Despite the so called “Arab Spring” starting with fond hopes 4 years ago, the Middle East is falling apart.  And so is the Western hemisphere, including our unhappy love, the U.S.  Billy Graham said many years ago, that he had the privilege of meeting with many statesmen, and he sensed pessimism everywhere.  However, he also referred to the conclusion of the Book of Revelation and smiled, “There will be a happy end!”

At this juncture it´s still true that “He sits on the Throne” (Rev. 7:15), in fact the word “Throne” is mentioned 39 times in the Book of Revelation, the title of which is really “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1).  “The Lamb” is mentioned 28 times.

Up in Norway I remember the refrain of a popular gospel song which said, “God is still on the Throne”.  A dear friend of mine once asked the choir, “Why do you sing still? Do you fear that He will be dethroned?” They got his message and sang instead, “He´s on the Throne right now!”

The epistle to the Ephesians proclaims the gospel fact that not only is He on the Throne, but we, His redeemed saints, are “enthroned with Him” as the New English Bible so beautifully puts it (Eph. 2:6).  This is our position in Christ, nay the position of our spiritual battle.

I know this is being read by dear fellow saints who are in many kinds of battle right now.  And so am I. We should encourage one another to avail ourselves of that triumphant position and let our earthly conflicts, family sorrows, disappointments, our own defeats, the outrage of Satan, etc. be subjected to His Throne which He shares with us. Indeed, we may enthrone Him afresh “in the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3), i.e. also in our praises!

Dec. 29, 2014 - jn