royal flush
"They came to life again and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." —Revelation 20:4
Throughout the centuries, the millennium (Rv 20:3-4) has been interpreted to mean the history of the Church. This means that we as members of the Church are reigning with Jesus now (Mt 16:19; 1 Pt 2:9; Rv 1:6, 5:10) and the devil is restrained (2 Thes 2:6).
In recent times, some Christian groups have interpreted the Scriptures to say that the millennium is not present but future. It is important to interpret this Scripture correctly. Are we reigning or waiting to reign? Is the devil chained or unchained?
I recently saw someone in the hospital recovering from major surgery. He was remarkably strong but very confused, possibly because of the surgery and medication. Many of us are like this man. As members of the Church, we have immeasurably great authority and power (Eph 1:19). However, we are confused about our royalty and authority. Consequently, we don't act royally.
Know you are royal, because Christ is King and you are in Him. "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons" (Mt 10:8). Bring down the strongholds of the evil one (2 Cor 10:4). Be yourself. Reign with Christ the King.
Prayer: Father, work through Your Church to free me from confusion.
Promise: "The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will not pass." —Lk 21:33
Praise: As an intercessor, Carol prays frequently for people to be delivered from the power of Satan.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996