Musical Chairs

Musical chairs

Me and God. Walking around a chair. The music is playing. I am determined to get that chair. God is just looking into my eyes. The chair is nice. It’s big. Big arms, covered in velvet and soft furs. It looks old. It looks royal. Then it dawns on me. It is a thrown. I want it. I have my game face on. God has a face on. It’s not a game face. It’s a face that says “I am present and involved” but it is not determined, it is kind and compassionate and loving and concerned.

When the music stops, I am going for that seat. But what do I win if I get it?

This scene is playing in my sleepy half dreaming brain. It’s 5:30 am. I’ve been awake since my alarm went off at 4:35. In reality I am in my recliner with my dog Piper snuggled up next to me, warm and content.

I slowly realize that I want that with God, to be snuggled up next to him, to be resting in his presence. But my dream/vision shows me another part of me really wants the throne.

In my dream, what is the moment when the music stops? Is it death? Or is it a decision point? At work we have a chart on how to do projects. There are several points in the process that are called decision gates. Yes or no. At each point a decision needs to be made. Back to the dream. When I am asked will I be the boss of me? Who gets the throne? Who gets to decide right or wrong?

I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 7, 21 ‘“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Matthew 7:21-23 -NIV

In the back of mind there is the scene of heaven and God’s throne from John’s revelation playing. The throne and the one who deserves it and the one who will ultimately be seated there.

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

Revelation 5:1-14 – NIV

My sleepy dream state may have revealed my own struggles to relinquish the throne in my own head, heart and soul so now this morning I will join the declaration of those in heaven.

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!

Welcome King Jesus! Like my wise puppy, May I be snuggled next to you and rest in confidence and peace while you rule and reign in my life!