The Overcomer

The Overcomer

Read: Revelation 2:1–3:22

“To him who overcomes . . . ”

Revelation 2:7

“God never gives us a responsibility, a load, or a burden without also giving us the ability to be victorious.”

—Bill Bright

IN WORD Jesus says this phrase, or something very much like it, seven times in His words to the seven churches in the second and third chapters of Revelation. It can be a terrible burden for a believer to read such an imperative and to know the odds against fulfilling it. Apparently, there is an awful lot of overcoming to do. We just don’t have the resources, the strength, or the wisdom. Yet Jesus’ command remains. Each member of each church is promised glorious privileges if he or she overcomes, but the implication is that all privileges will be lost if we lack the ability to do so.

Shall we despair over this? Not ultimately. The answer comes much later in the book. Revelation 17:14 says: “The Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” We are not overcomers. He is. We can only be victorious—whatever the obstacle or threat happens to be—insofar as we are related to the Overcomer, the Lamb of the living God.

IN DEED We face intense struggles in our Christian life. Circumstances rise up against us, often orchestrated by a malicious enemy; our devotion to God is threatened by temptation, also orchestrated by that enemy in full cooperation with our frail flesh; and persecution is inevitable for those who stand faithful in Christ. How can we, in all of our weakness, overcome such massive obstacles? Our own track record certainly isn’t compelling evidence of a victorious nature within us. When we look at our natural capabilities, we will despair at the supernatural battle that comes against us.

Despair leads us to the right place. The answer cannot come from ourselves—we are too weak. Only those who are His “called, chosen and faithful followers” can survive. When Jesus says “To Him who overcomes,” He is telling us to rest faithfully in Him.