My only understanding of a THRONE is the images from movies and the stories in the Bible. I’ve never seen the place where kings or royalty sit and must depend on my imagination when considering the King of kings who sits on a heavenly throne with the earth is His footstool.
Because He is sovereign, God establishes and overthrows thrones, kingdoms and those who lead them. This especially refers to Israelite kings who were supposed to uphold God’s laws and make their rule one of godly justice. Many of them failed, just as the rulers outside of God’s people and the kings and leaders of today. Their reign was often cut short.
At this moment, I do not know of any king or world leader who governs according to the law of God. Our world is in a mess. As Proverbs 16:12 says, “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.” Proverbs 29:14 adds, “If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever” but sadly, this is not happening on a human level.
However, God’s throne is not like our messed up rule, that nor is His kingdom filled with sin and unrighteousness. His rule is established in justice. He reigns for eternity over all the world even as the hymn says, “Though the wrong is oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”
Isaiah 9:7. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Psalm 89:14. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.”
Psalm 45:6. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.”
These OT verses give hope despite injustice and suffering both then and now. God’s perfect kingdom in heaven will eventually spread over all the earth. This is why Jesus told us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven . . . .” Our understanding of divine rule gives hope even in this world of conflict and because of Jesus, I know that His kingdom is already here and spreading despite opposition to Him and to His sovereignty.
In the NT, the word for throne is like the OT idea of royal authority, also emphasizing that of all the kings and leaders that have come and gone, Jesus Christ remains as the King of kings and rules the entire world from His heavenly throne. As He says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”
The NT also says: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne” and the Father says of Him, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.”
The throne is His because He is “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
What is most amazing about this word study of throne is that those who follow Jesus will reign with Him in glory. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus said . . . . “When the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. Because of the many verses that describe the Lord on His throne, I try to imagine the majesty of that scene. However, it is this verse that brings me to my knees, often in tears with amazed gratitude:
Hebrews 4:16. “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.”
Unlike the rulers of today who protect their throne with the latest technology and squads of body guards with weapons, as well as an army to keep them in power, and who demand we meet their desire for allegiance and power, my gentle King invites me to come into His throne room so He can mercifully share His riches and power to graciously meet all my needs.
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