The Ruler’s Sceptre

I have been thinking about sceptres recently and what they symbolise. Most definitions describe a sceptre as a rod or staff used by a sovereign ruler as a symbol of their authority and power.

In the story of Esther, we read that she dresses herself in her royal robes and goes to the King’s throne room uninvited, which could have been her death sentence, but instead the King holds out his golden sceptre to her as a sign she could enter his presence. It was a sign of the King’s favour towards her. The King then asks Esther what she wants. She can have it…even up to half his Kingdom.

How incredible it is that the bible tells us that through faith in Christ Jesus we now have an open invitation to come with our requests into God’s throne room of grace. Our faith in Jesus has qualified us for access. Jesus has clothed us with the garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. Like Esther, we are wearing out royal robes. God’s favour and blessings are also extended towards us because of Jesus Christ. We will not be rejected or cast out of God’s presence when we come through Christ our Saviour. He is the doorway into God’s presence.

Our God has a sceptre of authority and power. Jesus our Lord has a sceptre of justice and righteousness. Jesus will rule and reign over all the nations when He comes again. These are some bible verses for us to meditate on and be encouraged with today.

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk. Genesis 49:10-12

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Psalm 45:6-7

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
Hebrews 1:8

The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. Psalm 110:1-3

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Psalm 125:3

Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. Revelation 19:15-16

So, let us all come boldly to the throne of grace today and present our petitions to our Father in Heaven. All power belongs to him. Glory and praise to Him alone who is worthy. May His Kingdom come and His will be done today. Amen.