The only throne that matters

We have recently been studying the priesthood and discovering some fascinating, and I believe really relevant, issues for the church today.

One thought that has captivated me is the reality of heaven and our proximity to this realm. In Revelation 4, John wrote that he saw a door standing open in heaven (presumably from his position on the island he was living) and that he heard a voice invite him to "come up here". After that, he was "at once in the Spirit", and there before him was a throne in heaven. Now, there is no sense of travel or distance, but rather an instant transition from this earthly realm to the spiritual/supernatural realm of which heaven is the centre. I am struck by two things when I read this:

1. This realm of the presence of God is not a million miles out into space, as we tend to believe, but rather as close as an open door in the spirit realm. Should God be willing to open a door for me (for there is no other way to find such a door), it is an instant transition into a world as real as the one I live in now. That makes me want to go...

2. There is, at the centre of all creation, a throne with "someone sitting on it". God has an unmovable, unshakable and all-powerful throne anchored deep into all that is happening in all of our realm (and His realm as well). While we busy ourselves with electing new leaders, worrying about the future and generally taking control of our circumstances, there is a holy God who sits unmoved in his leadership and desires over all of it.

Its no wonder He calls us a kingdom and priests to serve our God in Revelation 5. When we finally see what is really happening in both realms, we will come to realize that the One on the throne is the centre of it all. We will forever find ourselves before Him in service and adoration.

Between now and then, we can live like its true and be assured there is nothing to worry about. The One of the throne will have His way.

Blessings!

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
Sent from my BlackBerry

Intercession and the priesthood

We had a great intercession set earlier tonight. It was a small crowd but it felt like the Lord was directing us around specific issues. Sometimes we just have those nights where it all comes together around a theme that seems birthed in Heaven itself. I love those moments!

Recently we have been studying the biblical picture of the priesthood, beginning in the Old Testament with Moses and Aaron and continuing right into Revelation 5 when all believers are refered to as "a kingdom and priests to serve our God". There is much to say on it but we are still in learning mode right now. But, God is giving us a fresh understanding as a house of prayer that is going to set us in our efforts and find us happily before Him as an "audience of One".

More to come...

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
Sent from my BlackBerry