Not every movie has a happy ending, but a lot do. Because many movies are not based in reality they can have the “and they all lived happily ever after” ending; at least an ending where the good guy wins, good conquers evil. Isn’t that the ending most of us prefer? I do. Sad endings or true stories that end badly don’t cheer us up, don’t encourage or uplift us. Sometimes stories with sad endings serve a good purpose though. They can be a warning of what might happen if . . . or they might teach a life lesson.
Revelation 20 is kind of like that. It recounts a roller coaster of emotion provoking events like some really good movies that make us laugh and cry. We see an anonymous angel come down and bind up Satan, so it seems Satan is not allowed to exert his normal influence on the world. Next we see Jesus reign for 1000 years on a peaceful earth, hooray! Relief. THE END. Nope.
The story continues when Satan is released and a rebellion results, a sad commentary on man’s limitless ability to reject God and follow his own stubborn pride. (Not again!) Even after ten centuries of peace and righteousness, led by Christ Himself, so many people will be willing to follow Satan that “their number is like the sand of the sea.”
Once again, those who oppose God will be soundly defeated—this time, however, Satan is cast forever into the lake of fire. (Rejoicing) There will be no escape or temptation from the Devil any more (Revelation 20:7–11).
At this point in Revelation, every person who followed God has been restored and rescued. Satan is finally gone forever. (Great sigh of relief) THE END.
But wait, there is more in Revelation 20 coming next week, stay tuned.
What warning did you see in Revelation 20 this week, if any? What life lesson?
Deb Hill
EFCC Member