Cindy Powell

It was like a scene out of a fairytale. Finally, my prince had come.  But this was no ordinary prince, this was the Prince of Peace. Hand-in-hand we walked through a beautiful, lush garden, up to a magnificent arched entry.  Before we reached the ornate double doors, they opened before us.  With my trembling hand still held firmly in his grip, we walked down a corridor that seemed to go on forever.  Scores of angels lowered their wings and bowed their heads in reverence as we passed.  

At last, we reached the royal throne room–the place of his dwelling. It was beautiful beyond description. Clearly there was only One worthy to sit upon this throne. He let go of my hand and took his rightful place. Instinctively, I fell to my knees and bowed low before him.  Unashamed tears of love and gratitude began to flow freely. I wanted to kiss his feet and never stop. My heart longed to worship him in this place forever. 

Abruptly, he interrupted  me.  He extended his hand and gently lifted me to my feet. Then he did something completely unexpected.  Something I never anticipated. Something scandalous and outrageous. He motioned for me to sit down next to him … on his own throne!

What was he doing?! What was he thinking?! Didn’t he know who I was? Didn’t he know what I’d done?  Didn’t he remember where he found me?  How could he ask me to do such a thing?

It didn’t seem right. It didn’t feel right. But he would not relent.

Beloved, consider the heavenly host gathered around my throne. They worship me unceasingly. They do whatever I ask. They are faithful servants.  But I want more from you .

You have been created in my own image. I didn’t pay such a high price for your redemption just so you could sit at my feet. I love and accept your worship–and I always will–but I cherish your intimate friendship and partnership even more.  My longing isn’t for more servants; my longing is for a victorious bride who will rule and reign with me.  This is my heart’s desire. This is my reward.

It will forever be my unfathomable privilege to sit at his feet–to pour out my heart in worship from a position of humility and submission–but it is his desire to share his throne with an overcoming and victorious bride.  A bride willing to sit down beside him.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Heb.12:2

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” –Rev. 3:21

This is his reward.