The most profound truth that I have learned through this study and through all your insight, is that Christ is on the Throne. Christ is present, active, moving and involved in everything in heaven and on earth. There is an amazing King present on the throne that watches over our lives, has power to protect, and has sovereignty to judge justly. Not only is he present, but he is mighty in greatness and power.
As DJ puts it "The imagery tells us that we are, after all, dealing with Someone terribly awesome. The God who calls us into his presence, who calls us to himself, who invites us into tender intimacy is, after all, bigger than the whole universe, more massively powerful than anything we have ever known" (p.135).
This past month or so has been difficult and pressing for me. Most of my absences in writing has been due to circumstances of overloading on school, investing in various ministries, and grieving the loss of a family member. These circumstances have left me in a state of survival mode. The weight of stress has been pressing on and closing in around me. But I have been so deeply reminded that. . . Christ is on the Throne. As much as I feel the weight of stress on my shoulders, I do not feel like I am carrying it alone. I have been stressed many a time, but never have I felt like someone else is present in it with me. Its honestly as if Christ is relieving the weight to make it bearable. Despite the stress, I am learning to depend on Christ...and through it I have this amazing peace that Christ will work it out in time and in His will. He is on the Throne...present, involved, sovereign, powerful, trustworthy, loving...
" Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory". Colossians 3:1-4
This verse has reminded me this week that we must continually remember that Christ is on the throne. Let us keep our hearts and minds on things above; where we know Christ is seated on the throne, where we know He is the lamb worthy to open the scroll, where we know He is the center of all things, where we know that elders, creatures and heavenly angels will never cease to give Him praise. Let us focus on this reality and truth, rather then the circumstances, pains, pressures, insecurities, and worries of this earthly life. Focusing on things above helps to see the truth of who Christ is for us...He is big, mighty, sovereign, but also loving, sacrificial, and desiring of our hearts. He is the lion and the lamb.
One last thing, I have been really moved by the song "Revelation Song". I've loved it before, but through reading this study it has really come alive. Listen and enjoy. I am blessed by you all....
Grace and Peace
Stef, you are such a blessing. I don't even know what else to say, except that. I love standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you... and yes... "doing life" with you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the link to Revelation song - such a perfect, poignant end to my day :)