February 8: NO PLACE FOR SIN
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was no place found for them. Revelation 20:11
The permanent destruction of sin and sinners is initiated with the casting of sin’s instigator into the lake of fire and brimstone on the earth (v.10). In today’s verse, John’s attention falls upon the One who did the casting. The pure and all-knowing One is seated upon a great white throne, representing His rightful position of ultimate and eternal authority. Its whiteness stands for absolute righteousness. His judgeship is totally transparent. At this point, the end of the millennium, God’s saved people have had a full thousand years of access to the books. All of their questions have been satisfactorily and thoroughly answered. It is the fulfillment of the promise from Jesus: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing” (John 16:23).
The phrase from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away is a sad commentary on how sin destroys relationships, especially with the Creator. There is another verse numbered 20:11 found in the book of Exodus that communicates the LORD’s plan to be in a close relationship with His people. It reads: For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. We see a shocking contrast here between His original intention of rest and enjoyment with His people and the effects of sin.
Today’s opening verse brings to mind another contrast. Hear these words from the book of Hebrews: There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16
He lovingly bids us approach His throne of grace! For all who desire to have, preserve, and grow in a relationship with the Almighty, He stands ready to move heaven and earth in order to come to their aid. Just for asking! How painful and hurtful it is to the Creator that so many of His creatures want nothing to do with Him. Those who flee from Him in terror are those who have chosen, over and over, to cling to their traditions, habits, possessions, and/or any other idols that they hold dear—instead of placing supreme value on the Lord and His word. They will see that there [is] no place found for them to hide. Indeed, there will be no place or provision for sin. Yet, He is patiently telling us now that the old order of this sinful world is going to soon reach its prophesied end. May each of us cease to cling to worthless ways, that we may positively influence those we know and love (and strangers too!) – all of whom are of such indescribable value to our Maker that He died for each one.
Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will have no end. Psalm 102:25-27