Throughout my travels in Africa and Asia, I was an invited guest in many homes. And whenever I arrived at the home of my host, he stood up to greet me. This seems to be a universal courtesy—the only exception being that an elderly or highly regarded individual might remain seated.
When Jesus ascended to heaven, the Scriptures declare that He was "seated on the right hand of the throne of God” (Mark 16:19; Heb 1:3). Today, Jesus is still seated. But wait! While being stoned to death, Stephan looked up and saw Jesus STANDING on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). And to the church at Laodicea, Jesus spoke “I STAND at the door, and knock” (Rev 3:20).
So which is it? Is Jesus SITTING or STANDING? And why should it matter to us?
SITTING is a position of rest—and you don’t rest until you’ve finished your work. (God rested on the 7th day after finishing His work.) Jesus is sitting because His work is done. That is important to us.
STANDING is a waiting and working posture. While Jesus’ work of salvation is done, as long as you and I remain in this world, His work in us and through us continues: we are not finished. Think about it: though the King of the Universe is seated on His throne, He chooses to stand with us, doing His work with you, for you, through you, and in you, so you can STAND firm in your faith (1 Cor. 16:13). It is very important for us to remember that we do not stand alone.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteAlso of note is the fact that standing from a seated position is often a sign of excitement and anticipation. Is it possible that Jesus stands to His feet when He sees us just about to overcome what the enemy thought would do us in? And then He sits back down, points His approving figner at us and tells the angels, "Now THAT's what I'm talking about!"
We could do that...couldn't we?
Stan
One of things I didn't write is one commentary said Jesus could not remain seated while his beloved servant Stephan was being martyred. So Jesus "jumps" up and stands to welcome Stephan into heaven. Yes, I agree with you... Jesus sits back down with great satisfaction.
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