“To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11, ESV)
A study of history provides a list of national rulers. Some of these were noble and some ignoble. Of these, some were on a conquest for world rule. Alexander the Great took the throne in 336 BC at the age of 20 and in ten years had expanded his empire to be one of the largest in history. Others have come after him, but none have succeeded in world domination No earthly ruler ever has been able to rule the entire world. No earthly ruler has had the ability and power to do so. Neither has any earthly ruler been granted the God given authority to do so.
Even those who have enlarged their kingdoms, have never been able to establish a reign that lasted forever. All those who embarked on the conquest for world domination have died before seeing this vision fulfilled. They never could expand their dominion beyond the finite and their reign beyond the temporal.
In this short benediction, Peter expresses the stark contrast between our God and all these earthly rulers. He stated, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:11, ESV). Dominion refers to having supreme authority. Our God has absolute supreme authority over all, the infinite expanse of the universe and over all earthly authorities. There is none greater than our God.
Peter wrote this benediction in the context of the struggles his readers were experiencing and the future deliverance that they would experience in Christ. Here he causes us to reflect upon the almighty power and supreme authority of our God. We who believe are His children, adopted into His family. We are citizens of His kingdom. Moreover, the Scripture teaches us that we shall reign with Him. This will be a reign forever and forever. He reigns over all eternally and no one will ever usurp His supreme authority.
In the song, “Our God Reigns” by Israel Houghton, 2016, a portion of the lyrics present this truth.
Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Then also this truth sung over and over.
And if our God is for us
Than who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Than what can stand against
Consider the supreme authority of our God and praise Him for He is worthy. Give praise because you know Him and that you have a glorious eternal destiny in Christ.
Renewing the Heart 