1. And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4. I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
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Reflection |
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Justice Prevails (20:1–3)
It seems that so many in the church today would rather focus on God’s love over God’s justice, but neither attribute should be marginalized. God cannot be loving if He is not just, and our innate sense of justice is born out of being made in God’s image. In this passage, we see Satan finally facing God’s judgment. He has deceived nations for generation upon generation, but now truth will prevail because the one who is faithful and true is victorious. This promise of what is to come should bring us great peace. God will bring everything to justice, and God’s light will prevail over this present darkness. The question is not “if,” but “when.”
Justice Shall Reign (20:4–6)
While there is some debate among evangelical scholars about whether the thousand years is a literal millenium or something more figurative, one thing is certain: Christ will reign as He has always reigned. The only difference here is that the entire world will recognize Him as King, whereas they may not have recognized this before. We should find great comfort in the knowledge that one day we will see with our eyes what our hearts have always believed, and that those who have suffered for Him will reign with Him. Praise God that justice will prevail and evil will come to an end.
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Application |
- How do you handle it when injustice encroaches upon your life? Do you meditate upon the injustices Christ endured and the justice He will eventually administer, or do you seek your own justice?
- What is the posture of your heart when you enter into the presence of God? Do you stand with a sense of entitlement, or do you fall prostrate, overcome with reverence?
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A Letter to
God |
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Lord Jesus, help me to live each day in anticipation of Your rule and reign. May I seek Your will on earth as it is in heaven and trust that this day is coming. Let me live each day in this truth, and let me proclaim it to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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