Gratitude For God’s Reign

We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty,

the one who is and who always was,

for now you have assumed your great power

and have begun to reign.

The nations were filled with wrath,

but now the time of your wrath has come.

It is time to judge the dead

and reward your servants the prophets,

as well as your holy people,

and all who fear your name,

from the least to the greatest.

It is time to destroy

all who have caused destruction on the earth.

Revelation 11:17-18

When evil goes unpunished, we might despair of ever obtaining justice and even question why we’re serving the Lord. The Scriptures, however, encourage us to take the long-range view of history. The twenty-four elders, who sit in God’s throne room, paint this long-range view for us in their prayer of praise to the Almighty. They thank “the one who is and who always was” for controlling all of history. They praise him for administering his perfect justice at the appropriate time. God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and God’s servants will ultimately be vindicated.

Take a moment to envision yourself before God’s throne room at the end of time. What prayer of praise will you offer the Lord?

• Sovereign Lord, I give thanks that you will one day bring about justice . . .