Day 24 | The Promise of Reigning with Christ
2 Timothy 2:12, “if we endure, we will also reign with him…”
Did you know that one day Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth and reign for a thousand years? This is called the “Millennial Reign of Christ,” foretold by John in Revelation 20:1-6. John wrote specifically in verse 6 concerning when this would take place, “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”
Can you imagine what that will be like- to rule and reign with Christ on the earth for a thousand years? The Bible states that the subjects of the kingdom will be those who did not die in the Battle of Armageddon. Though hundreds of millions of lost and rebellious humanity will die in Jesus’ second coming and final battle, He will still allow a portion to survive and live upon the earth in His Kingdom.
Many theories exist among scholars as to why Jesus would allow the natural order of life to continue for a thousand years before recreating the earth and only allowing His people to dwell with Him in perfect glory. Thus, the best answer I have accepted is that Jesus does this for a thousand years to show what the Garden of Eden could have been like in the natural world. Thus, this shows the great heart for restoration and redemption of our God. Instead of just doing away with everything, He will allow His people to enjoy the fullness of the “kingdom of God” upon the earth with common humanity.
Now before you go get your scepter and start bossing people around in your life today you must take the full context of what Paul is saying in the above verse. He says, “if we endure” with Him first, then “we will also reign with Him.” Therefore, now in this current age and season we as Christians will be persecuted and suffer many trials but we should not lose heart and give up because we have a future hope in Christ to reign with.
As a result, let Christ’s promise to rule and reign with Him for a thousand years comfort your heart in the midst of whatever you may be enduring. God is going to reward you for all you suffer in His name.
Reflection
Action
- Consider whatever you may be facing in life as the “testing of your faith.”
- Ask God for strength to endure all that you are facing in life.
- Rejoice and find hope in the promise of ruling with Christ one day!