Today's Reading: Revelation 20:1-6

Revelation 20:6 (ESV) "Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years."

A few years ago, I heard Dr. Walter Kaiser, a renowned Old Testament scholar, joke that regarding the timeline of Revelation, he was prepared to change his theological perspective mid-air. One of the most well-respected academics on prophetic passages was admitting with humor and humility that in John's revelation, there are some things we simply won't know for sure on this side of heaven. The exact timing of the thousand-year reign of Christ, also known as the millennial kingdom, is one of those things.

If scholars and academics can't agree on all of the finer points of the millennial reign of Jesus, should we just give up now? Thankfully, the answer is no. The theme of this text is the authority of Jesus. He rules and we will reign with Him. While the chronology may be confusing, the conclusion is certain: Christ will regain what was forfeited in Eden and we will live out the divine purpose intended for Adam.

Revelation is the glorious conclusion of the story God has been writing since Genesis. His plan to live with His people has always been the terminating point of Scripture. This story began in the garden. In Genesis 1:26-28, God gives Adam a command to multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Scholars call this the cultural mandate. The language used here (Revelation 20:6) is the same language used to describe the work of the priests' service in the tabernacle. Humanity was entrusted to steward and care for creation.

Later, God would move the story of redemption forward, choosing Abraham's family to become a nation that would enjoy a covenant friendship with God, inheriting not just a Promised Land but the promise of His Presence. Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Exodus 19:6) Later, in 1 Peter 1:9, believers are called a "royal priesthood." The closest context of this description is in Revelation 1:6, where John says that Jesus has made us a "kingdom, priests to His God and Father."

Earlier interpretive passages regarding our priesthood give us insight into this text and who reigns with Christ. It is not only the martyrs who have died for their faith but all faithful followers who have resisted Satan's lies. Those who are raised and reign with Christ will not be subject to the second death to face eternal judgment and damnation. (Revelation 21:8)

We live in a world subject to inconsistencies, unjust treatment, and for some, violent persecution. One day, Jesus will not just make everything right, He will entrust us to judge and rule with Him. The millennial kingdom represents a time of righteous peace and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This text may create more questions than answers for us. However, there is hope here. What God has chosen not to reveal should never distract us from what He has disclosed. Christ reigns and we rule with Him in the millennial kingdom.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your people await Your return. Thank You for the promise that we will one day fulfill Adam's assignment and move closer to the kind of perfection and sinless intimacy purchased for us by Your blood and realized in the new heaven and new earth. Come, Lord Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen.