2 Timothy 2:12, “if we endure, we will also reign with him…”
Did you know that one day Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth and reign for a thousand years with His people? It is called the “Millennial Reign of Christ,” foretold by John, in Revelation 20:1-6. John wrote, “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” What a wonderful picture of what is to come — we will reign as priests with Jesus on the earth!
Can you imagine what it will be like to rule and reign with Christ on the earth for a thousand years as His divine agents? We will be similar to the priests who ruled in Israel during the time of the Old Testament (Psalm 82:6). The Bible teaches that the subjects of the kingdom will be those who didn’t die in the Battle of Armageddon. Though hundreds of millions of rebellious humanity will die in Jesus’ second coming and final battle, He will still allow a portion to survive and live upon the earth in His Kingdom.
Many theories exist, among scholars, as to why Jesus would allow the natural order of life to continue, for a thousand years, before recreating the earth. I believe the best answer, is to show what the Garden of Eden could have been like in the natural world. This act shows God’s heart for restoration and redemption. Instead of just doing away with everything, He first will allow His people to enjoy the fullness of the kingdom of God upon the earth, “the restored and upgraded Garden of Eden.”
Before you get your scepter and start ruling over people, you must take the full context of what Paul is saying in the above verse.
In this life we must endure suffering to reign as priests in the next life. Our rulership is not in this life but the next. We must first endure (suffer and persevere), with Jesus, if we want reign with Him.
In this current age, we as Christians, will be persecuted and suffer many trials, but we should not lose heart and give up because we have a future hope to reign with Christ. John Piper wrote, “This is God’s universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.” Let Christ’s promise, to rule and reign with Him for a thousand years; comfort your heart in the midst of whatever you may be enduring today. God is going to reward you for all you suffer in His name!
REFLECTION
What hardships are you enduring in life today?
ACTION
- Consider whatever you may be facing in life as the “testing of your faith” (James 1:2-4).
- Ask God for strength to endure all that you are facing in life.
- Rejoice and find hope in the promise of ruling with Christ one day!
