7 Promises for those who Overcome

#6. Permanent Pillar & Presence.

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12.

The longer we walk with Jesus the more we discover that we cannot be a follower without the help of Jesus. There is not only an enemy of our souls but also our brokenness to contend with. However, Jesus speaks to the 7 Churches in Asia Minor saying ‘for those who overcome’ there is a reward. This, therefore, means that it is possible to overcome such forces and failings. What we learn is that we cannot overcome on our own, we must allow Christ to rise in our hearts and strengthen our inner person by His Spirit. Therefore Paul encourages us with a truth he has experienced: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)

A Permanent Place in God’s Presence

When we encounter the presence of God in a significant way we often do not want to leave that place. Our hearts and souls remember those times almost bidding us to find the place again. As the psalmist writes “my soul longs, even faints, for courts of the LORD” (Ps84:2). In today's reading, we see the promise for those that endure ‘shall go out from the presence of God no more’. Jesus is promising permanent access. The promise to those who overcome is they are integrated into the fabric of the Temple of the presence of God

A Permanent Pillar

I remember going to the ancient Roman town of Jerash in Jordan. All that was left were magnificent pillars that once held up buildings. They now are the only thing left of the city. The pillars remain strong to this day.

In Jesus’ letter to the Church in Philadelphia (Turkey), Jesus reveals another promise for those who remain faithful and overcome opposition. They would become a pillar! The region of Philadelphia was troubled by many earthquakes. The pillars that were built to support the buildings there were 5×5 meters wide. Those pillars could withstand quakes; they were immovable.

Jesus uses the language and imagery that speaks most closely to our experience. However, Jesus is pointing us to the image of the Temple of God. When Solomon was building the Temple there were a series of huge pillars made to be the backbone of the building. (1 Kings 7:15-22). According to Hebrews the Temple/Tabernacle on earth is a reflection of the perfect and heavenly Temple/Tabernacle.

Two of these pillars were given a special name: Jakin and Boaz. Jakin probably means ‘he establishes’ and Boaz probably means ‘in him is strength’. Here we see these pillars had enough significance to have names. Could it be that Jesus, as we resist the devil and his schemes, builds within us strength and establishes us in His household? I think so!

Jesus said to Peter “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31-32) We can be assured of Jesus in this process of resisting. In this, we become a pillar that can also strengthen, bear, and be a support for others. You will be a useful tool for God

Jesus’ Holy Graffiti

The New Jerusalem is the bride of Christ. (Revelation 21:2,9-11) By Jesus writing on you the name of God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and His own new name, Jesus is claiming you as His own! It is a sign of belonging. When you have fought against sin, endured, and overcome it, just as He did when He was flesh and blood like us here in this world, then you belong together with Jesus and His Father.

Jesus will mark you as belonging together with Him and His Father! Think how you will rejoice when you find yourself in eternity, dwelling together with them forever!

Have a blessed week.

Fraser