In God's Presence

          Our Navy destroyer, on its voyage around South America, had the opportunity to dock at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Our first day on shore was a bit rainy and cloudy but the chief petty officer and I decided to take the cog railway trip to the top of Mount Corcovado which as a huge statue of Christ. After getting to the top, we discovered that we were in the clouds and you could see the statue, but the top portion was just barely visible due to the fog and clouds. I took some pictures anyway but we did not have the opportunity to take in the view of Rio from the top of the mountains. It was only later, when we purchased some post cards, that we could see just how high we were. It was truly a magnificent sight to behold, even on a post card. The staff band at the music school had the opportunity to be in the presence of many a famous dignitary. Playing music in the presence of famous people or important world leaders pales in comparison to that which is available to every believer on 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."

        It is that little thing called "prayer." We bow our heads and say grace at meals and say "good morning" to the LORD when we get out of bed and bring our petitions to Him and probably don't think too much of where we are when we utter our prayers to Him. We come boldly to the throne of grace. I have mentioned a few times before how one of the youth groups in which I was involved had constructed a large replica of the tabernacle in the gym of our church. During the day, I went down and walked into the holy place and then was hesitant to go into the area designated as the holy of holies. Even the replica reminded me of a place where the high priest would only go once a year and then he had to follow very strict guidelines One mistake and he would be dead. Now, the veil has been broken and we have full access to God's throne through prayer. This is far more important than the "oval" office or the throne of important world leaders. The passage goes on to say that we can obtain mercy and to find grace to help in time of need. When do you have a time of need? It would be easier to ask the question, "When do I not have a time of need." It seems that we are always a "needy" people and there is something that we can put before the LORD in prayer. Then, we can go on and think of that time when Revelation 4 and 5 will be a reality for us as we are a part of the voices that offer praise to God as we sing, "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13) Perhaps a personal need has come to mind as you read this and you can have the assurance that you can approach the throne of grace. What a privilege it is to serve the LORD GOD and to be able to in His presence each and every day, every hour and every moment. Maybe you haven't been in the oval office or Buckingham palace or the Taj Mahal, but if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have been in God's throne of grace. How wonderful is that? Praise God today for His desire to meet with us again and again and again.