Nothing drives a parent more crazy than when they ask their child to do something and they respond with a slightly bored and definitely irritated response of, ‘Yeah, yeah, in a second.’ Often, I will look to see what they are doing that is so immeasurably important that my task is deemed delay-worthy. Nine times out of ten, they are doing nothing. Nada. Zip. Just sitting watching the dust layer on the side table in our living room. Clearly they don’t fear me enough…

As I reflected on the account of John being brought before the throne of God in Revelation, I closed my eyes and imagined being grabbed by the scruff of my neck and dropped at the foot of His throne. Whoa. God help me. There is no ‘down’ that would be deep enough for me to bow in humble adoration.

Yet, Hebrews 4:16 tells us that in Christ we can boldly approach the throne of God. This is the verse I guess I’ve focused on throughout my whole life of prayer. I have no problem doing that. He is my friend and He walks with me and He talks with me. I love and chatter at Him often throughout the day. But…do I fully grasp to whom I am speaking?

You see, often. . . and I mean OFTEN, the Lord has nudged me to do something. Not always in subtle ways either. And here’s the thing, sometimes it’s easy for me to be obedient and jump to the task. Kind of like when I ask one of my teenage daughters to go fetch some chocolate out of the fridge. On it!

Other times I respond with, ‘Yeah, yeah, in a second’. You know, like when you ask your child to go clean their room or pick up the puppy’s poop in the backyard. Some jobs do not promise us any immediate earthly rewards.

And so we brush Him off with a ‘Later, Dad.’ Ouch. Having reapplied the study of the throne of God, His vastness and His holiness, I am regrettably aware of my brashness as His child. Of my lack of respect for Him. Help us all to see You as you really are…and out of loving fear answer without delay when you call . . .

‘Here I am, Lord…send me!’

“And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:9-11)

Additional Resources

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