Revelation—A Simple Book With A Simple MessageSample

God is on His Throne

The Greek word thronos shows up an astounding 46 times in Revelation. Most of the time, thronos is translated ‘throne,’ and in the vast majority, it underscores the reality of God’s sovereign rule over all things. No matter how bad and out of control things appear on earth, God is still in control. God is on His throne, and nothing threatens that rule.

Thronos appears in Revelation 2:13, and here it speaks of Satan’s throne, in Pergamos, on earth. Satan is no threat to the true seat of power. The next time thronos appears is in Revelation 3:21, where Jesus tells us something mind boggling: those who “overcome” as He “overcame” will be given an unthinkable reward, the reward of sharing His throne. 

Jesus stated the reality of this when He departed the earth: “All authority is given unto Me in heaven and on earth.” But Jesus left the earth and left us to be His faithful martyreo or witnesses. He sits on the throne of Heaven. Meanwhile, Satan still sits on an earthly throne of power. But only for a time. Jesus is coming back to take that throne. And when He does, He will invite His faithful martyreo to share the throne with Him.

What makes a faithful witness? One who obeys His commands? What is Jesus’ primary command? To love others. To serve with our gifts to the benefit of the Body. Jesus, the King, came to earth and exhibited the life of a servant. His faithful servants who demonstrate they are willing to serve others during this life when we live by faith are the ones He desires to rule the New Earth, where righteousness dwells. 

In the New Earth, no longer will those who are most adept at seizing power reign. In the New Earth, power will be granted to those who have been tested and proven to be faithful servants. 

Throughout the book of Revelation, disasters prevail—famine, war, and death among them. But none of these things surprise the One sitting on the Throne of Heaven. In fact, most of the time the disasters are authorized. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are granted authority. In Rev 6:2 we read, “Behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him.” Note that the authority was granted. The next rider sitting on a red horse is “granted” power to “take peace from the earth.” In each case, the actions on earth are authorized before they occur.

1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that the only temptations we are subjected to are the ones God allows into our lives. God never tempts us. But He does prevent us from enduring temptations we cannot resist. Nothing takes place unless God allows it to take place.

God exhorts us to be faithful, and endure difficulty. We can trust that He is in control, whether or not we can see how His ways are leading to our best. If we are faithful witnesses, we are pursuing our best, and nothing else comes close.