HOW INDIFFERENCE AFFECTS JESUS "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" (Rev 3:21). -- Tomorrow:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Rev 3:14-22)
Devotion 18 of 20
THE STAGGERING PROMISE, #1
As you might expect, one of the greatest promises is given to one of the most unworthy assemblies. Jesus does not give it to the assembly as such, but to anyone within that assembly, or the world itself, that has an "ear to hear" and will open the door to Him. There is no reason why it cannot be the entire assembly, but Jesus will not hold back the benefit because of a small number! If you are waiting for the rest of the people to join you, wait no longer. Take hold of the promise yourself! "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" (NASB).
See with what consistency Jesus speaks: "He who overcomes!" He has thus spoken to all seven churches (2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21), and He will again speak to them collectively in this manner (21:7). Overcoming is everything! It is the line of demarcation between the utterance of the promises and obtaining them! It is the acid-test of worthiness, the ultimate work of faith, and the final evidence of an "honest and good heart." If we do not overcome, it makes no difference what else we may or may not have done.
And what kind of promise will Jesus make to this lukewarm assembly? How will He draw them into the area of blessing? To those who have vacillated, lingering between two opinions – those who have been unassertive in their profession, being neither hot nor cold – Jesus delivers a promise of staggering proportions. It is designed to awaken them to an aggressive and valiant fight of faith. Hear it again. "He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne" (RSV).
This is being a "joint heir with Christ" and "reigning with Christ" (Rom 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12). This transcends anything ever conceived by men. Once, the mother of James and John requested that her sons be seated, "one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom" (Matt 20:21, NKJV). Although this was the highest honor she could conceive, Jesus replied, "to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father" (Matt 20:23), thereby discouraging any such request.
Jesus did promise the Apostles, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt 19:28). Although that is an astonishing promise, Jesus rises still higher in His commitment to the one who overcomes. Up to this time, the reigning of the saints of God has generally been related to the judgment itself, i.e., judging men and angels (1 Cor 6:21-2), judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt 19:28), enemies falling at our feet to acknowledge Jesus loved us (Rev 3:9), and having "power over the nations" (Rev 2:26-27). Here, however, we project out into eternity – a reign of endless duration.
Now, Jesus is sitting with the Father in His throne mediating the New Covenant, "bringing many sons to glory," and waiting until His enemies "be made His footstool" (Heb 9:15; 2:10; 10:13). That throne is not shared by the redeemed now. Having "destroyed" the devil (Heb 2:14), "spoiled principalities and powers" (Col 2:15), "put away sin" (Heb 9:28), and shattered the gates of death (Acts 2:24-27), Jesus returned to heaven to sit in His Father's throne. From that station He is governing the affairs of this world in the interest of His elect. He is doing so because He "overcame" everything and everyone that sought to deter Him from His mission. All competing interests were subdued, and all enemies crushed. Now He dispenses "mercy and grace to help in the time of need" (Heb 4:15-16) to those making the pilgrimage from earth to glory. Yet, He holds out the promise that those who "overcome" will be granted the privilege of sitting with Him in His throne. Let your mind ponder the magnitude of that promises, and see how it utterly dwarfs all worldly fame, recognition, and honor.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to focus more on Your exceeding great and precious promises.