Alright, I’m going to go out on a limb and share my view of the millennial reign. I’m sure you’ve already gathered, I’m not a premillennialist. I do not accept what seems to be the common idea that we are waiting on Jesus to return and establish His kingdom. I believe the kingdom is already here just like Revelation 1:9 demonstrates.

What then is this thousand year reign in Revelation 20:4. First, let me warn you that what I’m going to say is not the least bit exciting. It is not some amazing bit of eschatology that is entertaining like some kind of sci-fi novel. The fact is, what I think is being said here would not make a great novel series. Perhaps that is why so few want to accept it. Clearly, the Left Behind model is a lot more fun and entertaining. However, I just don’t think it portrays the true picture.

Second, we need to keep this statement within the context of the entire book. Too often we just run to Revelation 20 and want to talk about these people reigning for a thousand years and forget the pictures that have already been established.

Let’s set that context. We have already seen these people back in Revelation 6:9-11. These are the martyrs who cried out for God’s vengeance on those who have oppressed, persecuted and killed them. God brings that vision back to mind to bring home this point. Even if we die in His service, we still win. God will bring judgment on those who oppose His people. He does so in His time, not ours.

But the bigger point of context is the constant contrast and comparison between God’s people and the beast’s people. In earlier chapters we see the contrast between those who have the mark of the beast and those who have the mark of God. We have the contrast between pure virgins as God’s people and the harlot as the beasts. Now we get to a great comparison. Remember what Revelation 17:12 said about the kings who reign with the beast? Yes, it certainly appeared for a time that they were winning. However, their authority and reign lasted for an hour. Don’t misunderstand, this is not a literal hour. No one believe this means that from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on some day in history or the future that these people got to reign. We all recognize in this verse that it means their reign was short and, on the whole, a trivial period of time. But the saints who stay faithful ’til death reign for 1000 years. If we don’t take the hour reign of the beast’s kings literally, why should we take the millennial reign of Christ’s people literally? The point is not that from 3000 to 4000 AD the children of God reign. The point is that God’s enemies reign but for an hour. Those victorious with Christ reign completely. As 1000 years compares to an hour, so is our reign greater than the reign of our enemies.

No, it is not entertaining. It doesn’t make for a best selling novel. But it does make the greatest point. When we fear God’s enemies are winning and we think of deserting our Savior, remember that their victory will last only an hour. If we can hang on for that hour, our victory will truly last. Stay on God’s side no matter what.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC