In my last post I posed three questions in relation to these throne room experiences.
- Are there any commonalties across all experiences?
- Where is the focus?
- What is the effect?
The answer to the first one is that while there are a number of differences across the experiences there is no suggestion in the text that the recipient sought out these experiences. The exception perhaps being Psalm 63, which we will come to later. They may have sought these experiences, but they appear to have been initiated by Yahweh. Something else we see in many of them is Yahweh’s throne. Jeremiah refers to Yahweh’s counsel and Daniel references thrones. The overall image is one of power and authority. In fact it is an overwhelming power and authority that is a throne, council chamber and courtroom all in one. The writer of Hebrews tells us a few things about this place, the center of time and eternity. His message is one that conveys both the incredible power and authority of this place while also telling us that if we know Jesus we are free to approach this awesome throne.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19 (NKJV)
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31 (NKJV)
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24 (NKJV)
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV)
This throne room is both timeless and the origin of time, it is the place from which the decree issued – “Let us make man in Our image.” (Gen. 1:26). Make no mistake, this was an authoritative decree not a passing thought. This throne room has always been and always will be. Many years ago I had the opportunity to speak with a pastor who had encountered eternity. His young daughter was attacked and killed by a bear in northern Alberta, in trying to save his daughter’s life he was seriously mauled by the bear before it was killed by others. During his time recovering in hospital he had an experience of being taken into heaven. He said the only way he could describe what he encountered was that it was ‘pure authority.’ His overwhelming awareness was of Yahweh’s authority. So, no matter our situation or circumstances here and now, if we have been born again we have unfettered access to this place of pure authority – I suggest coming with a right heart!
