A Revelation Invitation

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: …

“‘The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’” (Revelation 3:14a,21)

Have your ever declared to a friend, “If I were president, here’s what I would do”? Or have you thought to yourself, “If I ran this department, I would get this place running right.”? Well, that is exactly the opportunity Jesus presents in his promise above. If we conquer, if we overcome, we will rule over his creation with him. He will share his authority with us that we may manage his creation and administer his realm on earth with justice, righteousness and peace. Imagine a world run by the people of God rather than the forces of darkness. We would flourish. The weak would be given strength. The enslaved would be set free. The oppressed would be lifted up. Wouldn’t we love to be the agents through whom God accomplishes this?

That is Jesus’ promise! It’s his promise to those who conquer, that is, who witness in spite of the risks to their personal well-being. It’s a promise of fellowship with the Lord and of his glory conferred on us. Who are you and I to contemplate such an esteemed position and responsibility, to exercise such unassailable power and authority, to claim such intimate fellowship and partnership with the creator God high above all earthly rulers and worldly powers? How audacious to even imagine those prospects. Yet, Jesus made this promise to the forgotten of history, the ignored classes, the menial poor and the slaves who despite their weakness and low station in life bore witness to the one who himself bore witness to his heavenly father.

This victory comes to us by way of Jesus’ own victory, not because of our paltry accomplishments, talents or abilities. We are victorious over sin and death only because of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus said, “I will grant him” indicating that this promise is his gift. It is through grace that we have such prospects. Let us faithfully bear witness to Jesus that we may sit with him on his throne forever.

Lord Jesus, your promises are wonderful. This promise to sit with you on your throne is particularly sweet. I look forward to sharing your rule, working with you toward your aims of a good and just world full of love and peace. Until that day I will work toward those goals serving you and your creation and everyone who even now lives under your sovereign rule. Amen.