Day 361: Revelation 20:1–6

I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized . . . Satan and bound him for 1,000 years (vv. 1–2).

What irony that there are references to a “great chain” and being “set free” right here in passages prophesying the devil’s future. Scholars are very divided over the meaning of the 1,000-year time reference in verse 2. But no matter the time frame, Satan will be bound. That’s all that matters.

And I for one couldn’t be happier that the means the Lord uses to bind him is a great chain. How appropriate! Some may wonder why God will bother chaining him for a time rather than simply casting him immediately into the lake of fire. Beloved, as far as I’m concerned, the last days will be high time for Satan to be bound in chains! For all of us who have cried, “How long, O Sovereign Lord, until You avenge our bondage?” we will be able to enjoy watching him see how chains feel. In fact, I hope the “great chain” is made from all the ones that have fallen off our ankles!

I want Satan to experience the same sense of powerlessness with which he deceived many of us—the same powerlessness we felt when seeing others who were free yet not knowing for the life of us how to become one of them. Praise God for truth that sets us free! Satan tried his hardest to keep me bound and to destroy my life, my family, my testimony, and my ministry, but God defeated him by the power of His outstretched arm. The future will show Satan not only defeated but his wickedness toward us avenged. I suspect you feel the same way, that you share my glee at seeing him get what he has coming to him—and more!

What will the world be like while Satan is in chains? Based on my own personal study of last things, I tend to think the period of Satan’s bondage in the abyss coincides with the kingdom of Christ on earth, a kingdom characterized by peace, righteousness, and security. Keep in mind, however, that faithful students of God’s Word see a variety of ways to understand the passage. God will accomplish His will in His own way regardless of opinion. But when all is done, we will probably all stand with our mouths open in wonder.

And Satan, well—his mouth we won’t have to worry about anymore.