Sitting On My Father's Lap

You’ll have to follow my train of thought while reading this blog. I get to my point eventually, I promise!

Throughout the New Testament, there are several Scriptures about Jesus in heaven sitting or standing at Father’s right hand.

In Matthew 26, Jesus is on trial before the high priest Caiaphas. Caiaphas says to Jesus, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus responds, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

In Acts, Stephen has given his defense and is about to be stoned to death by those convicted of his words. Chapter 7, verse 55 says, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” A young man named Saul witnessed Stephen’s vision.

Father then came to Saul, spoke with him and changed his name to Paul. The Apostle Paul was the most prolific writer of the New Testament. In Colossians, Paul writes about holiness and encourages his readers to put on their “new self.” Colossians 3:1 says, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Close your eyes for a moment and try to get a picture of what that would like to you. Do you picture God and Jesus sitting next to each other on thrones, surrounded by seraphim and the elders? I will admit that I have always imagined this scene with two thrones. After seeing some things in Scripture, the picture has changed for me!

Revelations 4 describes the scene in heaven (verse 2) as “…behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.” The throne is singular in nature, and in this section of Scripture John describes Father’s appearance on the throne. Then in chapter 5, verse 5, John continues with his vision: “In the middle of the throne with the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain…” Here Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, is standing in the midst of the throne, again singular.

Now, here is the really awesome part!!! Revelation 2 and 3 are messages from Jesus to the seven churches. Take a look with me at Revelation 3:21. I want to break this verse down into phrases:

“He who overcomes” - this is a challenge given to each church and the promise that accompanies it in 2:7 says we will be restored into the perfect fellowship that existed before sin entered the world

“I will grant to him” – Webster’s dictionary defines the word grant, in this sentence a verb, as the following: “to permit as a right, privilege or favor.” Whatever follows this phrase is given to us as a right for overcoming sin, for being in a love relationship with Father.

“to sit down with Me on My throne” – remember, this is a singular throne. Here Jesus is saying we will encompass the same space He will encompass on His throne. 2 Timothy 2:12a says, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”

“as I also overcame” – the reminder that we can be holy as Jesus was holy. Jesus was perfect and overcame every temptation Satan threw at Him. We too can live without sin as we are perfected in Father’s holiness. Here is a powerful quote I wrote down at a recent revival service: “During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He said to those who followed Him, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ and ‘Does anyone judge you? No? Then neither do I. Go and sin no more.’ Jesus lived to forgive sins, but He died to solve the problem of our sin nature, to create the possibility of a holy life.” – Pastor Dan Bohi

“and sat down with My Father on His throne” – This is my new insight! Jesus overcame and occupied the same physical space as Father on this singular throne. If we overcome, we will occupy the same physical space as Jesus on this singular throne, which is the same physical space Father occupies. If we love Father, and if we trust Father, and if we obey Father and overcome sin, could it be possible that we will actually be able to sit in Father’s lap?

Whew! That thought alone makes me laugh out loud, excited to be His daughter and committed to overcoming, through His power!

Are you overcoming? Don’t you want more than anything to sit on your Heavenly Father’s lap and feel His love pouring through you as He says, “Well done”?