“…And immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” Revelation 4:2)
Dear Ones:
If we would accompany the Apostle John in his vision into heaven in Revelation 4 and 5, we would certainly be struck immediately by the overwhelming grandeur of the sight. That which is central in this vision, (…and we see it declared in Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in heaven…Is. 6) is the throne of God, and the One who sits on this throne. What does it mean? The throne speaks of the absolute power and authority of God the Father, who is seated upon it. When it comes to the issue of the One on the throne, we see that the dominant theme, that is coupled with his power and authority, is His holiness…His unique purety (…one author describes it at “… the burning bliss…”) as the Sovereign Creator, and absolute, unchanging Monarch. There is no question about this fact, nor is there a question about the singular, fathomless wonder and worth of His Person. The grand declaration of this reality comes from the lips of the elders who have fallen down before Him, and cast their crowns before him: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for you have created all things and for Your pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 44:11) When we look at this scene, we see that there is NO question as to Who the Lord is, nor What He is in His person, His uniqueness, His holiness. There is NO unbelief in heaven, only a glad, joyous, and wholehearted response to His unchangeable worthiness.
It is an amazing thing that in Jesus’ ministry, and somewhat in that of the Apostle Paul, demons openly declared Who Jesus was. There was no unbelief on their part, though there was no response of true faith, submission to the sovereignty of God. With regard to Jesus’ disciples, how many times did He reprimand, or correct them for their faithlessness, or doubt. After the resurrection, to “doubting” Thomas, he would say: “…reach here and touch my hands; and reach here with your hand, and thrust it into my side…and BE NOT FAITHLESS, BUT BELIEVING.” (Jn. 20:27) Christ’s great call to us is to truly, wholeheartedly believe Him.
In Jesus’ instructions to His disciples on the matter of prayer, He told them to pray: “…Our Father, which is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.” (Matt. 6:9) The will of God is accomplished perfectly in heaven. Why? Because there is no unbelief, no doubting, no “little faith,” or faithlessness. Faith has been made sight, and the sight of Christ makes all things possible and effectual. For us on this earth, though we may feel very keenly our weakness and limitations, we are encouraged by our Great High Priest to look heavenward to this One who intercedes for us. Because of Him, and in His name, we are told that we are to come “boldly,” not rashly, unto the very throne of God….there to pray and intercede WITH CERTAINTY…with “…full assurance of faith.” Though our faith is not perfectly exercised on this earth, we are called to believe God increasingly for the FULL out-working of His will on this earth, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Dear Father, give us a glimpse of the greatness of Your glory, the reality of Your power and authority. Enable us to see Christ as our High Priest, who teaches us how to pray. Then, enable us to pray in faith, with boldness. Grant us that ability to truly BELIEVE in Your mercy, accepting us, and in Your grace, to meet every need, and this for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad