Take a Seat on His Throne
"He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me
on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "
(Revelation 3:21).
When it comes to pleasing God with our lives, those who failed did so for a
reason. Those that succeeded did so for a reason. Success or failure do not
happen in a vacuum. Neither "just happens."
The problems are often caused by a lack of dedication or love as some try to
simply do as little as possible. Others simply put off needful changes or
obligations. Sometimes it is a matter of ego. Some have failed because they have
allowed themselves to be deceived by others into believing something false. Some
have simply not taken the time to prepare for a successful life of true faith.
There are actually seven statements made by Jesus in Revelation 2 and 3
concerning overcoming. We have quoted the seventh and final statement above. The
message of the book is that the enemies of the cross would fall, and the
faithful overcomer would endure forever.
First note that Jesus overcame first. We have good reason to have confidence in
His ability and promises. Jesus was victorious over temptation and sin and even
death. As a result of Jesus' overcoming, He is seated on the throne of God, next
to the Father with His eternal glory restored. He invites us to overcome through
Him and join Him there!
We need to be honoring the King today! Sometimes it is disheartening to see the
evils which plague the world. It seems so powerful and pervasive. Do not be
despondent or hopeless even when the time seems dark. It seemed that way when
these words in Revelation were first written too. In fact, that is why they were
written; to encourage faithfulness during dark times. We are assured that
victory belongs to our king (Revelation 17:14). We honor the king by submitting
to Him (1 Timothy 6:13-16). There is no other way to honor the Lord than to do
with diligence what He bids us do.
Jesus invites us to join Him. Our exaltation will come after we have trusted the
Lord. He is at the door inviting you to come join Him on the throne (Revelation
3:20). "What do you need? A personal invitation?" OK... you have one! Paul said,
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Jesus has shown us the
way. But this is not something to be casual about. Overcoming by faith means
being steadfast, diligent and dedicated. Faithful Christians today live in hope.
It is to those who overcome that Jesus promises access to the tree of life and
that the second death will not hurt them. He also promises hidden manna and a
white stone. And He promises authority over the nations, and the morning star.
He promises white garments to those who's names remain in the book of life and
that He will speak for us in that final hour when no other friend will do. What
a privilege it is to wear His name today, and to be a pillar in the heavenly
dwelling of God. And, finally, we will be permitted to sit down with Him on His
throne. What wonderful hope these things symbolize! It is the hope that belongs
to those who "overcome"!
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 9.11; November 2002
