The answer is: God has taken his power and commenced his reign

Rev 11:16-17

In the grand tapestry of Revelation, the four and twenty elders play a pivotal role, symbolizing the faithful leaders and representatives of the ancient people of God. When they give thanks in Revelation 11:16-17, it’s also a powerful acknowledgment that the time for God's divine governance has come. Imagine the excitement reverberating through heaven as the wheel of history turns, putting divine authority into action!

Fun fact: those “four and twenty elders” are typically viewed as representing the twelve tribes of Israel alongside the twelve apostles, filling out a grand number that symbolizes divine order and completeness. This reflects the unity of both the old and new covenants, highlighting the continuity of God’s relationship with humanity across the ages.

Emphasizing thankfulness shows a notable theme throughout Hebrew scripture and the New Testament; gratitude is tied to recognizing the presence and actions of the divine in our lives. Just as the Israelites would thank God after seeing miracles, these elders celebrate the new active kingdom (Psalm 136 resonates here with its repeated refrain of thankfulness for God’s enduring love).

In loving consent to divine authority—and perhaps supplying us a valuable model—the elders' praise echoes a call to us today. This moment of celestial thanks is a reminder that even bureaucratic divides between heaven and Earth vanish when divine love and justice engage hearts and lives in service. In essence, Thanksgiving resonates deeply as both accountability and Amplified Joy in divine governance!