We open Revelation 20 to an emotionally heavy scene in the Biblical story. John sees people killed, martyred, for their testimony about Jesus reigning. The Deceiver who stirred the nations against God is finally defeated, and the dead, both great and small, stand before the throne where books are opened, and all their deeds are judged. Even for the faithful, this is a sobering view.

The rich and powerful of this earth aren’t able to purchase a stacked verdict in this courtroom. The seemingly insignificant aren’t overlooked, and even death and Hades surrender those they’ve held before being cast themselves into the lake of fire. It’s here we find hope that the forces devastating God’s creation since the Garden won’t maintain their grip forever.
 
As hard as it may be to watch, this is part of what it means for God to set things right. A world that continued to be surrendered to deception, violence, and death could never be fully healed. In this scene we see that the suffering of His people hasn’t gone unnoticed, and those who remained faithful to Jesus haven’t been forgotten.
 
We must also realize this scene does more than confront the abject evil around us. It confronts us, too. The Book of Life is opened, and exclusion from it carries a terrible and eternal toll: the reality of the second death. We can’t read this chapter as spectators who assume that judgment only applies to everyone else. Our own lives stand open and naked before God. It’s in this moment we realize just how complete and utter our need is for the life Jesus brings.
 
The fitting response for us is humility, repentance, and an enduring allegiance to Jesus. As this year’s story moves towards its fulfillment, we can face evil honestly and entrust the outcome to God. He will judge righteously and evil will find its ultimate defeat.

What unresolved wrong makes you long for God’s justice? How does this chapter also call you to examine your own life before the righteous Judge?

Father, You see the evil that wounds Your world and the sin in my own life. Grant me honest repentance and faithful trust in Jesus. Strengthen those who suffer for His name, and help me remain faithful while I await Your righteous judgment. Amen.

“Because evil will not persist forever, I can entrust __________________ to God today.”