Ruling with Jesus: The Promise of Authority and Victory

Sitting on the Throne with Jesus: A Promise of Victory and Authority

In the book of Revelation, Jesus makes a remarkable promise to the church in Laodicea. He says, "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 3:21). This promise is not to be taken lightly. It is a promise to all believers who persevere in their faith until the end, despite the trials and temptations they may face.

So what does it mean to sit on the throne with Jesus? It means that we will share in the rule of the universe. Just as Jesus sits on the throne of God the Father, we will sit on the throne of the Son of God. This signifies the right and authority to rule all things. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" (1 Corinthians 15:25). Therefore, when Jesus promises us to sit on his throne, he is promising us a share in his rule over all things.

But what does it mean for us to rule alongside Jesus? In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul writes, "He put all things under [Christ's] feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Here, Paul is referring to the church as the "fullness of him who fills all." This means that the universe will be filled with the glory of the Lord, and one aspect of that glory is the complete extension of his rule everywhere.

In other words, we, the church, are the means through which Jesus fills the universe with his rule. We are the ones who will carry out his authority and power. We rule on his behalf, by his power, and under his authority. In this sense, we sit with him on his throne. It is a remarkable privilege and responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

However, many of us do not fully grasp the significance of this promise. It seems too good to be true, too amazing to comprehend. That's why Paul prays for God's help in Ephesians 1:18, that "the eyes of your hearts [would be] enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you." Without God's help, we cannot truly understand and appreciate the wonder of what we are destined to become.

Imagine the impact this promise should have on our lives. If we truly believe that we will rule with Jesus, how would it change the way we live? How would it affect our priorities, our decisions, and our relationships? The promises of Scripture are not meant to be mere intellectual knowledge, but truths that transform us from the inside out.

When we grasp the reality of this promise, it changes our perspective on the world. The things that once seemed important and valuable lose their allure. The pleasures and temptations that once captivated us lose their power. We begin to see the world through the lens of eternity, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to rule alongside our Savior.

So how can we live in light of this promise? How can we begin to embrace our role as co-rulers with Jesus? It starts with surrendering our lives to him completely. We must acknowledge his authority and submit to his rule in every area of our lives. We must seek his guidance and wisdom in our decision-making, knowing that he has the ultimate authority and power.

Furthermore, we must cultivate a deep intimacy with Jesus. We cannot rule with him if we do not know him intimately. This requires spending time in his presence, studying his Word, and seeking his face in prayer. As we draw near to him, he will reveal himself to us in greater measure, and we will begin to understand the depth of his love and the greatness of his power.

In addition, we must live lives that reflect the character of our King. If we are to rule with Jesus, we must embody his love, grace, and righteousness. This means living lives of holiness and obedience, seeking to honor him in all that we do. We must be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of his kingdom and to serve others with humility and compassion.

Finally, we must remember that our authority and power come from Jesus alone. We are not to rule in our own strength or for our own glory. We are to rule on his behalf and for his glory. Our ultimate goal is not to exalt ourselves, but to exalt him and to see his kingdom advanced in the world.

In conclusion, the promise to sit on the throne with Jesus is a staggering and awe-inspiring truth. It is a promise of victory and authority for all who persevere in their faith. As believers, we have the incredible privilege of ruling alongside our Savior, carrying out his authority and power. May we embrace this promise and live in light of our destiny as co-rulers with Jesus, bringing glory and honor to his name.