Today, can we get a glimpse of God’s tabernacle, its characteristics and demands as evident from the acts of those who are there?

1) Isaiah – In Isaiah 6:1b-4,6 we see

1. A throne high and lifted with a train (attendants); we need not ask of the personality that sits on a throne
2. The attendant seraphims would not dare look upon Him; standing ready to move at His command
3. The attendant messenger seraphims had only one cry describing Him who sat on the throne—holy, holy, holy—with reverberating voices
4. A cloud of smoke, an altar from which a messenger-seraphim took purifying live (burning) coal

2) Ezekiel gives an even more detailed description yet somewhat different description where the angelic-propelling beings were providing motion for a firmament above their heads upon which there was a throne and one sat upon it with the appearance as of fire, a brightness that could not be looked upon, for Ezekiel fell upon his face; fire, cloud and a voice projected through the angelic wings, a noise likened to many waters (Ezekiel 1).

3) In Daniel 7:9,10 we see the garment of the One who sat was white snow, hair like pure wool, throne like fiery flame, wheels as burning fire, and a fiery stream of fire issuing from before Him

4) Revelation 1:12-17; 4:2-5:14—again different in detail yet consistent description of the speaking voice, fiery throne and raiment of the sitting king, and the attendant angels leading a refrain of utterance, “holy, holy, holy,” repeated by the twenty-four elders, speaking in worship to the greatness of His power.

Stop, ponder in self-reflection, this is the place and presence we are looking to stand? The psalmist could find no words to describe the burden of responsibility upon those who would stand there than he expressed in Psalm 15.

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15

Here David describes values/virtues that anyone who confesses God as Father must cultivate! Increasingly pursuing faithfulness, righteousness and honesty. Put simply developing and maintaining a spirit of integrity. This is the call on what we must become so we fulfill the requirement of Matthew 6:9.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Matthew 6:9 NIV

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Matthew 6:9 NLT

Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Matthew 6:9 AMPC

Are you qualified or fit? To start, these are absolute responsibilities for sonship (after the completed works of the Cross that saved us):

• “Formulate our beliefs on the basis of Scripture. Our priorities should flow from our position as God’s children (2 Cor. 6:18). We must align our thinking with His Word. This is the only way you can be the vehicle for His will in Heaven to be enforced on the earth
• Submit to Christ’s Lordship. Jesus commands us to deny our-selves and follow Him (Mark 8:34). Consider the way it is demanded of those under the Aaronic priesthood (Malachi 1:6), how much more for us called priests under the Melchizedekian order? Wholehearted commitment to Him will help us resist temptation and pursue righteousness.
• Build relationships with individuals who value godly living. The influence of mature Christians strengthens us in our dedication and obedience to the Lord (Malachi 3:16-18 (MSG & NLT)
• Acknowledge our mistakes. Everyone misses the mark at times. As believers, we are to confess any known sin to God (1 John 1:9) and turn away from the wrong behavior. Asking forgiveness from others may also be necessary.“—culled from InTouch Ministries

God has sent His Holy Spirit to teach us how to pursue righteousness. Ask Him to help you become more like the person described in Psalm 15. In essence be conformed to the image as commanded in Romans 8:29. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele