This universe that you and I live in was created by the Sovereign, Almighty God (Genesis 1:1), who reigns upon His throne (Psalm 47:8; Revelation 19:6). When John was taken into heaven, he saw God sitting upon His throne (Revelation 4:2).
Let’s look at what the Bible says about this throne, for the throne is indicative of the One Who sits upon it. First of all, the throne is not occupied by many deities, for the throne in heaven belongs to the One, True, Lord Jehovah (Psalm 11:4a). This throne is identified as a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14), and a throne of Majesty (Hebrews 8:1). It is also called a throne that displays His glory (Matthew 25:31). But Daniel tells us that this throne is like a fiery flame (Daniel 7:9). Why? Because God is a holy and just God Who cannot wink at sin, His throne is a throne of judgment (Psalm 9:4). It is from this throne that the Lord rules over all (Psalm 103:19).
In what is called “the mystery of godliness”, we also see that this reigning God became a man (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus Christ is the eternal Word made flesh Who dwelt among us (John 1:1,14) in order that He might be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10), and in doing so, provide atonement for all mankind (Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 3:5). “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us” (1 John 3:1)!
What is the connection between this reigning God and the atonement of Christ? We will read today that we were created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). C.S. Lewis once said, “We were not born free, we were born to adore and obey God.” When Adam sinned against God in the garden, the reign of God in his heart died. Fallen man lives in rebellion against the authority and reign of the Living God. We daily defy His grace, His truth, and His moral laws. The gospel proclaims forgiveness of sin through faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:7, 2:8,9), and a new birth (2 Corinthians 5:17). Until a person is born again, they echo the words of Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 19:14: “We will not have this man to reign over us.”
May the grace of God enable writer and reader of this devotional alike to submit to the Lordship and reign of Jesus, for He is the only One who deserves to rule in our hearts.
