Seated With Christ in Heavenly Places
From the heights, perspective changes. In Jesus, we see life from the heavenly places where we are seated with Him.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
T. Austin-Sparks draws our eyes to a breathtaking truth from Ephesians: Jesus was raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father, and we, by grace, have been raised up and seated with Him. This is not a distant promise but a present reality that the Holy Spirit longs to make alive in our hearts. It is one thing to read the words, but another to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened so that this reality becomes the lens through which we live. Sparks reminds us that this revelation is what frees and sustains us.
He points out that when we see Jesus as the Sovereign Head, exalted above all powers and authorities, something shifts within us. Petty differences lose their grip, pride and self-importance dissolve, and unity among God’s people takes root. Sparks is honest about the humbling effect of such a vision. Like Isaiah, when we see the Lord in His glory, we are brought low, stripped of self-glory, and prepared for consecration. Yet it is never to leave us in despair, but to lift us into the freedom and calling of our true identity in Christ.
The writer highlights that a true vision of Jesus’ supremacy not only brings humility but also consecration and vocation. Our lips are touched, our iniquity removed, and suddenly, our lives are available for God’s sending. Sparks helps us see that this process is not a burden but the natural outcome of seeing Jesus in His rightful place as Head. It is only when He has mastery as Head in our lives that unity, purpose, and peace can flourish.
We can thank T. Austin-Sparks for showing us that the exalted position of Jesus is not abstract theology but the heartbeat of the Christian life. To know we are seated with Him in the heavenly places, even now, is to rest in His triumph and to walk in His purpose. This is a call to live not from earth toward heaven but from heaven toward earth, abiding in the One who reigns over all.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, lift your eyes and see where you truly are. You are not bound to the dust of this world, for in My Son you have been raised and seated in heavenly places. This is not far off but present and real. I have given you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.
When you see Jesus as the exalted Head, pride loses its grip, and strife among My children fades. You were not made for self-direction or self-glory but for union with Him who is supreme. As you yield, I remove what hinders and consecrate you for My purposes.
Do not fear the humbling that comes with My vision. With humility comes consecration, and with consecration comes calling. When you see the glory of the risen Lord, you will hear My question, “Who will go for Us?” And your heart, freed and filled, will answer, “Here am I, send me.”
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:20-23, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 1:17-18, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 3:1-3, Isaiah 6:1-8, Philippians 2:9-11, John 15:5, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4-11, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a balcony view high above a busy street. From ground level, all you see is traffic, noise, and commotion. But when you step up onto the balcony, the chaos below looks smaller, and you can see patterns you never noticed before. The perspective changes everything.
In the same way, when I trust the Spirit of Jesus to remind me of my true position with Him in the heavenly places, the noise of daily life loses its power to overwhelm. I can say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, from where I am seated with You.” That perspective frees me to respond in peace, humility, and unity, no matter what swirls around me.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am seated with You in the heavenly places. You are far above all powers and authorities, and in You I share that victory. I rejoice that pride, fear, and division lose their grip when I see You as the Head. Thank You that in You I live not in striving, but in rest. My life is consecrated to You, and I walk in the assurance that You are living through me today.