Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Revelation 20 clearly teaches that Jesus will rule on earth for a “thousand years” (verses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Some might wonder why this Millennial Kingdom is necessary. Why not immediately have everyone left go to heaven? Undoubtedly, there are reasons that are beyond our finite understanding, for “the secret things belong unto the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29a). However, there are compelling explanations that we can comprehend even now. First, the Millennial Kingdom will provide an opportunity for genuine godliness to be demonstrated on earth – an ultimate example of Christ’s transforming power. Second, it will reveal that man’s greatest problem is not Satan but sin. Jeremiah 17:9a states that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” The final and brief release of Satan from confinement (Revelation 20:7-9) will not cause evil; rather, it will openly draw out what is hidden in some hearts. Many will be born during this time; some will choose the way of sin instead of the way of the Savior. Third, the authority of Jesus will again be on full display (for example, verse 9). Fourth, this will be a time of what one scholar calls “housecleaning,” dealing with the effects of sin upon God’s entire creation (more about this aspect later – see also Romans 8:18-23). Fifth, as we will see in detail tomorrow, the Millennial Kingdom will fulfill God’s very specific promises to His people Israel (see Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 7:13-14; Zechariah 14:9; and many other passages as well). We can be certain that our Savior God knows what He is doing and that He is ever faithful.