Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Have you ever watched a movie that just… wouldn't end? Over twenty years ago, I went to the theater to watch The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It is famous for its multiple endings. Just when you think it's over, there's another farewell scene, another slow fade, another emotional goodbye. It's practically the gold standard for "great movie, endless ending." You've finished your popcorn, your patience, and your will to live—and yet, the story keeps going.

Revelation 20 can feel a little like that at first glance. Satan's been defeated… sort of. Then he's bound for a thousand years, only to be released again. Then there's a final battle, a final defeat, and finally, the ultimate judgment before God's throne. It's like the final scene of all final scenes. The good news? Unlike those endless movie endings, this one actually resolves everything. Completely.

John describes a day when evil will be silenced for good. "And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books." (Revelation 20:11-12)

The enemy of God, who's been stirring up chaos since the Garden of Eden, will finally be locked away and destroyed. Justice will be served, not partially or politically, but perfectly. And then, every person, great and small, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The "books" will be opened, and our lives, our choices, our faith, and one final book, the Book of Life, will determine our eternal home.

It's both sobering and strangely comforting. Sobering, because it reminds us that our lives matter more than we realize. Comforting, because it means the injustice, pain, and heartbreak we see in the world won't have the last word.

And that's why this chapter isn't just about judgment, it's about hope. The same God who records every deed also records every act of faith. The same Jesus who conquers Satan also offers grace to everyone who trusts in Him. The same finality that ends evil forever also begins eternity for those whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Sometimes we look at the world and wonder if God's really going to set things right. Revelation 20 says He will. Not on our timeline, but on His. Not with our level of fairness, but with His perfect justice.

So the next time you feel like life is spinning out of control, remember this: history is not an endless movie with no conclusion. There is an ending. Evil will lose. Christ will reign. And the story that begins after that one will never end.

Application:

Live today with eternity in mind. If you belong to Christ, your name is already written in the Book of Life, and that changes how you face everything else. Forgive freely, serve boldly, and love generously. The final chapter has already been written, and it's a good one.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Be Generous 2025

On Be Generous Sunday, November 30th, through Tuesday, December 2nd, 100% of all financial gifts will go toward funding three special projects to ignite ministry and lead more people to know, love, and follow Jesus! For more information, visit venturechurch.org/begenerous.