“We will reign with Christ”

            One of the major themes of Revelation is that the prize to those who overcome is not only eternal life with Christ, but a co-reign with Christ as well (see Revelation 2:26-27, 3:21).  As the Messiah is given authority over the nations (see Psalm 2:8), here we see Jesus, who is the Messiah, sharing that authority with believers. 

            We are not given all of the details as to exactly how this will look, though some have built entire theologies around their speculations as to what this is about.  While we don’t know all of the specifics, one thing that we can say is that any authority that we might be given will be given through Christ himself.  The new heavens and earth, will be a world restored to the perfection of Eden, and we, in our glorified bodies, will fill it.  Just as Adam and Eve were given governorship of the world as stewards of God, so too, we will be Christ’s stewards over the world.  If we add much more we enter into the realm of speculation.

            What amazing gifts and blessings Jesus promises to his own!  Not only does he bless us and provide for us while we are here on earth, but he has prepared a land for us and has promised to shower us with blessings upon joining him in paradise.  Simply being in the presence of God is infinitely more than enough, but Jesus goes beyond our capacity to imagine and has prepared a city in which we may live blessedly with him forever!  And yet, at times, we begrudge him the praise he is due…

He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.

-Isaac Watts