Sometimes we read scripture and assume we understand topics and words that may mean something we don’t understand, or mean more than we understand. I think the throne of God is one of these subjects. Since we don’t live with kings and queens today the concept and function of a throne is often lost to us. If that is the case, how are we to understand when God uses the idea and function of his throne room in his word?
In history, the throne room was where a ruler conducted business, dispensed laws and took actions, like making proclamations. It was also used to greet dignitaries coming from other countries wanting to do business. On occasion it would be used to dispense justice or mercy when prisoners were presented, or when a legal decision was needed in a public forum. I found a good, concise biblical explanation and thought I would include it here:
In a religious context, the “throne room of God” is a symbolic representation of God’s ultimate authority and power, where he is seen as seated on a throne, signifying his reign over all creation, and is a place where worship, praise, and sometimes judgment occur, allowing believers to approach God with reverence and petition him in prayer; it is primarily a place to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and majesty.
So if this is the case when scripture uses the idea of God’s throne room, do we understand how we are to function there, or do we ignorantly enter without the proper posture or behavior? I think, for the most part, we don’t and so we forfeit the things that entering God’s throne room otherwise would do for us. I fear that countless times we have quoted scripture about the rewards of coming into God’s throne room without understanding how we should demonstrate the respect he deserves. How many times do you think we have assumed God’s generosity of grace and power while ignoring proper respect? I fear far more than we realize.
Keeping this in mind I want to bring up a familiar text out of the book of Hebrews in which the believer is encouraged to come into the throne room of God for “Grace” in time of need. I don’t think Hebrews is telling us we find “Unmerited Favor” as so many define grace, but rather God’s “Abiding Presence,” which brings power.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
In this passage there are a few key elements I want to address, especially as I see God challenging his followers to be engaged in them. The first is the challenge to draw near to God’s throne room of grace. The writer of Hebrews is telling us that God’s throne room is a place of power for all believers. That we can, and should, desire His power to handle every situation in life.
Second, if the believer is not aware of how to approach God in this setting, then one can be most assured they will not get the help they seek. Intimacy with God is not a given, but only for those who seek God on his terms and not on ours. I think that often we fail to evaluate our spiritual condition before approaching the throne room, and fail to honor God correctly as well.
Proverbs 3:32
The devious are a abomination to the Lord: But he is intimate with the upright.
If we don’t show the proper respect we are not granted a audience with God. How many times have we sought out God’s presence only to feel like God is not listening or not responsive? Could it be we try to run into God’s presence for help and yet have not shown the proper respect and honor? Could it be we are neglecting the “Protocols” of God’s throne room? Remember, the first thing Jesus taught his disciples in how to pray was to show proper honor to God before anything else.
Look at what David wrote about the “Foundation” of God’s throne room: He says that it is founded on “Righteousness & Justice,” meaning its primary function is to dispense rulings and help based on the merits of ourselves and our cause. It is to this end that he moves on our behalf.
Psalms 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
David seems to say that love and faithfulness “Follow” the principles of righteousness and justice. If that is the case and we try to barge into the throne room for grace, but we are not first honoring our king, then his love and faithfulness will not be given or released as we desire.
The prophet Isaiah says that God declares that heaven is his throne room. Many believers seem to think that church is God’s dwelling place, or where his throne dispenses assistance. Isaiah says otherwise. Is it possible that we miss the “Pass Key” into the throne room, whether in church or not, that opens to us access to his power and help? I think it could be the attitude and posturing of our hearts that moves God the most and either honors him or doesn’t.
Isaiah 66:1-2
Thus says the LORD, Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being, declares the LORD. But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
God is declaring that, though we are challenged and called to “Boldly” come into his throne room, he assumes we have done the basics of respect and honor before doing so. God is not encouraging sloppy behavior just to be a blessing to us. He wants to encourage good behavior, especially when we approach his throne room.
Jesus, when referring to the throne room, paints a picture of great and awesome power where angels are gathered with him. It is in front of the throne of God that justice will be handed out to all the people of the earth. It is at the throne of God that those who have showed love and respect to the Son of God will be rewarded, and those who have not will be cast out into utter darkness. Jesus defines the throne room as being majestic and awesome, not a casual place to hang out in.
Matthew 25:31-3
But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;
The prophet Micaiah was asked by Israel’s king should they go to war? The answer was not favorable to the king because he did not honor the Lord, he only wanted God to rubber stamp his desire to beat his enemy. Listen to what the prophet saw in God’s throne room, and the kind of dynamics that God was revealing about how he operates. When we don’t honor the Lord properly we are at risk of the throne room not being a blessing but a curse.
2 Chronicles 18:18
Then Micaiah continued, Listen to what the LORD says! I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven on his right and on his left.
Lastly, in Isaiah 6 the prophet gets a glimpse of the throne room of God and the majesty, and he realizes how unclean he is. He cries out about his sin and the sin of his people. At this point an angel brings a hot coal and cleans his mouth. That is the Lord purifying his sin.
1] In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. 2] Seraphim were standing above Him, each having six wings: with two each covered his face, and with two each covered his feet, and with two each flew.3 ]And one called out to another and said,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies. The whole earth is full of His glory.”
4] And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 5] Then I said,
“Woe to me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies.”
6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs.7 ]He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.”
In conclusion I am so glad we are encouraged to bodly come to the throne of grace, but let us not do so in ignorance of the place we seek the Lord nor his generosity in offering us his help. Let us come with love and honor in our hearts and show the proper respect an audience with the King of kings deserves lest we be found wanting, like Isaiah did, and realize we have mouths that are unclean before the Lord.
Questions:
1) Have you realized the throne room of God is a majestic and powerful place to meet God? How you approach the throne room will determine your outcome.
2) How often do you seek the Lord in his throne room? Hebrews seems to state that we should do so as often as we have a need. In my mind that means daily.
Seeking to understand God and his ways more clearly,
Pastor Dale
