Dear Grace Family,
I was reading Psalm 99 the other day and was struck by v. 1: “The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!”
Our God is the sovereign king of the universe and all people should fear him and have reverence for him. He sits enthroned, but notice where he sits – on the cherubim. As you read through the Old Testament, you will see that this is a reference to the ark of the covenant, and the mercy seat where God’s presence dwelt: “There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel” (Exodus 25:22).
By pointing us to God enthroned on the ark, we are reminded of God’s presence with his people. He is the exalted, transcendent, holy God – the one who dwells in unapproachable light. But he is also the God who draws near to us and approaches us (supremely in his Son) and who gives us access to approach him with boldness and confidence. That’s why the Psalmist can say that throughout history God’s people have called out to him and he has answered them (Ps. 99:6).
Sometimes I forget how astounding it is that I am able to call out to God, having confidence that he not only hears, but answers. What a privilege it is to be God’s people! Take a few moments today to go before his throne in prayer, praising him for drawing near to us.
In Christ,
Pastor Eric