Scripture to reflect on: Hebrews 1:1-3, NIV

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Among all this rich theology, my mind would not let go of this question: Who gets to sit down in God’s presence?

I’m thinking not many do. There are majestic beings that fly around the throne who must cover themselves in the presence of God’s glory. Encounters with God on His throne usually cause people (at least in the Bible) to fall on their faces, not sit down for a casual chat. Even when thinking about dignitaries, usually we find people stand in a superior’s presence. Generally we even remain standing, at least until the other person sits down first. It’s a way of showing honor and respect.

So what is it about Jesus that allows Him to sit down in God’s presence?

I thought about places in Scripture that are a sort of Doxology praising Jesus.

My mind wandered to Ephesians 1:3-14. Digging into this passage, I was reminded that through Jesus I’ve been given every spiritual blessing:

• chosen
• made blameless
• predestined to be adopted sons (bunny trail: I like this as woman, because I think about the cultural differences in the inheritance that a son versus a daughter would receive, so even though I’m God’s daughter, I like also like to rest in the assurance that I have the inheritance afforded to a son)
• redeemed
• forgiven
• grace has been lavished on us
• given wisdom and understanding
• a glimpse into God’s magnificent plan of redemption for the world (that mystery that will result in everything in heaven and the earth being brought together under Christ)

My past has been redeemed. And my present is secured through the Holy Spirit. I have a secure inheritance and need not fret about the future. That’s all great stuff.
(And really an even better parallel between Hebrews 1:1-3 is drawn from Colossians 1:15-20.)

All of this “in Him” and “through Christ” stuff made me think of, “In him we live and move and have our being.” That sounded like I’d heard it before and so a quick search lead me to Acts 17:22-31. This is the passage where we find Paul in Athens. This wise missionary moved from what the Athenian culture already had in place, namely the altar to an unknown God, and connected that to the known/revealed Christ. The passage in Hebrews talks about “in these last days”, and in Acts 17:30 it says, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but NOW he commands all people everywhere to repent,” judgement is coming.

Now. It’s really the only time we have some measure of control over. The theme this year at church is, “for such a time as NOW”. Now is the time to repent. Now is the time to obey. Now is the time to worship.

I love the book of Hebrews for many reasons, but one of the most important is the clear exaltation of the supremacy of Christ over and above all other created entities, and the unique work that Christ accomplished. That unique work purchased for us life everlasting and allows us a mystical, present union with God. Pretty awesome.

How glorious that we now have access to God’s throne room. Where Christ is seated.  And we, in Him, are invited …