The Reign of God is on its way
Revelation 11:15-19
A NOTE FROM PETER: This is the last devotional until August, as we take a break. Thank you for your understanding.
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord
and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.’
16 Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshipped God, 17 singing,
‘We give you thanks, Lord God Almighty, who are and who were,
for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.
18 The nations raged, but your wrath has come,
and the time for judging the dead,
for rewarding your servants, the prophets
and saints and all who fear your name, both small and great,
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.’
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.
In all that has happened since Rev. 9:13, it is easy to forget that we had not heard the 7th trumpet blast. Just as with the 7th seal being opened (Rev. 8:1) – now with seventh trumpet we are taken to heaven and into the middle of the worship of heaven. Again, awe and wonder are on full display as the 24 elders all fall on their faces in praise and worship of God. For promise held until the end is about to be fulfilled – the reign of Jesus Christ is about to begin and his reign will never end.
The nations of the earth, those who destroy and commit violence, they will be overthrown and the Lord God Almighty will begun to reign in power and awesome majesty. Here is hope – hope for “all who fear [honour, revere, are in awe of] God’s name, both great and small.” (vs. 18) Not just the prophets, not just those who we might think of as saints – no, this is everyone who serves God and Jesus, regardless of their status or standing – all who fear the Lord, honour God, they will be rewarded.
Thinking again of the first readers of the book who faced persecution at the hands of the Roman emperor who believed his power was unlimited, and who had the power of the sword over people’s lives – this passage reminded them that there was one in heaven who was greater than the emperor. And loyalty to the One who sat on the throne (the Lord God) and to the Lamb (Jesus the Messiah) was loyalty to a power greater than the emperor. For us, in a world of competing claims, we are invited to place our loyalty with the Lord God Almighty and with Jesus Christ the Lord, for their reign is forever.
PRAYER:
O Lord God Almighty, bring your kingdom now. Overthrow the powers of destruction, and bring your reign of peace and justice, of life and hope. Bring your kingdom now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.