Access to the Throne

     There are some places I have never been.  One of them was called "Officers Country."  When I was stationed on the destroyer, U. S. S. Mullinix, I had the opportunity to roam around the ship.  There were, however, some areas that I could go.  One of them was called "Officers Country."  That simply meant that no one was allowed in that area who was not an officer in the U. S. Navy.  I could not just go in to look around as to how the officers were living compared to my meager bunk.  I also remember a time when our church youth program constructed a replica of the tabernacle in the fellowship hall of the church.  One day, I wandered downstairs to look at the project.  I got a very strange feeling when I entered the "Holy of Holies."    Even though I knew it wasn't the real tabernacle, I felt as if I didn't belong there.  It is hard for us to go where we know we shouldn't go, but there has been a change due to the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."  As a believer, I now have access to the very throne of God.  We reflect back on what happened on that day when Christ died on Calvary and we notice the words that the veil that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom.  That was symbolic of the access that we now have because of His death for us.  My access was restricted in the past but because of the finished work of Calvary, I can now go to the very throne of God.  That doesn't make me respect the act any less because I still know that I am in the very presence of God.  I don't have to wait for a special day of the year, or to look for special circumstances.  I just need to go to the throne of grace.  Notice why we are wanting to go there.  There are those two words again, "mercy" and "grace."   It is also involved in finding help in time of need.  I especially like those words.  Have you ever felt as if you have a need that no one can meet?  Have you ever felt alone and desperate?  To be honest, I don't know of any time when I do not have a time of need.  My whole life is filled with times of need and so therefore, to realize the fact of the access to God is something remarkable for me.  There are no "No Trespassing" signs in this area.  Praise God that He has opened the door to His throne for us.

The Bubble

There are some people in the world who have lost their ability to fight off infection. As a result, they have to live in very sterile environments because they are susceptible to even the weakest of germs. They are safe as long as they stay inside of their germ free environment. It is almost like living inside of a bubble that is sealed so no air can get in from the outside that could bring in an airborne virus. Spiritually speaking, we are in the same situation. In the spiritual sense, we have a much more secure "bubble" than those who are worried about germs. This is the spiritual bubble of being in God and in Christ. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." As you go through the Scriptures, you soon notice that there are many references to one being in God or in Christ Jesus. That is where our protection lies. Nothing can harm us due to the protection of being "in Christ." Satan will try to throw every dart he can against us but we will stand firm simply because the darts are being blocked by the armor that God has given to us. This sphere of protection goes with us no matter where we go. We don't have to be concerned about going out into public because the protection that God offers goes with us. God will take care of us and protect us. We seem to be "invulnerable." That is, we are invulnerable until God is ready to promote us to glory. We won't live forever and there is a time in God's timetable when believers will be called home unless the rapture occurs beforehand. Our protection from God lies in His sovereign will for our lives. Therefore, it is important for us to know just what His will is for us. Naturally, we can find this out by staying in His Word. Are you concerned about the future? Are you bothered about what "might" happen to you? Just be confident with the fact that God has a plan for your life and He didn't just wind you up and is now letting you run down. As a believer, you are "in Christ" and that is the safest place to be. Praise God today for His protection in your life.