“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:
The vision of the throne of God, as revealed throughout Scripture, is a very sobering one. For the believer, it is a subject of great comfort and strength. For the unbeliever it is very troubling. Why is there such a difference in the perception of this throne of righteousness, and holiness, in heaven? The answer is found in the peace of God, for only in knowing the very peace of God given by the Spirit, can one even hope to live in the comforting power of the sovereign, omnipotence of God. God gives His peace, and assurance, when looking upon this throne, the very symbol of His perfect, and almighty, power and authority. Unlike the condition of the unbeliever who knows not this peace, God’s throne has become one of grace, where he is to come, and receive mercy, finding grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16)
There came a day, when the prophet Micaiah, was ushered into the presence of wicked Ahab, and the righteous, Jehoshaphat. He declared to them both: “Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left.” (1 Kings 22:19) Now, why did God give this vision to Micaiah, relating it to Ahab and Jehoshaphat? For Ahab, it was a declaration of God’s judgment upon him, because of his defiance of God, and the wickedness done at his hand, greatly instigated by wicked Jezebel, his wife. On the other hand, the vision was an assurance to Jehoshaphat, because all the power and authority of God was behind HIs words for good, to those who believe and obey Him. The absolute throne of God was the declaration of the power and authority of the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, but also, the Sovereign Redeemer of nations, and in particular, the individual soul.
In the book of Isaiah, we find the prophet confronted with this throne of God, in particular and primarily, by the One seated upon it. He writes: “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.” (Is. 6:1) The dominance of this vision upon the perspective, and life of the prophet, changed that day. How? First of all, he is overcome by the vision of the holiness of God, and the constant proclamation of it. Secondly, he is convicted of his sinfulness, the difference between the holy nature of God, and that of sinful man. Thirdly, because of the power and authority of God, symbolized by the the throne of God, he knows and experiences the fact of his cleansing from all sin. The authoritative declaration of the removal of Isaiah’s iniquity is in the words of the Lord: “Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” (6:7) The last accomplished purchase of this vision to Isaiah, is found in his response to the Lord’s question: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (6:8) It is in the context, and revelation, of the throne of God, and the one sitting upon it, that Isaiah responds: “Here am I; send me.”
In Paul’s letter to the Roman believers, he writes: “And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (10:14,15) The God of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, the Psalmist, and Micaiah, this One who gave the vision of Himself on the throne of His holiness in heaven, has not changed, nor has His throne. In the book of Revelation, this time, not only surrounded by a multitude in heaven, there is before Him those who represent the redeemed of Israel, and of the church…the twenty four elders. The vision of the Father, and of the Son, by the Spirit, is given to bring stability, purpose, and power to the believers of today, for the Sovereign power and authority of God have not changed.
Dear Father, Give us grace today to receive all at Thy throne of grace in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad