In preparing to leave the general theme of knowing God, Theology 101 takes a look at how the Bible ends its revelation of what God is like and how He acts. The Bible’s consummate picture of God is of a sovereign God who reigns supremely. God wants us to know Him ultimately as the Book of Revelation presents Him in its declaration: “Alleluia. For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.” The prelude to this exalted exclamation is: “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him both small and great” (Rev. 19:5–6).
From ancient times travelers have used the North Star as their point of reference to guide them across deserts and over the seas. The truth that God reigns is like a North Star to guide Christians amid turbulent times, through social upheavals, personal tragedies and natural disasters. This truth about our God has a rich and attested history. From ancient times God’s people have confessed that He reigns. Psalm 47:8 declares: “God reigns over nations; God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 146:10 adds: “The Lord shall reign forever — your God, O Zion, to all generations.” With its vision of the future, Revelation 11:15 echoes the same conviction: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.”
Missionary implications
The truth that God reigns has missionary implications. After calling for all the earth to tremble before God, Psalm 96:10 instructs: “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’” Everyone in every place needs to know the true and living God. Only those who know God as He has revealed Himself can teach others to know Him. In a world where despots seek to rule and ruthless terrorists count human life as cheap, people need a point of reference that gives stability, guidance and comfort. In such times and for such a need, we cannot improve on the Bible’s declaration that our God reigns. Our world needs to hear this message of hope. Isaiah 52:7 exclaims: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
Reality of worship
The vision of God reigning over history and over our lives can renew and fuel the reality of our worship. The more exalted our vision of God, the greater are our responses to Him in worship. Isaiah’s vision of God on His heavenly throne accompanied by the worshipping seraphim prompted the prophet’s worshipful response that included the confession of sin and confidence of cleansing. The prophet’s worship led to a commitment to go forth to tell others of His reigning God (Isa. 6).
That God reigns lies at the core of Christian hope both now and into eternity future. This truth enables us to look beyond present calamities, atrocities, disappointments and losses to a future that has been secured for the children of God. Our reigning God is working all things in the present for our good, the good of being formed into the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:28–29).
Beyond this time and the present world, God is moving history toward the future with its new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1). When faith is tempted to waver believers can look up and look ahead to confess anew that God is in control and will remain in control all the way to the end times.
Share with others: