I love theology. The word literally means “the study of God” which is a lofty aspiration indeed. It would be the highest form of presumption if God Himself did not initiate the pursuit. The fact that God desires to be known and loved never ceases to stun me. He is humble beyond human comprehension - a fact which must remain at the forefront of our theology.
There are many truths about God which defy human comprehension. He exists without beginning or end. He possesses unlimited power. He speaks and worlds come into existence. He is more compassionate, more just, more powerful, more loving than any person; yet we are made in His image. He has made us in His image so that we might known Him; but His reality transcends our own. We cannot grasp His nature purely through reason. We must rely on revelation. And when our logic conflicts with God’s self-revelation, that revelation must take precedent. If we forget this truth, doctrine can dull our ears. Our own assumptions about what God would do in a certain situation can become barriers to seeing God in action. I think this is why Jesus often calls to His audience, “He who has an ear, let him hear!”
I confess that I usually assume that I among those who hear. After all, I am a believer. I have heard decades of sermons. I know how different schools of thought fit Jesus’ words neatly into their theologies. But recently I have begun to realize I have not always heard what Jesus is saying to the churches. At times my own theology has presented a good answer to the wrong question.
Take for example the story where James and John ask to sit at Jesus’ right hand in the coming kingdom. (Mark 10:37, Matt 20:21). Most preachers say that James and John were asking the wrong question. I have heard countless sermons on how James and John did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom was a different kind of kingdom, a purely spiritual kingdom. The implications of that statement can vary, but essentially they all miss the point that Jesus never says James and John asked a bad question. Rather, Jesus affirms the disciples’ theology by saying that there will be a day when flesh and blood friends sit on His right and left - but His Father will decide who those people are. In fact, Jesus’ own teaching likely prompted this question, for just a few verses earlier in Matthew Jesus tells His disciples.
“Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” - Matt 19:28
Jesus ddid not rebuke James and John for their ambition. Rather, He asked if they were prepared to receive the kind of baptism He must undergo. They responded with a resounding “Yes!” and I believe Jesus smiled with great love and sorrow at that moment, for the Spirit showed Him that James and John would, indeed, be baptized with fire. The other ten disciples were indignant with James and John for their questions, but rather than rebuking the two daring ones, Jesus instructed all twelve on how to become great rulers in the resurrection. He told them they must become servants of all. Only the truly humble can be vested with power in God’s Kingdom.
My theology warmly embraces a certain find of self-effacing humility. I know Jesus wants us to be servants, to not think more highly of ourselves than we should, etc. But does He really want us to reign with Him? Is ruling with Jesus a position to which an ordinary housewife should aspire? The very thought makes me tremble. It seems proud and stressful. However, Jesus bids me to listen carefully. Listening and believing is true humility.
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Rev 3:21-22
The truth which I am coming to grasp is that Jesus wants to share His throne! If this is what He desires, then I need to hear what He has to say on the subject. I should eagerly make myself ready by serving others and welcoming the baptism of fire.
One morning last month I had a wonderful encounter with Jesus during my prayer time. In my mind’s eye, I could see Jesus looking out over the Kingdom which He is preparing for His Bride - the New Jerusalem where He will reign. Unlike John, I could see no details. I simply felt the expanse. It is a broad and beautiful land He is making ready. I heard Him whisper in my ear, “You know, I will need help.”
In that moment, my heart finally embraced the governmental duties of the Bride. Ruling with Him in eternity may not be so very different from the way I serve my husband in this life. Here in the present, Thomas and I share a calling and vision. We pull together to perform the work God has given our family. In pursuit of that calling, I have authority to spend money, invite guests, make rules, initiate projects and teach. Thomas needs me to rule this house with him. It gives him joy for me to serve others in this place. For my part, it gives me joy to serve him and walk together in the administration of this tiny slice of the Kingdom. Can you imagine how happy Jesus will be when we rule with Him in the world to come?
“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Rev. 2:26, 29