I would like to read you two verses in the 4th chapter of the book of Esther, Verses 11 and 16. “All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that 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 scepter, that he may live:-----. Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
Queen Esther’s people, the Jews, were threatened with annihilation by their enemy Haman who did not know that Queen Esther was also a Jew. She dared to go before the king and plead for her people, though it may have meant her death unless the king would hold out to her the golden scepter. But as the account goes, he held out the golden scepter and she asked and received the answer to her petition. How unlike our king was this king Ahasueras. We do not fear death when we come before our king.
We are assured of life. We do not need to tremble and shake, for on scriptural authority we can come boldly to the throne of grace and find mercy to help in time of need. We who know our Lord do not fear Him for we have received of His mercies many times. He has not held out to us a golden scepter but has gone beyond this and touched us with His hand.
Have you ever felt the touch of His hand? Have you known the fear of death? Have you seen destruction coming? have you feared the breaking of the storm you saw gathering in the western skies? Fear is a terrible thing.
It has torment; but just one touch by the hand of Jesus and fear takes wings and is gone; Peace enters and joy abounds. Just one touch of His hand and the sick are make well, the blind are made to see, the lame are made to walk, the dumb are made to speak; yes, even the dead come to life when touched by the hand of Jesus. If I would wish for anything for you, my friend, I would wish for God’s touch upon your life, for I know that just one touch would work a miracle within you, conditions would immediately change and all would be made right.
Yes, the touch of His hand is the miracle touch. A poor, lonely Mother dressed in mourning, walked a lonely road with a group of friends who were accompanying her from her city to the cemetery where she was about to lay away her only son.
Perhaps her eyes, so filled with tears and red with weeping, did not readily see the one who stepped to her side and quietly joined the procession, but suddenly a voice of authority called for the mournful procession to stop and quietly He stepped to the side of the young man who was dead. Drawing back the dark clothes that covered that still form, He took him by the hand and without further delay spoke into that lifeless frame the word of life. Death could not stay in the presence of the author of life and springing up he embraced hi mother, wiped away her tears and again assumed the responsibilities of his home. All it took was just one touch by the hand of Jesus.
In the New Testament we find account after account of those who have been touched by the hand of the man of Galilee. That hand that was later bruised and torn by cruel nails to bring to the world eternal life, joy beyond compare, peace that will reign supreme and rest, eternal rest. Tired one, sick one, needy one, lift up your eyes; Standing by your side is the captain of your salvation, the Lord of your estate, the answer to your problem, the joy of your life.
Standing by your side with His hand outstretched is the prince of peace, the eternal one. He desires to touch you, to change you, to heal you. Will you not yield to His hand and taking a firm grip upon this hope of eternity, march forward into a new day without fear? His love, that perfect love, will keep you and help you live above the torments of mortal fear. Confidence shall possess you and the son of righteousness shall once more rise above your darkened world of despair. Just a touch of His hand and weakness shall disappear, while strength, yes a strength that is truly divine, shall flow through this wasted frame. Then looking up into the face of the Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you, you will smile through your tears and say, “Jesus I thank you.”
I am so glad for Him. I am so glad because that happened to me. One day when I was lost, He found me. One day when I was lonely, He came and cheered my heart. One day when I was alone, He came to me and He has been with me all these years. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother and what He has been to me and what He has been to many He can be to you my friend, today. Perhaps you have lost sight of Him somehow through the shadows of this life.
Perhaps it has been a long time since you have been conscious of the touch of His hand, but I want to assure you this morning that He who is more willing to give than you are to receive, stands by your side with outstretched, nail scarred hand, wanting to touch you, willing to help you, earnestly desiring to lift you.
Will you yield yourself to Him just now regardless of what your need may be? Will you take a firm grip upon His hand, look up into His face and thank Him because He has made such ample provision for your needs and then trust in Him, march forward into the challenges of this day? Though you may have to suffer some, you will find within you an inner strength and you will know that God is with you.
The Lord Jesus Christ himself walks with those whose trust is in Him. Thank God for such a glorious hope as this. Thank God for the touch of His hand.
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