Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explores the eternal reign of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and triumph amidst chaos.
Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We gather here today, united in faith, bound by our love for the Lord and His Word. We are a community, a family, knit together by the grace of God, and it is my privilege to share with you this morning from the rich tapestry of His Word.
Our focus today is Revelation 11:15-19, a passage resplendent with the majesty of God's sovereignty. The Apostle John, in his divinely inspired vision, paints a vivid picture of the triumph of God's kingdom. This is a passage that speaks not only of the future, but also of the present, reminding us of the eternal nature of God's reign.
The sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet, as described in the passage, is a moment of great significance. It signals a shift, a turning point in the cosmic narrative. This is not just any trumpet blast. It is a triumphant declaration, a proclamation of victory. It's a sound that reverberates through the heavens, shaking the very foundations of the universe. It's a sound that announces the end of one era and the beginning of another. The old order of things has passed away, and a new order has come.
The trumpet: Throughout biblical history, it has always been associated with important events. It was used to call people to attention, to gather them for a meeting, or to prepare them for battle. In this case, the trumpet is used to announce the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. It's a victory that has been secured not by human might or power, but by the power of God and the sacrificial death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
This victory is for all who belong to Him: It's a victory over sin, death, and all the forces of evil that seek to destroy and devour. It's a victory that brings hope, peace, and eternal life to all who trust in Christ. It's a victory that assures us that no matter what we face in this life, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
The loud voices in heaven that follow the trumpet blast: These are voices of celebration. They are voices of those who have been redeemed, those who have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. They are voices of those who have been made new, those who have been given a new identity, a new purpose, and a new destiny in Christ. They are voices of those who have been brought from darkness into His marvelous light.
What these voices declare: That the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. This is a profound statement. It means that all the kingdoms of this world, all the powers and principalities, all the rulers and authorities, all the dominions and thrones, have been brought under the authority of God and His Christ. They no longer have any power or authority over those who belong to God's kingdom.
The reign of God and His Christ is not a temporary reign: It's not a reign that will come to an end after a certain period of time. It's a reign that will last forever and ever. It's a reign that is eternal, unchanging, and unshakeable. It's a reign that is characterized by righteousness, justice, love, and peace. It's a reign that brings healing, restoration, and wholeness to all creation.
The response of the twenty-four elders: It’s one of worship. They fall on their faces before God, acknowledging His sovereignty, His majesty, and His power. They give thanks to Him for taking His great power and beginning to reign. They recognize that the nations may rage, but God's wrath will come, and His justice will prevail. They acknowledge that the time has come for the dead to be judged, for God's servants to be rewarded, and for the destroyers of the earth to be destroyed.
God’s faithfulness: The opening of God's temple in heaven and the sighting of the ark of His covenant within the temple is a reminder of God's faithfulness. It's a reminder of His covenant promises, His steadfast love, and His unchanging character. It's a reminder that God always keeps His promises, that He is always faithful to His Word, and that He is always working out His purposes for His glory and our good.
God’s power and majesty: The flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquake, and heavy hail that follow are manifestations of God's power and majesty. They are reminders of His awesome presence, His holiness, and His sovereignty. They are reminders that God is not to be taken lightly, that He is to be revered, honored, and worshipped.
The Apostle John, in this passage, presents a vivid image of the eternal nature of God's reign ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO