God in his glory is exalted above the highest heights of creation, beyond even the farthest reaches of the universe. From his heavenly throne the Lord rules all things according to his wise purpose.

Years ago, one of the young women in the church that I was pastoring was given the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth II when she came to our city on a Commonwealth tour.

This young sister soon learned that this was a great privilege about which she could not be careless. There is a highly developed protocol involved in meeting a sovereign like King Charles III: you must first make a bow or a curtsy, you must always refer to him as “Your Majesty,” and you must not talk to him unless he first addresses you. And whatever you do, don’t touch him!

We might judge these royal protocols to be overdone, yet they highlight his venerable position. It is impossible to be in his presence and to forget that this senior citizen in a suit is the king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.

This tradition of reverence offers a good lesson about approaching God in prayer. Now, it’s true that we no longer need to be preoccupied with outward ceremony and protocol when drawing near to the Lord.

Since the one sacrifice of Jesus, we can come to God freely, “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb 10:22).

Yet associated with that precious gift of freedom is the serious danger of lowering the Lord to our level, making him a little more like a human and a little less like God.

Whenever we approach him, we must beware of forgetting that he is the king. Each time we pray, do we stand in wonder at who God is as the Creator of heaven and earth, as triune God, our Savior and Lord?

Or do we like to think of God in our own terms, perhaps conceiving of him as little more than a super-powered friend, or someone like an all-knowing therapist or a good-natured grandparent? Such an attitude dishonors him, and if we lower him at all, we profane his holy name.

Read More