What does it mean when we say "God is on the throne"? The date John wrote Revelation is debatable but one thing we can establish with certainty is that it was a period when the church faced tremendous difficulty and persecution. There was a rise in the Imperial Cult, where Emperors demanded to be worshipped and confessed as "lord." Christians were exiled and executed. To add to the burden was the heresies that entered the church through false teachers. THERE WERE MANY TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES THAT THREATENED THE FAITH OF EARLY CHRISTIANS, MANY OF WHICH WE MAY NEVER SEE IN OUR LIFETIME. In this visionary experience of John, Heaven is opened and he is brought before the dwelling place of God, and the very first thing he sees and the very first impression that engulfs him, is a THRONE set in heaven. This throne would go on to become the centerpiece of his apocalyptic vision and become a constant point of reference in everything John sees. 62 times in the NT the term “throne” is used – 47 times of the 62 times its referenced in the Book of Revelation. 36 times out of the 47 times John makes reference to this specific “throne” (in almost every chapter). HOWEVER, I want you to understand that John’s ruling fixation is not on an empty throne, but on the “One who sits on the throne”. The One who sits on His throne is Sovereign, All-powerful and infinitely wise! What does it mean that God is on the throne? We often say this at the risk of it becoming an empty platitude. IT MEANS THAT HISTORY IS NOT SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL! IT MEANS THAT GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER EVERY POWER AND OVER EVERY SITUATION REGARDLESS OF HOW DEVASTATING THINGS MANY LOOK! This is what it meant for John! When Rome had demonstrated itself to be terrifying force that threatened all that God had done in the lives of His people, John was reminded that there was a HIGHER THRONE than Rome's! This is your reminder this morning: FIX YOUR EYES ON THE ONE THAT SITS ON THE THRONE! The challenges and powers you're fighting against is no match or rival for the One who sits on His Throne!