God is on the Throne…Will You Let Him Off? by Bobby Johnson, Regional Champion, Boise, ID

Growing up in church, I heard many times about God being on the throne and being on the throne of my life. I’ve even visualized God being like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C, this massive, big throne with God sitting on it.   He’s looking out over everything, including me. And if I’m honest, He was passing judgment from it.

For the past several years, I have heard people say things like, “God is my friend. God likes me!”  Some of my brothers in Christ call Him “Papa” and “Daddy.” That has not been easy for me. I seem to revert to the big “official” God, with robe and crown on, looking down on me from His big throne.  And He is always shaking His head, saying, “Will he ever get it?”

Well, I think I finally get it, at least for me! What happened? I let God off His Throne.

Before I get shot for heresy, let me explain. There are many books out there these days about kings. Being a King, becoming a King, building kingdoms and hundreds using King David as an example of a man after God’s own heart. King David had a son named Solomon (the smartest guy ever). I’m guessing his dad David taught him a few things. I don’t believe he taught him everything while sitting on his throne!

I’ve had this visualization lately; David puts down his crown and robe, steps off his throne, walks over and takes his son by the hand and says, “Let’s go for a walk. Let’s go fishing. Let me show you how to …...”  In these moments, David is no less king! He is also Daddy/Papa! Solomon is able to tell his friends, “Yea, he is king. But he is also my Daddy/Papa. He loves me. He even likes me.”

God/Daddy is Alive! He is saying to His adopted children, “Let me off this religious pedestal. Give me your hand.  LET’S GO FOR A WALK.”