January 14, Revelation 4
A friend of mine tells about a time when he told a counselor, “My life is out of control!” The counselor, who was wise and godly, told my friend, “It’s good you can recognize and admit that! When you stop trying to control it, and turn it over to God, he can do something with it.”
Do you sometimes feel like your life is out of control? Maybe you’ve been through a season of adversity when it seemed you had no control over what was happening. We learn from an early age about authority and who’s in charge. At home, at school, at work—we live under authority, answering to someone who is in control.
I don’t know the significance of all the signs and images in this highly symbolic book. I’m a little wary of people who emphatically claim they do know. But I do find phrases that encourage me, give me hope and strengthen my faith. One such phrase is in this portion, where John says “a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.”
Persecuted Christians through the ages have found comfort in these words, especially when they suffered at the hands of abusive authority. The first readers certainly knew that experience, as people still do today in places where Christians still suffer and even die for their confession of Christ. Imagine the encouragement of reading that the throne, the seat of ultimate power in the universe, is in heaven and occupied by the holy, Almighty Lord.
If you’re blessed to live in a place where the authorities protect your right to follow Jesus, rejoice in that blessing and give thanks. But remember your brothers and sisters who are subject to arrest, torture and execution for nothing more than believing in Jesus. Pray for them, and allow their courage to motivate you to see God on the throne.
Trust that God is on the throne when it seems wrong is prevailing and the wicked are getting ahead. If you’re pacing and wringing your hands about matters beyond your control, imagine the Lord on his throne. He’s not pacing up and down or wringing his hands; he’s in charge.
When you’re tempted to do it your own way and disregard God’s will for your life, remember who’s sitting on the throne in heaven. Is he also sitting on the throne in your heart? We should fall down and worship in awe, creatures before the Creator’s throne.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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