Is there anyone on the throne?

 

Technology has made such progress that we have military planes (drones) and trains that are totally automated. The prototype of an electric car was released a few months ago which is self-driven through a GPS and many sensors; a driver is just there in case…

But even though the movie "Airplane! Flying high" ends well, I don’t think that many people would risk boarding a commercial flight knowing that there is absolutely no pilot on board.

Unfortunately, we do not take the same precautions when it comes to embarking on a spiritual journey. Going to church only means something because those attending are convinced to meet up with God. That’s why they are willing to sacrifice precious hours every week as well as hardly earned bank notes. What would happen if they suddenly realize that there is no pilot in the plane? That God’s throne in the church is empty or that someone else is sitting on it?

In 1Samuel 4, we read that after being severely defeated by the Philistines and losing 4000 men on the spot, Israel’s elders held a meeting and asked for the Ark of the Covenant, the token of the presence of the Lord of hosts to be brought. Quite often, those who are no longer certain to have God’s favour tend to cling on objects that are supposed to carry it. The Ark entered the camp in the middle of the cheers and the Earth was shaken. Having heard of the mighty deeds of the Lord, the Philistines trembled with fear but nevertheless decided not to flee and fight. Then, the unthinkable happened: despite the presence of the Ark, Israel was trashed and multiplied its casualties by 7 ½! To make the matter worse, the victors confiscated the Ark. The same day, the Israelites also lost Eli, their judge and priest and his two sons. Eli passed away after hearing of the fate of the Ark: he could live without his sons, but he could not imagine living a day without the presence of God.

How could things go so wrong? The sons of Eli who were also priests, did not know the Lord. They were so perverse that they sexually abused the women coming to the Tabernacle to worship and took the Lord’s portion in the offerings without blinking. Since their father was reluctant to firmly rebuke them, the people began to follow their example and murmur. When the Cup was full, God intervened harshly through the events mentioned above. (See 1Samuel 2)

They had forgotten how the Lord had warned them through Moses a few centuries ago, after they had sinned and murmured against Him: “Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.” They didn’t listen and were beaten down and chased by the Amorites like bees. (Deut 1:42-44)

Unfortunately these incongruities are increasingly frequent. When men of God prey on the fattest sheep at will, in order to satisfy their sexual appetites; when they use the church’s funds as theirs (after all, it’s ‘their’ church isn’t it?) and twist biblical verses for unavowed and unavowable motives, it only shows that they do not know God (1Samuel 2:12). And when in addition, their conduct causes the brethren to complain and expose their nudity everywhere, how can the glory of God remain in such a gathering?

The most awkward thing is that for many years, these people kept coming up to Shiloh to worship whereas the Ark and thus the presence and the glory of God, the “Kabod”, were no longer there: the Throne was empty!

Revelation 3:20, « Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.»

The Lord is speaking to the Church of Laodiceans. Imagine them in the middle of a service. The choir sings ‘‘You are here amongst us…’’ and also, ‘‘The glory of God is in our midst…’’ Some cry and others even faint… under the anointing. With a solemn voice, the pastor prays: ‘‘We bless You and give You thanks for Your presence Lord, for where 2 or 3 are gathered in Your Name, You are amongst them; and we have gathered in Your Name…’’ What a beautiful and evangelical scene for those who were in the building. But outside, passers-by and neighbours who can hear them – thanks to the big sound system - are quite puzzled: ‘‘Oh, that is Jesus! How can they say He is in their midst while He is outside? Are they mad or blind? If not, who is pretending to be Him in there?’’

Everything was there, except the most important: the Lord in whose Name the service was supposedly done. The Throne was empty!

Story to be continued… ;-)

 

Have a fulfiling week!