When Christians look out on the trends and events of our world, the view is often not positive. Countries are stirring up trouble. There are people who choose violence to get their way. Church attendance appears to be in a slow decline. Hundreds of discouraging images and upsetting concerns can flood our hearts and minds (especially if we overly indulge in them).
There is an explanation for all this. The devil appears in the opening verses of Revelation, chapter 20, as a dragon (a large and fierce enemy), a serpent (a deceiver), the devil (the “slanderer”), and Satan (the “accuser”). There is no doubt that this powerful being is bent only on our downfall by . . . . whatever means possible. And this powerful being is often successful.
But we take heart! The dragon has been bound. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2)
The “binding” happened when Jesus arrived in the world, taught the freeing gospel of forgiveness through baptism and faith in him, died, rose and ascended. He described his own ministry as “entering into a strong man’s (the devil’s) house” and “tying him up” (Mark 3:27).
For a thousand years the dragon is bound. The thousand years is a symbol for basically the entire New Testament from Jesus’ time on earth to right around his second coming. And being bound means that the devil is not able to stamp out the message of the gospel. He’s still active. But the gospel continues to spread throughout that whole time until the end, bringing peace, hope and salvation to all who believe.
So as you look out at the world, see not only the work of the dragon, but also the wonderful and powerful work of Jesus’ gospel message. The strength of the gospel reminds us that the final victory is the Lord’s!