SCRIPTURE: Revelation 20:1-15
OBSERVATION:
I saw an angel coming down out of heaven (Revelation 20:1-3) This is another picture – from a heavenly vantage point – of the age between Jesus’ ascension and final return, of the unfolding judgment against Satan. It is designed to inspire believers that, no matter what they go through, Satan is bound. At the end he will gather his armies for a final battle (already described several times in previous visions), but that battle will end in his defeat. The 1000yrs is symbolic, describing this present age when Christ rules from heaven.
Came to life and reigned with Christ (Revelation 20:4-10) Those who die in Christ experience this first resurrection, raised with Jesus RIGHT NOW, the rest do not come to life until the 1000 years (the fullness of this time period) is done. When I die, I will be raised to be with Jesus, where I will be a part of Jesus’ heavenly rule. This symbolic language assures me that though I suffer in this world, Satan is defeated and I am victorious. When I die, I continue in victory with Christ in heaven, until the final day. Then I will be with Him in the final battle, and Satan (who is bound, but still active) will be finally destroyed.
Judged according to what they had done (Revelation 20:11-15) Although I am forgiven by grace, I am judged by my response to God’s grace. If I do nothing with it, then I will lose it. If I do not live in the way of Jesus, the fruit of my life will be unacceptable and I will be ultimately judged. God does not arbitrarily impose this judgment, it is the natural consequence of choosing to live contrary to God’s wisdom, truth and grace.
APPLICATION:
Many Christians live as if they are in defeat, as if Satan has the upper hand. Satan only has power in the lives of those who give it to him. He is bound, but if I choose to believe his lies, then I become his slave. I am victorious in Christ now, and I have to start living like it. He has given me everything I need for life and godliness, the only question is what I do with it. We will not be judged on the perfection of our efforts, but on the sincerity and persistence of our efforts.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for daily reminders that life without You is empty and dissatisfying. And thank You for patiently recalling me to You, my first love, and to living for You, no matter what! Amen.
It is the Lord God Who has control, He has the keys. He has the power. He is in power! That I must remember each and every day! And even when persecuted in my daily living for Jesus, I must remember that I serve a living God because I am His and He is mine and His banner over me is LOVE. I am alive in Christ forevermore!
Even though the enemy is strong, God is the Ruler yet. That I must remember each and every day. May I never be deceived by the enemy. God is the Victor. The horse and the rider are thrown into the sea.
Oh Lord, help me to live for Jesus each and every day! May the actions be what I say and believe. Help me to be a living letter this day. I not only need to know the love of Jesus but also I need to show the love of Jesus because I too will be judged by what I do.
Lord, help me each amd every day to live for Jesus so that others can see You living in me!
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
Jesus is alive, alive forevermore
Alive, alive, alive forevermore
Jesus is alive
Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah
Jesus is alive forevermore
Sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah
He is alive for evermore