“Authority Over Nations”
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Starting your first job straight out of college, it's unlikely you'll begin as the CEO of a big company. Most of us will start at the bottom of the totem pole, slowly working our way up the corporate ladder. But as Jesus closes his words to the saints in Thyatira in Revelation 2, he offers to fast-track them into upper management.
"The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father" (Rev. 2:26-27).
New Authority
Living for Christ means being "poor in spirit," "meek," and "persecuted." But as Jesus promised, the rewards for those lowly qualities on earth lead to a considerable advancement in eternity (Matt. 5:3-10). For victorious and faithful servants, Jesus promises a massive change of status in eternity!
We'll hear what those faithful stewards in Jesus' parable heard from their master: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt. 25:21). Are you ready to rule?
Strong Shepherding
Jesus' words echo those of the second Psalm: "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psalm 2:8-9). We will have authority over the nations, and our rule will come with the strength of a rod of iron.
This word for "rule" means to shepherd. While we typically think of a shepherd’s loving care, they were also strong— the authority over the sheep. We wield the message of Jesus in this world, which has the power to "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8-11).
But make no mistake, in this life, we're only doing our duty as unworthy servants (Luke 17:10). It's Jesus who promises to promote us someday if we keep his works until the end.
Authority Just Like Jesus
Doesn't it seem hard to imagine that God would grant us authority like he gave to Jesus? It's not the first time Jesus extended his power to others. As he told the disciples, "... As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. ... If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld" (John 20:21, 23).
May we all look forward to that day of promotion when we share in Christ’s victory and receive authority over the nations!
