The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Overcomer Is the True Christian, #7

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 4:8)

The "six wings" remind us that on the sixth day God created man in His image, giving him authority and power over the works of God's hands. Man, when he has been created in Christ's image and filled with Christ, will be given rulership over the creation.

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:7)

The "lion" is the quality of courage that enables the overcomer to rule. The first group in the "lake that burneth with fire and sulfur" is made up of the fearful, the timid.

Fear is one of Satan's chief weapons against the righteous. Joshua had to be reminded continually not to fear (Joshua, Chapter One). God has not given us the spirit of cowardice but of "power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

The overcomer must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power, putting on the whole armor of God so he may be able to stand against the strategies of the adversary.

Faith and fear are opposites. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Fear leads to defeat and bondage. In order to be victorious we must have the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" formed and dwelling in us.

The "calf" (ox—Ezekiel 1:10) speaks of that which serves and nourishes. The calf nourished God (Genesis 18:7) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:23). Elisha plowed with twelve yoke of oxen, and then took one yoke and "gave to the people, and they did eat" (I Kings 19:21). First the oxen served, and then were offered for the needs of the people.

So it is that the victorious saint is a servant, and his service is sacrificial. Sometimes we attempt to serve the Lord in such a manner that we profit from our service. This is not difficult to do but it is not accepted of God. The Lord is looking for those who are willing to be brought to a place of service that is costly, in that they are not profiting but are serving without hope of reward in this life (except for the reward of pleasing the Lord and being accepted by Him).

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. (II Samuel 24:24)

"That which cost me nothing."

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Philippians 2:17)

When it is easy and pleasant to do so, many serve the Lord. But the victorious saints are willing to serve the Lord in pain and frustration to the point of death. This is one of the principal differences between the defeated believers and the conquering saints.

To be continued.