Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Solutions
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 106:24–31.

Read: Revelation 19:1–20:15 (ESV). As you re-read the text for the final time this week in the English Standard Version, what new insights did you discover about God’s character?

Reflect: We continue today with the final two sections of Revelation 20. 

Section 3: The Millennium—Resurrection of the Wicked (one more chance)

Revelation 20:7-10. No sooner has Satan been released and the wicked resurrected than he will begin the process to rally everyone against God. Ranko Stefanovic, in Plain Revelation, shows that God is prepared for this attack: 

In portraying this scene, John uses language that evokes the prophecies against Gog and Magog in Ezekiel—just as he used language that referred to Old Testament Babylon to portray the end-time apostate religious system in chapters 16–18. In Ezekiel 38–39, Gog and Magog are the enemies assembled against Israel in Palestine that will be utterly destroyed by God. John applies this Old Testament motif to describe Satan’s final attack on the saints at the millennium’s conclusion and to show God’s miraculous intervention to protect His people (see Ezek. 38:22–23; 39:6). (p. 235)

Section 4: The Millennium—Final Judgment 

Revelation 20:11-15 takes its roots from Daniel 7:9-11. This is not a surprise for God. Death has been defeated, as Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:26. A radical solution has been dealt. Ranko Stefanovic continues: 

Thus, all who spurned God’s mercy meet their end in the lake of fire, which is “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). The lake of fire is not an everlasting burning hell, as many Christians believe. Rather, it is a metaphorical description of the whole earth burning with fire (Rev. 20:9). It is significant that John equates the lake of fire with the second death (20:14). This is in contrast to the first death, referred to in the Bible as a sleep. The lake of fire refers to complete destruction (Matt. 10:28)—not the beginning of eternal conscious torment. It is the place where all rebels against God meet their ultimate end. The fire burns long enough to completely consume everything, until nothing is left to burn. Its flames completely destroy everything, leaving “neither root nor branch” (Mal. 4:1): “Satan the root, his followers the branches.” They will all cease to exist. (p. 237)

Recalibrate: ​​​What radical solution is Jesus offering in your life today?

Respond: Pray for strength to follow Jesus. 

Research: Read one of the recommended commentaries on these passages.