Revelation 20--Revelation 20:9

Day 9

Sigh.

The first part of Revelation 20:9 continues Satan’s onslaught.

Revelation 20:9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves.

This worries me because if I’m PART of this epic clash between good and evil rather than just watching it on cable; I know how weary I can get just holding myself accountable.

And here is Satan and his minions surrounding God’s people.

Would that be like being surrounded by non-believers?

Even relatively benign non-believers like some of my friends and family?

John Walvoord writes in Revelation, that even post-Millennium, people will rebel against God:

“Even in the ideal situation of the millennium, innumerable people respond to the first temptation to rebel against God.”

My feverish imagination is replete with bloody swords and burning villages (pretty much like any of the SEVEN  Lord of the Rings movies or prequels), but I think Paul Harvey, (yes, that Paul Harvey) channeling his inner C.S. Lewis, said this in 1965 about what being surrounded might mean:

“If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of its real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.

To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…

And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

If I were the devil I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.

Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.

If I were the devil I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.

And what do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.”

Paul Harvey, good day.”

Geez.  That was 58 years ago.

Our society seems MUCH worse than even what Harvey describes.  

Chuck Swindoll, in Insights On Revelation, delivers the coup de grace about what is ahead:

“As inconceivable as it may seem, not all children born during the Millennium will be loving and loyal subjects of Christ.  Though Christ’s reign will turn the world right side up, many hearts will remain upside down.  Outwardly they may conform, but inwardly they will harbor bitter feelings that will be ripe for harvest when Satan arrives with a message to match their hidden malice.”

I don’t like to think about hidden malice in folks that I’m close to.  Smile at me from across the dinner table or laugh with me on the golf course or at a gathering of friends–but harbor ill-will towards God and Jesus?

That’s sickening and sad.

The second part of Revelation 20:9 accounts for all of Satan’s devious work since being let out of the Abyss:

Revelation 20:9 (b) But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.

I don’t know how I feel about God FINALLY making things right.

On the one hand, I feel grateful that I really don’t have to bloody my sword or face the hangman.  There is no battle for me.

 God takes care of it.

Decisively.

Matthew Waymeyer, writes in Revelation 20 and The Millennial Debate:

“This battle is fought not by the saints protecting their city, but by God who sends fire down from heaven, a common form of divine punishment. The power of God is so great that there will not be even the appearance of a battle.”

And on the other hand, I know I will have lost some friends and some family–and I may be surprised at who.

What’s ironic is that  when I struggle and feel surrounded by challenges, doubts, and fears, I pray for God’s consuming fire to purify my heart and refine my faith.

Sigh.  🙂

Lord, we pray for the protection of Your people who are being surrounded, daily, hourly by opposition and hostility.  We pray for a consuming fire to scatter the forces of Satan.

Lord, help us stand empowered to stand firm in the truth, knowing that Your protection is our shield.

Amen.