Hallelujah, Our God Reigns

Let us take a break from our crisis to just praise the Lord. He is worthy! People of all languages use a Hebrew word for praise, Hallelujah. This is a combination of two Hebrew words, the first meaning praise or to sing praise followed by the abbreviated form of God’s personal name. It can be used to call others to praise God, “Praise ye the Lord”, or simply as an interjection of praise, “Praise the Lord”. In the New Testament, it occurs in only one passage, Revelation 19:1-6: After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” And again they shouted. “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” Let me repeat that last shout and then expand upon it. “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” First, we should praise God because He is Lord. He is the Supreme Controller, with authority over all, all mankind, all creatures including angels and demons, all of creation. He is the Owner of all with the right of control. Since you belong to God, you owe Him obedience and allegiance. He is Master of all. He makes the decisions, and we are to submit to His rule. He is Lord! As Lord, He gives us commands. He is all-wise, knowing what is best for us, so we should trust Him and obey His commands. As a benevolent Lord, He blesses His people. He delivers from Satan’s power, He mercifully cleanses us from our sin, and He heals us and makes us whole. Let us praise God as our Lord! The Father is Lord; give praise to the Father. Jesus is Lord; give praise to the Son. The Holy Spirit is Lord; give praise to the Spirit. Three persons in One God, He is Lord. Second, we should praise God because He is omnipotent. Omnipotent means He is almighty. He can do anything at any time that is consistent with His nature and with reason. The Greek word here is pantocrator which literally means ruler of all. He has full power over all. Only one being can be omnipotent. He is greater than His whole creation, greater than Satan, a mere creature, greater than all the powers of evil, greater than all our problems and needs. Three in One, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are together all powerful in perfect unity. Let us praise God for He alone is omnipotent! He has canceled the power of your sin at the cross. He has defeated the power of death in His resurrection. He is greater than the lure of this world. Let us trust in His omnipotence and praise our God! We praise the Almighty One. Third, we should praise God because He reigns. To reign is to exercise authority as King. He is no clockmaker God who simply wound up the universe and left it to run without His control. He actively maintains His creation. He actively cares for men and women, make in His image. He intervenes in history on our behalf. He reigns. To reign is to be in control as an active Lord. He does not always choose to intervene right now. He often allows evil to progress before sending His judgment. He patiently gives sinners opportunity to repent. But His time of intervention will always come. So never give way to despair. God knows what He is doing even during times of war, natural disaster, or pandemic. God knows what He is doing. God’s plan for mankind and all creation will succeed. God is in control. He reigns. Let us praise God for He reigns! He was in control at Calvary. He rules today over all nations. He is building His church. Soon, Jesus will return to deliver His people, judge the wicked, and rule on the throne of David bringing peace. Our God will reign over all for all eternity. Our God reigns! Give Him praise! Will you trust your needs and problems to God? Will you cast your fears and worries upon Him? Will you commit your life to His rule? Will you turn from self and sin to put your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord? We praise our reigning King. Listen to our text one more time this time including the opening words of the next verse: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” Let us rejoice and be glad and give him the glory!” Yes, let us rejoice in the Almighty God who reigns as Lord. Let us be glad that He alone possesses all authority and power and uses it for good. Let us give Him glory for His great love that has purchased our salvation. “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” Wherever you are, take some time to praise God. If you can, sing praise to God. Give glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. And honor Him by putting your faith in Him. Hallelujah!