A Heavenly Thanksgiving
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Taking a peek at the glorious Thanksgiving of the "Church Triumphant".
Text: Rev. 7:9-12
Date: 11/23/2023, the Thanksgiving service.
Series: "Special Days"
Occasion: Thanksgiving
Description:
For many people, Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather around a table and enjoy a time of unity, fellowship and food. For Christians there is an added perspective; for we know that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by Puritan Pilgrims praising and thanking God for His provision and salvation. In this Thanksgiving Day meditation, we will take a look at the Heavenly version of that celebration as all living creatures gather around the throne of God and the Lamb to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. For Christians, Thanksgiving is an earthly shadow of an eternal reality. So this Thanksgiving we (the Church Militant) will get a "jump-start" on our eternal perspective (the Church Triumphant) as we thank our Triune God for His gracious love and salvation and hopefully add richness to our Thanksgiving celebrations here on earth.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Rev. 7:16-17.
A. Context, Rev. 6:17.
B. Thanksgiving for the glorious church triumphant.
1. Defining the feast-goers, vs. 9.
a. The "church triumphant".
b. An international crowd, Rev. 5:9.
c. Before the throne.
d. The significance of the "white robes", Rev. 7:14.
e. The significance of the "palm branches".
2. The elder's song: salvation! vs. 10.
a. A picture of unity.
b. A picture of salvation.
3. The Heavenly choir, vs. 11, Luke 15:10.
a. The nature of the choir, Rev. 5:11,13, 4:8-11.
b. The position of worship.
4. The song of Thanksgiving, vs. 12.
a. The "bookends".
b. Joy in heaven, Luke 15:10.
III. Application
IV. Conclusion
