4 Rs of the Millennial Reign of Jesus
Rev. 20:1-12
INTRO: There’s lots of material available discussing the signs preceding Christ’s return but what exactly will happen when He does return? Not only did Jesus personally promise that He would return (Jn. 14:1-4, Acts 1:11) but that upon doing so, He would rule and reign.
In the visions of the future given to John, we see that the Great Tribulation period concludes with Jesus returning to rule and reign, i.e., the Second Coming.
For starters, Jesus Christ will come back, specifically to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, rescue His people, defeat the antichrist and his armies attacking Jerusalem, cast him and the FP into the lake of fire, incarcerate the devil into the abyss, separate the sheep from the goats, and set up his earthly kingdom of peace for 1000 years. Jesus will rule as the true and rightful king of the earth out of Jerusalem with David as Jerusalem’s mayor.
-Palestinian issue will be resolved and the land promises to Israel will be fulfilled.
-As far as nations go, as prophesied and promised, Israel will be the leader and not the tail, i.e., a superpower and not a backwater third world country.
-Ezekiel’s Temple (40). There will be two more temples. Not to be confused with the 3rd temple of the Tribulation period, there will be a temple in Jerusalem during the Millennial reign of Christ. Ezekiel is instructed to pay careful attention to everything he sees and records the measurements of what he sees. The measuring of the layout of the temple complex fills the next seven chapters of Ezekiel (40-47). It will be much bigger than the current site can contain. However, we’re also told that upon His return the topography of Jerusalem will change.
Although Jesus may repurpose and/or revise them, most of the Jewish festivals will be celebrated.
We call this time the Millennium, from the Latin term for 1000 years.
Overview
It is during this time that that:
-There will be no more war. "They’ll beat their swords into plowshares."
-The curse upon the earth’s environment will be lifted and we’re told in Amos (9:13) that fields will be so productive that the plowman will overtake the reaper meaning, “hurry up and harvest your crops so that we can plant more.”
-Amos 9:13: The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be over-taken by the plowmanand the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills.
-There will be peace within the animal kingdom. The lion will lay down with the lamb.
-The sun and moon will give light again (Isa. 30:26)
-Long life spans. A return to ante-diluvian lifespans: Never again will there be an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. (Isaiah 65:20 NIV).
4 Rs of the Millennium.
1- RESTORATION
Upon His arrival, the earth will be scarred from the wars, earthquakes the scars of the tribulation upon the earth: wars, earthquakes, asteroid hits, etc. He will return to a mess.
A part of our role will be to restore it and there will be a lot of work to do.
Much of what you’re doing now is to prep you for this role in the Millennium.
ILLUS: Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson. In addition to being the author of the Declaration of Independence and the 3rd president of the US, he was also a self taught architect and engineer. As a result, unlike any other presidential home, his personality is seen throughout its’ design.
Forty years after his death, July 4, 1826, Monticello, the custom-built home by and for Thomas Jefferson, had begun to look like a haunted house. His eldest daughter, who inherited the home, simply didn’t have the resources to maintain the property in a recession nor overcome the debts needed for the restoration.
(Due to a combination of debt and over-expansion the US entered into a recession in the early 1800s.) Monticello was 5000 acres divided into 4 farms.
Eventually she and the family had to abandon the home for a smaller residence.
Jefferson’s granddaughter said, “It will grieve you both very much to hear of the depredations that have been made at Monticello.” Another visitor said, “The house is much dilapidated with age and neglect”. However, just in time, Uriah Levy purchased the third president’s home and began to restore it to its former glory. He saw the value in preserving the home for historical reasons, but more so because he was a fan of Thomas Jefferson.
Similarly, sin has caused all of God’s creation to become somewhat dilapidated and run down.
Sin vandalizes everything. Following the Great Tribulation period, the earth will be a mess and there will be a lot of cleaning up to do.
-Jesus is a contractor, The Great Contractor, who upon returning to rule and reign will begin a restoration program of the earth to how it should be.
-Jesus will personally appoint people to help clean up and to then restore and housekeep.
This is why we’re told that during the Millennial reign:
The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isa. 55:12)
“Creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Rom. 8:21-22)
O Holy Night, the weary world rejoices.
“Deserts will bloom”
Secondly, it will be a time in which we will rule and reign.
2-RULE
The concept of us ruling and reigning with Jesus is a characteristic of the Millennium that the first century Jews were well aware of.
-Lord’s prayer “Your Kingdom Come”
-Remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Lk. 23:42)
-The disciples once got into an argument as to who would be the greatest.
-Mt. 20:20-21: Then the mother (Salome) of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. “What is it you want?” He asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” (Mt. 20:20-21).
-(Nobody loves you like mom).
-This event, Salome requesting that her two boys, James and John, sit on the throne with Jesus comes on the heels of a would-be disciple known as the rich young ruler. To be a disciple meant complete and total devotion to Jesus and it’s something that the rich young ruler isnt quite ready to commit to. Jesus will make a comment stating that “it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Peter says, “we’ve left everything to follow you, what will we have? (in your kingdom)”. In response Jesus says in Mt. 19:29: everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold. (imagine 100 more of what you have now.)
I think that some of the prosperity preachers sometimes unintentionally, at least I hope it’s unintentional, seem to allude that all of your blessings will be this side of heaven. Without doubt many will come your way here on earth. But In addition to all the other rewards Jesus has for you on earth and in heaven, based upon the context, this is most likely a ref to blessings they’ll receive in the Millennial reign.
-e.g., Mt 25 Talents
REIGN OVER WHO? So, who exactly will we be invited to rule and reign over?
Some people who believed in Jesus during the tribulation will still be alive and will enter the millennial kingdom alive and in their mortal bodies.
These individuals will marry and have children, whom, like those who lived in the antediluvian period, will have exceptionally long-life spans, meaning many generations of great great great great great great grandchildren...and then some. There will be children and teens in the Millennium.
-“Never again will there be in an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.” (Isaiah 65:20 NIV).
So, for the sake of conversation, let’s refer to them as the mortals: humans who will be born of human parents but with the seed of sin.
Satan will be incarcerated and thus no temptations from the forces of darkness yet there will still be sinners on the earth.
It will be Predominantly Virtuous Era (Ps. 15:2-5, 24:4)
Kind hearted people living virtuous lives.
ILLUS: Mayberry. Leave it to Beaver.
Peaceful and charming. “Good ‘ol days” for a thousand years.
However, at the end of the Millennium, there will be a rebellion against Jesus and this Govt.
How is this possible? Remember that Satan was able to charm angels who'd seen God in all of His glory to rebel-it will not be a problem for humans.
Those born during the Millennial reign will not be born born-again. Because their parents are human, sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, those mortals born in this time will still be born with the sin virus, like us. They will need Jesus to save their souls and to cleanse them from their sins, just like us. Some will refuse. Some will reject and some will eventually rebel (more on that later).
I can tell by the look in your eyes this is confusing. I get it.
How can this be heaven on earth if there’s still death and sin?
A: It’s the Millennial Reign of Jesus on earth, not heaven itself, nor is it the New Heaven and New Earth. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (Rev. 21:1)
God has no grandchildren.
Many of these grand and great grandchildren will reject Jesus as their Savior.
After just one generation they’ll have no memory of the Trib
ILLUS: Most of us in this room remember 9/11, but many here today were not even born when the event happened. I remember my grandparents recalling the horror of Pearl Harbor, but it was well before my time. Likewise, the Tribulation period will become a distant memory.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” – Reagan
As a result of the sinners on earth there will be a need for:
A global government headed by Jesus.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6).
Christmas Carols
Joy to the world, the Lord is come, Let earth receive her King;
Heard the Bells on Christmas Day – the wrong shall fail, the right prevail with peace on earth good will to men.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing: joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph in the skies.
Jesus alone has the competence and the right to shoulder a global government.
However, at the end of the Millennial reign, there will be a rebellion against Jesus.
3-REBELLION
REV 20:7-10
And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth [Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.] And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Jerusalem), but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev. 20:7-10)
Even though there is peace throughout the world, even though the worship of God is the norm for all nations, even though Jesus Himself will reign from Jerusalem, and even though Satan is bound and cannot influence people, there will still be those who refuse Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
You may be wondering how in the world is this possible?
How is it that they can’t see that Jesus is God?
The answer is old as Pharaoh.
Answer: Hardened hearts. This is why it’s so important for us to guard our hearts. Protect it from bitterness, envy. Protect it from habits that grieve the Holy Spirit.
The rebellion at the end of the millennium proves once and for all that humans cannot blame their sinfulness on their environment, circumstances, or lack of revelation. It’s a heart issue, always has been.
REJECT & REBEL
Anti-Semitism
Israel will be The Superpower
"Why are the Jews getting such preferential treatment? Why is there a temple in Jerusalem but not in Phoenix or London? What’s so special about them? The devil fuels these fires.
God chose the Jews, not to the exclusion of all the other people groups, but for the sake of the other people groups. God intended, and still does, that they would point people to the one true God.
-It was Jesus who commissioned His followers to move past the traditional boundary lines of culture and take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Comparison is a deadly trap. In fact, it’s generally a lose-lose scenario. You will find yourself thinking you’re better than someone else, i.e., prideful or you’ll find yourself building resentment that someone seems to have more than you “What’s so special about them?”
Comparison appeals to human pride. Pride is the original sin. Whenever you catch yourself comparing yourself to someone else, the best thing to do is to look at your own blessings. We really don’t deserve anything. Truth is, we’re not entitled to anything. The devil wanted more, to the point that he wanted to be above God.
He was able to convince angels to follow him and it wont be much trouble to convince humans to join him in a rebellion.
Sexuality: The devil's platform will promote non biblical sexuality, e.g., “don’t you believe that any & all types of love is love?”
Good Works: The devil will point out the absence of many great humanitarians as well as friends and family who didnt receive Jesus, e.g., “Did you know so and so is hell? Do you really believe that’s fair? I don’t think He knows what He’s really doing do you? Follow me and I will see to it that they're released”
They will have heard the stories about the antichrist, the devil. Over time, we have a tendency to romanticize criminals (Bonnie & Clyde, gangsters, etc.)
So, at the end of the Millennium, Satan is Released and he’ll proceed to deceive these particular disgruntled humans and lead a rebellion.
-Some believe that he’s narcissistic enough to think he can actually win, others believe he’s hoping for a truce. Idk.
Regardless, we’re told that fire from heaven destroys everyone in this rebellion and satan is then cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:9-10)
The Millennium ends and is followed by the Creation of a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Rev. 21:1, 4)
This verse about God wiping away our tears is often quoted at memorial services. The principle is true that God comforts us and will wipe away our tears. The verse however, within its context follows this final battle where some have met their eternal demise in following satan. It’s quite likely that the tears may be over loved ones who were deceived by the devil and joined his rebellion.
However, the first heaven and first earth will pass away and we will be present to witness and rejoice the creation and inception of a new heaven and a new earth. A place where there will be no more mourning, crying, pain.
We will be like the angels who sang for joy at the creation of the earth we’re on now.
Restore, Rule, Rebellion and…
4-REWARD
Jesus said I’m returning and My reward is with Me.
“Look, I Am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Rev. 22:12)
So, be mindful that Jesus always sees what you’re doing. He knows your heart. And may it encourage you to remain faithful.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt. 5:5)
So, it’s during this time, the Millennial Reign of Christ that Jesus will rule over the earth and this is a part of the inheritance that He reminds us of and encourages us with.
-Mt. 25 Parable of the talents.
Luke 19:11-12: Because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return…” A budget is given to accomplish this task. When the man of noble birth returns he does a review of their work. To those who’d used His budget to keep things going in His absence He says,
“And He said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” (Lk. 19:17)
Ten Cities is a reference to the Millennial reign of Christ upon the earth.
So, authority over ten cities. Because you have been faithful in little, very little, I will make you ruler over much. So…
So, how then shall we live?
1-Keep a long-term perspective
ILLUS-Remember Tivo? Maybe you still have it and that’s cool. Tivo came out in 1999 and allowed you to record television shows including sporting events that you could then watch at your own convenience. Maybe you had to be somewhere during an important episode of Survivor or couldn’t be at home to watch an important sporting event. You could program Tivo to record it and then watch it as soon as you got home in its entirety or at your convenience. However, sometimes, especially if it was a sporting event, you’d somehow hear the outcome or the score. God has already revealed to us what happens but we at times may begin to second guess.
Due to the Covid restrictions of 2020, for several months, a number of sporting events were cancelled or postponed. In their place I noticed that they started showing classic sporting events, tennis matches from the 80s, famous college bowl games, and even NASCAR CLASSIC. I remember watching the replay of the1994 Coca Cola 600. Nothing else was on. And, I was confident that it was won by Jeff Gordon and that he gave a very emotional speech in victory lane, but when he fell behind, I began to wonder. “Wait a minute. Maybe I’ve got my dates mixed up. Maybe he didn’t win this one.” He did, but you see at one point it certainly didn’t look that way and so I began to second guess myself.
-At some point in the future many Christians will likewise begin to wonder if they misunderstand the Bible? Are we sure Jesus is coming back?
Even now you may begin to wonder if God really wins. As far as I can tell the wicked are inheriting the earth, the schmoozers are getting ahead at work, friend who’s dating any and everyone has already been married and divorced twice and you havent had a date yet. Does giving really matter. Does anyone really care or notice that I volunteer? When is God going to deliver me from my enemies?
Whatever you’re going through is just that- you’re going through it.
Like a pre-recorded sporting event in which you’ve already heard the final score, there may be times when you begin to wonder if you misunderstood what Jesus said. There are going to be times when you begin to question what’s been revealed, but remember, we know the final outcome.
In fact, you’re not only going to get through it, but if you’ll continue to do the right thing even while the wrong thing is happening, you’re going to come out better.
Presently, it appears as if evil is winning. Drag queen story hours for preschoolers, our freedoms of speech and religion are being chipped away at, states legalizing post birth abortions, not to mention prostitution and recreational drugs. Criminalizing nativity scene displays, Politicized and corrupt courts, defunding the police; churches being bulldozed in China, Christians executed in Afghanistan, child sex trafficking. It looks like evil is winning.
However, thanks to God’s Word, history has been Tivoed. We know how it turns out in the end. At times even we too may begin to second guess, but Jesus is going to return, He will separate the sheep from the goats and He will most certainly rule and reign.
“Anticipating heaven, the millennial reign of Jesus, a new earth, doesn’t eliminate pain but puts it in perspective doesn’t it”
We know what’s coming (Trib. A Rebellion at the end of the Mill, but. we know how it ends.
2-Be faithful and persevere.
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
We’ve been entrusted to carry on with the mission and ministry of Jesus.
Everything we do here is pointing people to Jesus.
“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Rev. 16:15)
To have garments rather than being naked means you’re spiritually prepared and engaged in the work of the ministry of Jesus.
This current life provides us with some "work experience" for the Millennial reign and is our resume
3-Jesus is returning and His reward is with Him.
ILLUS: Henry and Katherine Morrison were missionaries who served in Africa for over 40 years. They were finally at the age where it was time to return home. They boarded a ship and began to make their to New York. As it turned out, Teddy Roosevelt, President of U.S., was also on board that ship. He had gone to Africa for a hunting trip. When the ship pulled into New York harbor he looked to see if anyone had come to welcome them back home. Thousands of people were there cheering. Bands were playing. There were signs, banners, and billboards everywhere for the President saying, “Welcome Home”. Sadly, there was no one, not a single person, to welcome the Morrisons home after 40 years of service. They both went to get a hotel for their night there and Henry had a very heavy heart. As he sat there on the bed, he asked his wife, “Honey, I just don’t get it...for 40 years we poured our lives into ministry and service. And yet we come back to America and not a single soul comes to welcome us home!” His wife came and sat down next to her husband, she put her hand on his shoulder, and comforted him with words that he would never forget, “Henry, you have forgotten something, you’re not home yet!”
The same is the case with us. There will be times in which we feel that no one appreciates what we do. We may wonder does anyone even care. I think so, but more importantly you have to always remember that like this faithful missionary couple, you’re not home yet. Hopefully you regularly deliver and receive gratitude here on earth. But, if not, you’re not home yet and may you also remember that whereas rewards on earth are temporary, the rewards of Jesus are everlasting and eternal. Wouldn’t you rather have His?
CONCLUSION
ILLUS: I once heard about this seminary student who had the opportunity to meet one of his heroes of the faith, a theologian, who was retired and living in the Alps. He had to backpack to his home and upon arriving was surprised to see that this prolific writer’s home was only 8 rooms that was filled with mostly books. For furniture he only had a single bed, kitchen table with two chairs, and a single recliner. That was it. The student said, “Professor, where is your furniture?” “Where is yours?” replied the old professor. “Mine?” asked the puzzled American. “But I’m a visitor here. I’m only passing through.” “So am I” said the prof.
We’re just passing through. But, make the most of your time here by recalibrating your lifestyle to reflect this reality.
PRAYER
