Should I decide I would like to have an ‘audience’ – a chat – with the President, what chances would I possibly have? One in a million? Perhaps half a million? Those are probably low-ball figures.
So… let us just assume the half million worked. What would then be the ‘process’ – otherwise known as the ‘hoops’ through which I must jump in order to have that ‘audience’ with him? After all, we ARE talking about THE President of our nation and there is a definite procedure and etiquette to follow in order to even be considered having the privilege of sitting in his Oval Office (I seriously doubt we would be completely alone because of security reasons).
Even in merely sending a letter by regular mail to the President, one has to format the letter according to White House rules. How many other rules must need to be followed before an actual visit? Definitely a background check. Everything about me would be checked out – probably down to the brand of toothpaste I use! Nothing hidden.
When finally ushered into the Oval Office for the grand moment, I would present my ‘best’ behavior, and after formalities of introduction, I would then give the reason(s) for my being there, keeping in mind I am limited in the time I have with him, being concise in whatever I had to say.
How different it was this morning as I quietly sat before the Throne of my God and Heavenly Father! No hoops to jump… instant access because Jesus had removed all the ‘red tape’ through His red blood shed for me on the cross and His resurrection.
No ‘background’ check to check because Jesus checked it off permanently when I embraced Him as my Savior and Lord: “…. as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12. My slate is clean before my Lord. I am an upstanding ‘citizen’ of His Kingdom, quite unlike my citizenship of my nation where I would have to be scrutinized to the nth degree in order for me to ever be considered to be in the presence of the President for any length of time.
I have unlimited time before the Throne, unlike the Oval Office. I can linger, chat, laugh, cry, all and any emotion I experience can be safely expressed without danger of being ‘thrown out’ because of a lack of ‘properness.’ No ‘best’ behavior demanded. What a relief that is! And… I have my God and Father’s FULL attention. No looking at a clock to see if I’m running into the next person’s ‘appointment’ with Him. He’s all ears and heart. Even though I’m one in billions, I receive His complete focus. THAT is mind boggling to me!!
Psalm 16:11 tells me, “You make known to me the path of life; in YOUR presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures FOREVERMORE.” My ‘audience’ with the God of all gods, the King of all kings, Lord of and over all, my Father and Savior is not a momentary joy or pleasure, it is forevermore!! And, in His eternal Presence, He guides me along my path of life.
How long has it been since you sat, stood, bowed before The Throne? Psalm 24:3-4 gives us the ‘criteria’ to be able to do so: “Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.” Salvation in Jesus IS the criteria.
The ‘Oval’ Office pales in comparison. No contest!!
