“After these things, I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” (Revelation 4:1-2, NKJV)
The book of Revelation is the glorious finale of redemption’s story … the story of how God brought about a plan whereby sinful man could find forgiveness of sins and find a hope that could sustain those who accepted His terms through whatever life and the enemies of truth might throw at them.
Specifically, the fourth chapter of this amazing and challenging book presents God on His throne. The description John, by inspiration writes is filled with “lightnings, voices, and thunders proceeding from the throne, bearing witness to God’s power. The four living creatures praise Him continually, giving the honor and glory to Him who is worthy.”
“God on His throne” would be a great source of encouragement to those early Christians of the first century. They were to undergo severe trials and the sense of impending persecution would have certainly created cause for concern and even fear. What better way for God’s people to be comforted than to point out the eternal glory of the throne of God? Especially in contrast to the imperial throne of Rome. The assurance … there was a higher authority … and the universe itself was under the control of God!
How good and mindful it was of God through His Son to reassure His people that regardless of whatever occurred, He would still be on the throne, exercising His power, conscious and concerned with His people’s plight! Just one of the many beautiful lessons to be drawn for us today is that He has not changed His attitude toward His children or vacated His place of power.
When we are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake … when men may reproach us and say all manner of evil against us falsely” … when “our hands hang down and our knees wobble” … like the weary runner in a race … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
When the persistence of materialism seems to have taken over the world … when wealth, possessions, things … compose the center and circumference of life … when happiness is measured in terms of worldly standards … when greatness is equated with things, wealth, fame, power and not with spiritual humility and servanthood … and when men all around us bow to the idols of this world and pride along with selfishness ignore the unseen power and presence of God Almighty … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
When the foundation of the home is being destroyed … where discipline is not maintained, and respect is almost non-existent … when the home ceases to be the first line of defense against the world and its evil ways, and where the lessons of life are both taught and practiced … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
When moral values are kicked to the curb, ignored, and made light of … when filth is allowed to come through the front door via social media and modern technology, and when people no longer “blush” at the sinful, immoral, and immodest … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
When man tries to abolish God’s standard for living and it is replaced by whatever each person feels is right or wrong … when restraint is almost if not completely non-existent and God’s Book is described as antiquated and irrelevant to the needs of man … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
When error, false teaching gains entrance through more and more doors and even pulpits than truth does … when false teaching is held up and praised while truth is ridiculed and ignored … when those who practice error are rewarded while those who hold to sound doctrine are marginalized ‘canceled’ … REMEMBER GOD IS ON HIS THRONE.
My friends … God has not relinquished His power, His sovereignty … and He is still very much in control of the universe He spoke into existence! As God’s people … we need to be strengthened, encouraged, and built up with the knowledge that the future, the destiny of this world is not in the hands of three or four world powers … but in the hands of the living God … it is then that we can rest assured that all things are going to work out according to His purpose!
Please read, underscore, and memorize if you are able the following:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)
“This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones; In order that the living may know That the Mos High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.” (Daniel 4:17)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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