Know Before Whom You Stand

In many synagogues, the words “Know Before Whom You Stand” (Da Lifnei Mi Attah Omed) are inscribed above the cabinets that house the Torah scrolls. A timely reminder that you are standing in the presence of El Shaddai, Almighty God.

The effect of meeting God face to face had a similar effect on all the people in the Old Testament - they mostly ended up face down on the ground. Approaching God was serious business and doing it lightly without due respect could result in death. There were rituals and cleansings that had to be followed to allow a sinful people to approach a holy God.

Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu ignored these decrees and were struck down by God (Leviticus 10). They did not follow His instructions and paid the ultimate penalty.

The tabernacle, a type of Christ, could only be accessed by one gate and there was a divinely ordained route that had to be followed. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

In the New Testament, we have the unique privilege of being able to enter directly into the throne room of God. The veil has been torn in two, the way into the throne room is open, but that does not mean we should take that privilege lightly. Our entrance into the throne room was paved with the precious blood of Christ. Our Lord suffered terrible anguish to open the way for us.

We should approach His throne with Yirat Adonai – the fear of the Lord. The word fear here is not terror or horror. The word yirah carries with it the connotation of awe, reverence, mystery, amazement. admiration, worship, a sense of glory and beauty, the reverent fear of the Lord.

 So, when you enter the throne room of God – Remember Before Whom You Stand.