Topical Bible: Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In

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Thankfulness, a profound expression of gratitude and appreciation, is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, not only among humans but also within the heavenly realms. The heavenly host, comprising angels and other celestial beings, actively engage in thankfulness, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Biblical Instances of Thankfulness Among the Heavenly Host

1. The Praise of the Angels at Creation: The book of Job provides a glimpse into the heavenly response to God's creative acts. In Job 38:7, it is written, "while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy." This passage suggests that the heavenly beings expressed their gratitude and joy at the marvels of God's creation, acknowledging His power and wisdom.

2. The Annunciation to the Shepherds: In the New Testament, the birth of Jesus Christ is heralded by an angelic proclamation of thankfulness and praise. Luke 2:13-14 states, "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'" The angels' declaration is an expression of gratitude for God's redemptive plan through the birth of the Savior.

3. Heavenly Worship in Revelation: The book of Revelation provides vivid imagery of the worship and thankfulness offered by the heavenly host. Revelation 7:11-12 describes, "And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell face down before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'" This scene illustrates the continuous and eternal gratitude expressed by the heavenly beings for God's sovereignty and salvation.

Theological Significance

The engagement of the heavenly host in thankfulness underscores several theological truths:

· Recognition of God's Sovereignty: The thankfulness of the heavenly host is rooted in their recognition of God's supreme authority and His perfect will. Their expressions of gratitude are a testament to their acknowledgment of God's rightful place as Creator and Sustainer of all things.

· Participation in Divine Worship: The heavenly host's thankfulness is an integral part of their worship. Their praise and gratitude are directed towards God, serving as a model for human worship. The celestial beings' thankfulness highlights the importance of gratitude as a component of true worship.

· Affirmation of God's Redemptive Plan: The thankfulness expressed by the heavenly host, particularly in the context of Christ's incarnation and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, affirms the significance of salvation history. Their gratitude reflects the joy and hope that God's plan brings to all creation.

Implications for Believers

The thankfulness of the heavenly host serves as an example for believers, encouraging them to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Just as the celestial beings continually express their thankfulness, Christians are called to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The heavenly host's engagement in thankfulness invites believers to join in the eternal chorus of praise, acknowledging God's goodness and grace in their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 4:9
And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives for ever and ever,
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Revelation 7:11,12
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
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Revelation 11:16,17
And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell on their faces, and worshipped God,
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Library

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... 2582]434, [2583]439 (see Sacrifice); all heavenly, [2584]434 ... down that we may not
have to engage with every ... Filth, like a host who gives a splendid entertainment ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... in the ground of his thankfulness, and therefore his thankfulness was grounded ... or
is this that which is composed by that glittering heavenly host, and which we ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... while we muse upon these things our heavenly Father may ... Bid the thankfulness of Mary
and Martha inspire no ... prepared"I speak for the sacramental host of God's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end
of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No.44. He ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... prevailed with the unjust judge, how much more shall he with his heavenly Father ...
Romans 3:9) So then, he failed in the ground of his thankfulness, and therefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Prayers Answered
... How countless must be the host of his ... I knew not what to do but to ask my heavenly
Father to ... She opened her letter, and with tears of thankfulness perused this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... And I do also engage, that I will exercise no ... other Christians in singing and praying,
the heavenly fire began ... The old man, our host, was kind enough to wake ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

A Canticle of Love
... see it suffused by a soft light, which seemed to emanate from her heavenly countenance ...
in our vale of tears under the snow-white semblance of the Host, and this ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... shew that thou art acted by a spirit of holiness, and art like thy heavenly Father. ...
to carry their soul to God, and leave it with him while they engage for his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm