Let Them Hear Part 3

     Last time we looked at the promises of eternal life and provision to those who overcome. Finally, let us look at:

The Promise of Purpose 

Revelation 2:26-29:
  "He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; ²⁷ and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; ²⁸ and I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

     Jesus promised overcomers in Thyatira that they would receive authority over the nations. He further explained that authority by using language from Psalm 2:9. Psalm 2 was used at the coronation of Israelite kings, yet is also foreshadowed the Messiah's coronation as the eternal King of kings. Thus, Jesus promised His faithful followers a role of tremendous authority in His coming kingdom. Overcomers will participate in Jesus' messianic rule over the nations. 

     Victorious believers will exercise the power of a shepherd, not that of a military conqueror. The Greek verb translated will shepherd refers literally to tending and guiding sheep. Thus, overcomers will find their authority not in the steel sword but in the sword of the Spirit, God's Word (see Ephesians 6:17). This is the same authority Jesus received from the Father and exercised during His time on earth. It is an authority that can shatter spiritual opposition as if it were brittle pottery.   

Jesus prayed in John 17:13-19:
   "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. ¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth."

Apply:  In what ways does the promise of a purpose in Christ's kingdom impact your view of the work you do today?

Serving Christ, Loving Others, and Growing Together,
Dr. Bryan Cox