10/09/2020 -
In this time of continued pandemic we often think that it has become difficult to gather together to pray and worship, but the truth is that, other than seeing each other’s faces, it is no more difficult. Over the thousands of years since creation, we have become accustomed to gathering bodily in synagogues, churches, and other places, but our true place of prayer and worship is always before the throne of God, and Jesus Christ.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ESV
So many of us think that we go to church to worship, and that we must call God to join us there or nothing happens, but this is not true. We meet together physically to encourage one another, to debate, have religious conversation, and solve earthly problems, but when it comes to worship, and prayer, we don’t remain there spiritually. No, when we worship, and pray we are instantly standing before the throne of God.
““Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”” Revelation 7:15-17 ESV
This morning I woke early to read, pray, worship, and write this devotional, but I found that sometime during the night my boss had emailed me and given me an assignment that had to be done first thing in the morning... in other words, now. As I completed his request I noticed that one of my workmates, who is a pastor, and a very dear brother in Christ, was also awake. I sent him a quick message telling him that I was surprised he was up so early, and he said that he couldn’t sleep. So we exchanged a few messages until we ended our electronic conversation like this...
Me: have a great day J.... and a super weekend!
J: Thanks Rich. Have a wonderful day and enjoyable weekend.
Me: now I need to talk to the Lord a bit, and do my devotional
J: I am about to step away and do the same
Me: where two or more are gathered... well, you know the rest
J: Amen
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”” Matthew 18:20 ESV
J and I were preparing to leave the technical world of the Internet, and meet again before the throne of Grace... the throne of God. There we would come together in worship with all the souls from around the world who had come before Him just as we had. I love something that C. H. Spurgeon wrote on this subject of worship and prayer, and want to share it with you now...
“they are a gem in a golden setting. True prayer is an approach of the soul by the Spirit of God to the throne of God. It is not the utterance of words, it is not alone the feeling of desires, but it is the advance of the desires to God, the spiritual approach of our nature towards the Lord our God. True prayer is not a mere mental exercise, nor a vocal performance, but it is deeper far than that-it is spiritual commerce with the Creator of heaven and earth.” - C.H. Spurgeon
So we gather together bodily, on earth, to encourage one another, praise God in one voice, and discuss topics of faith, but when we worship and pray, even when alone in our prayer closets, we are gathering by the millions before the throne of God. On earth God joins us in our discussions of Him when two or three of us are gathered together, but in prayer and worship we are instantly before Him in heaven to join with a crowd of others... every nation, and every tongue.
“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10 ESV
Today the pandemic rages, and Satan tries to convince us that we need to gather bodily in order to worship God, but that isn’t true. The Church still approaches the throne. Our prayers and worship, continue to transport us immediately into heaven where we are together in the presence of God, and before the throne of grace... all of us. Do we love one another, and desire to be physically together? Absolutely! Do we miss those times of fellowship, praising God together, and feeling the Holy Spirit rushing amongst us? Certainly! These are all very important, but we are still coming together before God, and Jesus Christ, and our prayers are carried by angels (messengers) like incense in golden bowls... intermingled, glorious, and rising together as one.
“And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” Revelation 5:8 NLT
This morning I met my friend J in earthly conversation across the Internet, but even more importantly, we met each other again in heaven... have you ever wanted to go to heaven? Well, open your eyes because you do so all the time in prayer and worship.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for allowing us to pray and worship as our souls find themselves being transported into your presence. Thank you for your Son Jesus who sits at your right hand, and who taught us to worship you, and pray as we ought. Help all your children to see that their faith in prayer, and dedication to worship, brings them together as one before your throne in heaven. Show us that Heaven is wherever you are, and that when we are in your presence we are visiting you there... Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us before you as we worship and pray. Praised be your name for every moment we kneel or lay prostrate before you, and for our every prayer that fills a golden bowl. Merciful are you Lord for providing us with a safe haven in you during every time of danger, or moment of Fear or doubt. Your grace abounds, and in patience you await us. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, and forgive us our sins Lord. On the day of our judgement allow us to approach your throne humbly, and confidently Father... having been there in worship so many times before. Keep us for eternity before you, and feed us the bread of your Word forevermore... this is our desire, and greatest prayer
“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Ephesians 3:12 NLT
Rich Forbes