Notes in the Margin 9.11.11

I taught preschoolers today during church, so I missed out on Jason's sermon this morning. This thought is from a video from the Crazy Love series by Francis Chan that Deric showed to the youth group this evening.

The first video of the Crazy Love series focused on the routine we get into as Christians. Sunday mornings tend to follow a similar routine, our prayer lives fall into routine, and everything else about our spiritual lives and our relationships with others can fall into a routine. Speaking specifically about our prayer life, Francis mentioned something he read that drastically changed how he approached God in his prayers: John's description in Revelation 4 of the throne in Heaven.

Revelation 4: 3-6
"And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal."

Can you imagine that scene? I try, but I'm sure my imagination can't compare to the real scene in Heaven. Picture that scene and consider this question: What do you think would come out of your mouth the moment you saw God? What would be the first words you would say?

I have no idea what I would say. I'd either be speechless or immediately start praising God. But picturing God in the throne room when I approach Him in prayer makes me realize how I've taken direct prayer for granted. Instead of reverently approaching God on His throne and praising Him for Who He is before even thinking about myself, I saunter into the throne room and tell Him everything I need before even acknowledging that He's there. 

Imagining that scene from Revelation also makes me realize what a huge gift Jesus gave me when He became the mediator between me and God, which allows me to approach God directly. There is no way on earth I should be allowed to enter the throne room...which is yet another reason to be so much more humble when I pray.