The overbooking of seats and maltreatment of a passenger on a popular airline recently had me thinking about something. Have you ever had great seats on a plane? I had a friend who worked for an airline company and once bumped us up to first class! Great seats usually come at a great price. What is the best seat you’ve ever had at a concert, sporting event, or plane ride? Think about this: Jesus has the best seat in the universe – at the right hand of God. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Seated at the right hand of God”? It’s a phrase in the Bible reserves exclusively for Jesus and occurs at least eleven times ((Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62, 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 8:1, 10:12, and 12:2). Four other times Jesus was “at the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33, 5:31; Romans 8:34; and 1 Peter 3:22). Once Jesus was “standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56). Whether seated or standing, the right hand of God seems to the ultimate position of power and authority. It’s a phrase found numerous times in the Old Testament symbolizing God’s power (Psalm 89:13), protection (Psalm 16:8), presence (Psalm 16:11), salvation (Psalm 60:5), victory (Psalm 18:35), triumph (Exodus 15:6), mighty works (Psalm 45:4), and judgment (Lamentation 2:4).
Sitting doesn’t sound very heroic. Why is Jesus seated anyway? Shouldn’t He be doing something? Jesus sat down because His work was finished – complete (Hebrews 10:10). There wasn’t a seat in the temple for the priest to sit down as they continually worked but could not forgive sin (Hebrews 10:11). Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14) Whose once-for-all sacrifice on the cross was final (Hebrews 10:12). Jesus didn’t need to do anything else for our atonement from sin so He sat down. When He was on the cross He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying His complete atoning of sin. His sitting is actually a perfect picture of a King who has conquered everything. Jesus is the King of Kings and His seat at God’s right hand signifies His matchless authority. What is Jesus doing at God’s right hand? Hebrews 7:25 says He forever lives to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Jesus. That’s right – Jesus is praying to God on our behalf. So think about this again: God, who is all-powerful, victorious, and miraculous, is in constant side-by-side contact with Jesus who fully defeated death, hell, and sin on the cross. Jesus never stops talking to God about you and me!
Not only is Jesus seated at God’s right hand we are seated with Him. That’s right, there’s a seat waiting for you as well. According to Paul, God “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:5-6). When you repent and trust in Christ as your Savior you are seated with Him! Where are we seated with Jesus? In the throne room of God! Because Jesus was raised from the dead we too are raised to walk in a new life (Romans 6:4). Because Jesus ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father we too are seated with Him. We too are in the glorious throne room of grace. Now, “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Because we are in Him we are also where He is! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
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stephenrharrison
Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.
STEPHEN R HARRISON 
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