January 14: WHAT IS THE MILLENNIUM? (part 1)

“Let not your heart be troubled . . . I will come again . . .” John 14:1,3

Are you sad? [Jesus] will come again! The disciples were tremendously saddened as Jesus attempted to prepare them for His upcoming crucifixion. They were stubborn and slow to accept that He would lay down His life. He told Simon Peter, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” (13:36). Why could Peter not follow [Him] now? Bearing the sin of the world, Jesus died the second death—the death of total separation from God—on behalf of humanity. As for the afterward part, the plan of salvation included much more preparation for His people, His “bride.” His going to prepare a place (14:2) has also included two thousand years of His fervent intercession for us as our merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).

The unique thousand-year period of time—completely unlike any other—is indeed intriguing. The word “millennium” does not appear in the Bible, but is simply a compound word that means a thousand years. When Jesus comes again, this thousand-year period is launched; and with this momentous event also comes the first resurrection.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6 (see also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Yes, the first resurrection accompanies the victorious return of the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! He will claim His bride, arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright (Revelation 19:16,8). But those still alive who chose to reject the word of God will be clothed in shame (Psalm 132:18). In fear of the Lamb of God, they will attempt to hide themselves (Revelation 6:15-16). The earthly conclusion of this scenario is the event known as “the supper of the birds” (Revelation 19:21), a vivid contrast with the joyous reunion processional of the redeemed toward heaven for the marriage supper of the Lamb (v.9). See also Hebrews 11:39-40.

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28

Jeremiah was given a vision of the condition of the earth just after the return of Jesus, the launching of the millennium: I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form and void; And the heavens, they had no light. I beheld the mountains and indeed they trembled, and all the hills moved back and forth. I beheld, and indeed there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled. I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of the LORD, by His fierce anger. (Jeremiah 4:23-26)