We have been working through a series on the book of Revelation. This book of the Bible can be difficult to understand for a variety of reasons, so we are taking it slow and studying it bit by bit together.
As we finish our study of the seven letters to the churches in Chapters 2 and 3, it’s important to remember that the seven churches represent all churches; every church fits into one of the seven types described by Jesus. Also in each letter, Jesus made a promise to believers who stay strong in their faith; these promises apply to all believers throughout time.
The last promise Jesus made in the letters to the churches is in Chapter 3, verse 21. “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”
Next week, we will begin to study Chapter 4 of Revelation, a pivotal part of the text that draws us deeper into the divine revelation. John will be told to “come up” to heaven. During the initial chapters of Revelation, Jesus guides John through a series of revelations that are meant to encourage and instruct the various churches. In Chapter 4, Jesus tells John to come to the throne room in heaven, a magnificent and awe-inspiring experience where God’s glory is fully manifested. This is the same throne that Jesus talked about in His promise to all believers when He stated, “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” This promise to be in the presence of Jesus’ divine authority serves as a powerful reminder of the hope that awaits believers. Just as John was invited into this heavenly reality, we have an invitation of our own; beckoning us to deeper communion with the divine and a fuller understanding of the heavenly promises that lie ahead.
Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus. Thank you for our churches. Thank You for the wisdom that we have in the Bible. Lord, help us to apply Your Word in our everyday lives. Lord, help us to study Revelation and give us understanding. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
