1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;

3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were finished. After these things he must be released for a short time.

— Revelation 20:1-3

Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

— John 12:31

8 Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9 But resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world.

— 1 Peter 5:8-9

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

In Revelation 19, John saw Jesus, the King of Kings, vanquish His enemies. Never again would the beast, the false prophet, or earthly kings torment God’s people. But the greatest enemy remained: the dragon, the ancient serpent-Satan himself. In chapter 20, God’s triumph over Satan comes in two stages.

First, Satan is imprisoned for one thousand years. He is released for a short time and makes and makes a final assault on God And His People. Then, Satan is defeated forever! Satan received a death blow at the cross and now lives with a death sentence.’ The devil’s evil deception in the world continues for a “little while.” However, his certain and complete downfall will come swiftly and completely. God has a set plan to deal with evil.