The killing in Baghdad, Gaza, and other places of sad turmoil are not new. History records an incredibly long list of violence and bloodshed that every continent on Earth has experienced in the last six thousand years as men have vied for authority and power over territories and people. It is an ingrained part of the human experience. Even the most wonderful of history’s accounts - that of the birth of the baby Jesus - tells of a King who flew into a rage of fear and insecurity upon hearing of a baby who prophets had said would be born to reign. As a consequence, Herod had every boy up to two years of age in the region murdered (Matthew 2:16). The want of absolute power seems to be the human way.

What a stark contrast when we consider the throne of Jesus the King. Here we have a King with a host of others on thrones in his very seat of power (Revelation 4:2-11). We know that these “twenty four elders” and “four living creatures” are human beings because of the words of their song; “you have redeemed us by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). And we know that these are symbolic numbers rather than literal numbers because there are many more than twenty eight (24 + 4) tribes, nations, people groups and languages (any multiple of 12 in the Bible is almost invariably associated with rulership, and 4 represents the earth, as in, the four corners of the earth). And so here we have a King who has welcomed redeemed humans into his throne room to rule over the earth with him!

Any other King, President or Prime Minister would be looking over his or her  shoulder in fear of a usurper, but the scene is perfectly harmonious: how could this be? There are two reasons of which I can think. First of all, this is the King of whom the Bible says simply and emphatically, “is love”(1 John 4:8). And the Bible writer who gave us that statement, also tells us that “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18). And so here we have a perfectly secure King, possessing not even a hint of anxiety for his position.

Secondly, we should consider the human beings that are with him in that place. Remember, Jesus had made the promise that those who overcame he would grant to sit with him on his throne (Revelation 3:21). So, according to the context of that promise, these are not untested believers; rather they are those whose characters have been tried and proven. They are passionate for the cause of Christ (Revelation 3:15-16), fully dependant upon him (Revelation 3:17) and enjoying intimate fellowship with the Lord (Revelation 3:20). No threat there!

Whilst in Kansas City last year we heard Pastor Mike Bickle share his conviction that hundreds of thousands, if not, a few million, believers would overcome and reign with Christ in the Eternal Kingdom. But that this number would be considerably less than the billions who have received Christ as Saviour in history past, are presently believers, or will be saved in the great harvest of the earth to come.

A great error of many in the contemporary church is the belief that, once saved, all the believers are bound for the same destiny irrespective of the quality of their faith-life. A careful examination of the heavenly throne room scene tells us that this is not so. Whilst all who believe will inherit everlasting life, only those of a tried and victorious character - overcomers -  will reign with Christ. A second grave error is the failure of many modern preachers to proclaim the wonder and the warning of this awesome destiny promised to those who follow Christ with all their hearts. That may be a good part of the reason why some in our congregations seem so content to merely cruise.

This promise has always been a motivator for me. Quite bluntly, I want to be there! This is a forever deal! I’ve had as much reason as anyone to pull up a little on my passion for and commitment to Christ and his cause: offences from other believers, unanswered prayer, hurts in church, contradictions and crosses to bear, the death of our son. We’ve all had friends who have become complacent; but let’s be of different stuff. Let’s never sell ourselves short … let’s be kings (Revelation 5:10) … and let’s run after our King, the King of kings (Revelation 19:16), there is no other like him!