Coming Before the Throne of God

While I’m not a Presidential scholar, our recent election may have been the most contentious in history. At least in our lifetime, we’ve not seen anything like this since the 2000 Bush-Gore election hinged on hanging chads and was decided in the Supreme Court on December 12, 2000.

At this point, President Trump still has not conceded to presumptive President-elect, Joe Biden, although the electors have met and the states have certified the election. Trump and his supporters believe the election was stolen. So lawsuits have been filed to overturn the results. 100 U.S. Representatives in the House have publicly sided with the President.

Trump was recently asked by reporters if he would vacate the White House. Many people are worried about the next person to occupy the Oval Office. There’s been uncertainty. Confusion. Finger-pointing. Charges. Counter-charges. And name-calling on both sides.

Unfortunately, too many Christians have allowed their emotions to boil over into anxiety, worry, and even anger. They are perplexed. And fearful over the destiny of our country based on who the next leader of the free world will be.

Today’s Bible reading ought to ease our concerns. Calm our fears. Mitigate our worry. And soothe our souls. Even during this COVID-19 crisis.

Psalm 99 begins with three important words for all time: THE LORD REIGNS.

Regardless of who occupies the oval office, or which party controls the House or the Senate, the Lord reigns. Irrespective of the judges who compose the Supreme Court, the Supreme Judge of the universe reigns. Whatever laws are passed that may irritate us and even disregard Scripture, the Ruler of the world reigns. Furthermore, it matters not what leaders of other nations do or how they react, the Lord still reigns.

The Psalmist reminds us that Jehovah is exalted above all nations. Not just Israel. And by application that includes the United States of America. Because He reigns. We ought to exalt him. Praise Him. And worship before His holy throne.

Warren Wiersbe observes three important points about this text. God’s throne is awesome, just, and gracious. Think about that.

God’s Throne is Awesome because He is Awesome (v. 1-3).

The word “awesome” is thrown around very casually today about anything and everything. From ice cream to an exciting athletic performance, to a person who simply does something good. Yet, the Bible meaning of “awesome” speaks to more than the mundane and mediocre.

The Hebrew word means (1) to fear, to be afraid; (2) to stand in awe of, to be awed; (3) To fear, to show reverence, to honor, to respect (4) to cause astonishment and awe, to be held in awe (5) To inspire reverence or godly fear or awe.

God is awesome because only He is omnipotent. Omnipresent. And Omniscient.

God is awesome because He is immutable. Infinite. And Sovereign.

God is awesome. He is to be respected. Reverenced. Venerated.

God is awesome because of His character. His nature. His qualities. He is merciful. Kind. Loving. And strong.

Because God is awesome I will praise His mighty works. Extol His virtues. Sing of His greatness. Magnify His name.

God’s Throne is Just because He is Just (v. 4-5).

When we come before His throne, we approach a God who is perfectly righteous in His character, and completely just in all His actions. He’s fair and equitable in all his dealings with mankind.

In this life, we may suffer injustice. Not all laws are applied equally. There is discrimination. Inequity. And unfairness. No human social system is perfect. But in His time, everyone will stand before His throne and receive justice.

God’s Throne is Gracious because He is Gracious (v. 6-9).

Imagine approaching the throne of an earthly King at any time for any reason. The access to common people is limited. And allowed only by special permission.

Yet, God’s throne is accessible 24/7. The Hebrew writer says we may approach His throne boldly, with confidence and assurance that He will hear and help in our time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

While others needlessly worry about world affairs, let God’s people be content, confident, and calm. And enjoy His peace that surpasses human understanding.

“Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the Lord our God is holy.”
Ps. 99:9

“The Lord reigns.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman