what she wants? What her people need?
The king has asked twice in this passage to know what Esther desires, so why doesn’t she just tell him?

Esther is, wisely, being patient. Despite the imminent danger, the worry and confusion, Esther waits. She has assessed the situation and knows that her standing with the king is not certain. She has previously witnessed how ill-timed requests have been dealt with, and she doesn’t want to end up dead, so she bides her time. She hasn't been requested by him for over a month. So, she wants to make sure she, once again, captures his heart before she makes her request. How refreshing that must of been for the king. He must of been used to people coming in, in humility and trembling, pouring out their emotions and wishes and then expecting a favourable response from him, and action that relieves their suffering. Ultimately, that is what Esther wants too, but before she makes known what she needs. she puts the king first. She knows he enjoys feast and celebrations, so, despite the enormity of her task, Esther seeks to satisfy and win over the king. Esther is not just an average citizen - she considers and concerns herself with the king - his wants and desires before her own. She wishes to please him before she asks for him to do something for her. I wonder how many people approached the king in the same way. Many would of manipulated him, cajoled him and begged him, so Esther's approach stands out. She invites the king. She asks, not for his power, but his presence. She doesn't ask for change right away, but relationship. She seeks to earn favour, not expect it even though she has every right to as a queen and as a wife.

Esther understands that she has a big ask, so she realises she needs to earn her favour with the king. She knows the far-reaching effects of her request, and knows that it isn’t right to ask for such a big thing in a moment, or even after an enjoyable party. The favour she needs must last not just for a moment or one night. So, instead of approaching the king with her wants, she first makes it clear that she is keen to satisfy him. It is clear that Esther’s desire is to ensure the king is happy and accepting of her before she states her cause. Even when the king asks a second time, Esther still waits. She wants to secure her affection in the king's hearts and ensure that the he is satisfied with her, and will act decisively when her request is made known. She wants to have insight into his heart and character once again, to gain the closeness they have previously enjoyed before making any issues known. That way she will be more certain of success, or at least, she will gain insight into hesitation from his side.

Esther has understood how to approach a king. Even when it’s risky business, even when it is dangerous and scary, Esther understands what is required. She knows that the king has all authority and power, and in order for her to gain privilege with him she needs to put him first, not herself or her wants.

Do you approach The King in the same manner?

When you pray, what is your attitude towards God? What are the things you talk about with the King of Kings?
Are you sometimes in such a rush to make your needs known that you just real of a wish-list? Or, do you realis, like Esther, that you have the priveleged position of access to a relationship with the King?

God desires the intimacy that Esther was seeking with her king. He wants to be first in your heart, not to just have your woes and worries poured out as ramble of requests. He will listen to those too, but do you know who He is when you approach Him? Is it more important to you to have your requests fulfilled or your relationship with God grown?

As you enter His presence in prayer, do you consider who He is? That He is the one with ALL authority and power? Do you enter, as Esther does, acknowledging the little she is and has, but keen to satisfy His heart? Do you intend to deepen your intimacy with God and have a relationship with Him every time you chat with Him?

I think we can get forgetful and lazy, and easily reel off our concerns and desires without first considering the mighty King we are approaching.We are fortunate in that we know we have the golden sceptre already reached out to us every time we approach our King. He saves us from death each time, He extends His favour and love to us always. Yet, do you recall that when you approach Him?
You are invited, not just into the throne room, but into the heart of the King, you have an invitation to sit and feast at His table. Remember that next time you talk to Him. Enjoy your time with the King, relax and enjoy His presence, you can tell Him your wants, of course, but take a lesson from Esther and ask yourself - am I pleasing the King? What can you do for Him today?