Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
You May Be Seated
Have you ever attended a wedding when the minister forgot to tell the audience to be seated? I have and it was terribly awkward. We continued to stand because we were patiently waiting to hear, “Please be seated,” but the appropriate moment came and went and there we stood, uncomfortable and annoyed. Finally, the minister noticed and gave us permission to sit. I’ve been involved in enough weddings and funerals to write a bizarre book. Just when I think I’ve seen and heard it all, I find out I haven’t. Americans should be used to standing in line (and maybe we are) but I don’t think we like it. A lady who lived to be over 100 years old was asked what her secret to longevity was. She answered, “I never stood when I could sit, and I never sat when I could lay down.”
In the natural, believers are living on the earth being the hands and feet of Jesus. But at the same time (in the spiritual realm) we are seated with Christ because we are united with Him. We’re to be loving examples of God’s favor and kindness because of what He has done for us through His Son. “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that…He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us…as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT).
We have a tendency to be so focused and involved in the busyness and stress of life that we completely forget where we are in the heavenly realm. No matter what negative or challenging situations we’re in, we must remember that we have the privilege to be at rest. Many occupations require individuals to be on their feet for the entire shift. We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve been on my feet all day — I’ve simply got to sit down!” Spiritually speaking, God in His mercy has provided a comfortable and relaxing place for His children to sit down. We can stand in the natural while being seated in the Spirit.
However, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Recently, my friend Carie and I were seated at a table at the local coffee house when another church friend approached to say “hello.” At least twice I offered him the extra seat, but he politely refused to accept it. Jesus has a chair just for you, but it’s your choice to accept or reject it. Why wear yourself out by standing on your own two feet when you don’t have to? Being at rest and seated with Christ is an inclusive privilege when we are truly united with Him.
I suspect there are a large number of Christ followers who are refusing to be seated next to Jesus. By either not knowing any better or just plain stubbornness, we reject the rest that is rightfully ours. In the midst of our struggles we often overlook and miss the open seat that’s available to us. Why in the world would we refuse the peace we so desperately need when our feet and heart are crying out for mercy? We can choose to accept the comfort of resting in Him. When we’re seated next to Christ, we’re set free from the stress and troubles that are beyond our control. Are you going to trust Jesus to be big enough to love on you and take care of you? Why stand alone when you can sit together?
The Key: Let’s get off our feet and take our seat.