Revelation 20
November 18, 2022
“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.” (v7-10)
There is much in Revelation 20 that is confusing and even debated. But this much is clear: there is a final battle coming between God and “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan” (v2). And that battle, despite all of Satan’s preparation, will be over in a flash, as fire will simply “come down from Heaven and devour him and his minions” (v9). God’s superior power requires just one verse to describe the victory. It’s not even a battle. God defeats Satan in an instant, throwing him into the lake of fire, where he will never again have access to hurt, harm or tempt us.
Father, I praise You that there is a day coming when the enemy of our souls will be cast into the lake of fire. The more I witness the sin and suffering of this world (and the temptation of sin in my own life), the more I look forward to this part of the story. It’s not about being vindictive as much as it is longing for a life without the constant attacks of the enemy against our body, mind and soul. What a glorious day it will be when our ancient foe can no longer work his woe. Hallelujah, we will be free!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
