3.26.2026 - Scott Elgersma
Thursday, March 26, 2026
1 Timothy 6:13-16
We read today from 1 Timothy 6:13-16. Read the passage now or at the end of this devotion. What can we learn today from the light of God’s word to us?
Sometimes, when we come into a devotional space, we’re calm, rested, and prepared to listen to the Spirit. Other times, we are harried, stressed, over-scheduled, and ill-equipped to hear God’s voice. In either case, allow the next few minutes to be time where you focus on breathing, posture, and clearing your mind of the things of the world. Allow the rhythm of your breath to tune you into the Spirit’s voice as you prepare to engage with the Word.
What “off limits” space would you like to see?
I would like to see the legendary gold deposit at Fort Knox. To back the American dollar, we have stockpiled billions of dollars of gold in a repository there…allegedly. I would like to see that. Sadly, save for guards and administrators, that space is off-limits to almost everyone.
I would like to see the Oval Office. I do not expect to get an invitation to visit. Perhaps you’ve had the privilege of seeing that space. I expect not. Very few people get to walk onto that carpet.
I can brag a little and say that I’ve already visited one place that is off limits to most. I was privileged through a friend to join him on a tour of Camp David, the presidential retreat. Outside of military members posted there and staff to support visitors, I have never met another person who has been to Camp David. Neener, neener.
Maybe there’s another space that you’ve been to or you want to go to. Feel free to let me know by email. Those are stories that I enjoy hearing. It’s fun to see something that few others have ever seen.
As believers, we rub up against such a space every moment of our existence. Someday, because of the kingship of Christ, we will have the privilege of entering that space.
“In the sight of God, who give life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time – God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in approachable light, whom no on has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”
Paul is closing his letter to Timothy by giving him a picture to remind his mentee who it is that they both serve. They serve a God of glory, mighty in power that is surrounded by such wonder, he cannot be seen because of just how incomprehensible he is. It’s a good reminder for all believers. Even when the going is tough, we have a God who is greater than anything. He loves us and is working to bring all things together for our good, and his glory.
However, there’s something else in this passage that we might miss if we go too fast. Paul does not speak in error, but he does speak something that should cause us to stop and consider again for the billionth time the gift of Jesus Christ.
At the end of this section, Paul says that God “is immortal and (He) lives in approachable light, whom no has seen or can see”. That’s a statement that we can affirm especially when we’re reminded of the interaction with Moses and God. Moses couldn’t see God face to face but only veiled from behind through a crack and that itself had a profound impact on Moses. We cannot see God in his glory. That space is off limits to us.
Or is it? Humanity bore witness to God’s glory being made flesh and dwelling among us. We cannot see nor approach the glory of the Father, but because of Jesus, the throne room door will be open. Read the last several chapters of Revelation and see, the new heavens and earth are lit by the glory of God, and we have some level of interaction with it, even if it is to bow and worship him with songs of praise for all eternity.
The point here is that “Christ as Human” makes “Christ as King” approachable for us. We are not worthy to stand before the glory of God except through the work of Christ to tear down the curtain of separation from God and make a way for us to be in the presence of his glory.
As the end of Lent approaches and we anticipate Easter week very soon, let us be reminded yet again just how great a gift we’ve been given in the person of Jesus Christ. He has made a way for us to someday be in the presence of the glory of God.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his smile towards you and give you his peace.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
I love you all. Blessings.
Feel free to share this devotion with others.
To contact the author, please email: elgersma@therivercrc.com