BIG IDEA: The Resurrection Put Satan on a Short Leash.
Verses 2-3 don’t say that Satan is totally bound, but only so he might not deceive the nations until the thousand years end. So, this poetic symbolism speaks to just 1 of Satan’s many activities (i.e. it doesn’t say he is bound from accusing, stealing, killing, destroying, roaring, etc.).
Satan can still roar like a lion, spout accusations, and threaten, but the slain Lamb’s resurrection terminated his ability to deceive the nations. This has direct impact on the post-resurrection mission given to us (the church) in another clear text, Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” We can believe many things about Satan, except this…he does not have more authority on earth than Jesus! Moreover, he is powerless to stop the gospel from going to all nations!
We can’t know WHEN Jesus will return, but we can be certain that representatives from all the nations will become disciples who rule and reign with our Lord!
Jesus repeatedly said His resurrection would restrict Satan’s ability to deceive nations into believing Babylon already won. May we never again let Satan’s rantings, nor earth's chaos, blind us to realities saints have been celebrating in heaven since Christ’s resurrection--a victory we’re meant to live in, not fight for, since it’s already been secured!
