saying: "We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. saying: “We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty,The twenty-four elders worship before God’s throne as heaven announces the certainty of His coming kingdom. Gratitude rises because the Lord’s power is not distant or theoretical; He acts in history, judges evil, preserves His people, and fulfills every promise. Lord God Almighty declares His absolute rule over all creation, nations, rulers, and spiritual powers. The One worshiped by the redeemed is wholly able to accomplish His purposes. Psa 75:1 For the choirmaster: To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.”… the One who is and who was, God possesses eternal, unchanging being. He revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” and remains faithful through every generation. The omission of “who is to come,” found elsewhere in Revelation, accords with the scene: God’s reign has now moved into its openly manifested consummation. The eternal Lord has come in decisive judgment and kingdom authority. Rev 1:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia:… because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. God has always ruled sovereignly, yet the seventh trumpet announces the public establishment of His kingdom over the world. Human rebellion, oppressive kingdoms, and the apparent triumph of evil do not frustrate His rule. Daniel foresaw an everlasting dominion given to the Son of Man, and Revelation reveals its final realization through Jesus Christ, the King of kings. God’s reign brings judgment upon those who destroy the earth, reward for His servants, and the full vindication of His holy name. Psa 93:1 The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty;… Persons / Places / Events 1. Lord God AlmightyThis title emphasizes God's omnipotence and eternal nature. It reflects His supreme authority over all creation. 2. The One who is and who was This phrase highlights God's eternal existence, echoing His self-revelation in Exodus 3:14 as "I AM." It underscores His unchanging nature and eternal presence. 3. The Twenty-Four Elders Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones giving thanks in the surrounding context. They represent the redeemed and glorified church, worshiping God in heaven. 4. The Reign of God This event marks the beginning of God's direct rule over the earth, a fulfillment of His promises and prophecies throughout Scripture. 5. The Great Power of God This refers to God's sovereign ability to enact His will and establish His kingdom, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all things. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize and trust in God's ultimate authority and power over all circumstances in life. His reign is assured and His plans are perfect. Eternal Nature of God Reflect on the unchanging and eternal nature of God. In a world of change and uncertainty, God remains constant and faithful. Worship and Thanksgiving Emulate the example of the twenty-four elders by offering continual worship and gratitude to God for His mighty works and His reign. Hope in God's Kingdom Find hope and encouragement in the promise of God's coming kingdom. Despite present challenges, God's reign is certain and will bring justice and peace. Active Participation in God's Reign Live as citizens of God's kingdom now, embodying His values and sharing His love with others as we await the full realization of His reign. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's eternal nature ("the One who is and who was") impact your daily life and faith?2. In what ways can you actively participate in God's kingdom on earth as you await His full reign? 3. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty and power provide comfort in times of uncertainty or difficulty? 4. What are practical ways you can incorporate worship and thanksgiving into your daily routine, following the example of the twenty-four elders? 5. How do the themes of God's reign and power in Revelation 11:17 connect with other biblical promises and prophecies you are familiar with? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:14God's self-identification as "I AM" connects to the eternal nature of God described in Revelation 11:17. Daniel 7:13-14 The vision of the Son of Man receiving dominion and a kingdom parallels the reign of God mentioned in Revelation 11:17. Psalm 2:6-9 The declaration of God's anointed King reigning over the nations aligns with the theme of God's sovereign rule. 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 Paul's description of Christ's reign until all enemies are subdued complements the imagery of God's reign in Revelation.
People JohnPlaces Egypt, Patmos, SodomTopics Almighty, Begun, Exerted, Hast, Kingdom, O, Power, Praise, Reign, Reigned, Ruler, Ruling, Saying, Thanks, WastDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 11:17 1105 God, power of Library WorshipEversley, September 4, 1870. Revelation xi. 16, 17. "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." My dear friends,--I wish to speak a few plain words to you this morning, on a matter which has been on my mind ever since I returned from Chester, namely,--The duty of the congregation … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in Washington, D. C. , Nov. 13, 1888. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Time of the Evening. The Second vision "On Earth" The Interest of his Biography. "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are The Almighty The Third vision "In Heaven" The Fourth A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Water of Life; Conclusion. Opposition to Messiah in Vain Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Links Revelation 11:17 NIVRevelation 11:17 NLT Revelation 11:17 ESV Revelation 11:17 NASB Revelation 11:17 KJV Revelation 11:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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