Today’s Lesson will merely give one example of the Millennium as it is set forth in the massive Old Testament Book of Psalms. Other Psalms will follow in our series of studies on this critically important (but often neglected) area of Bible Prophecy, the future Thousand Year Reign of Jesus here on this earth.
We’re going to notice Psalm 46, part of it anyway. This is the Chapter that begins: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” And then the Psalmist continues with resolve: “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; even though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3, linking “practicality” with “prophecy!”
(I’ve had Pastors imply to me that preaching “Prophecy” is not helpful, not practical. “Preach against sin,” they admonish! And indeed the anti-sin idea is true, but we are also charged to preach the whole “Word of God,” which is heavily loaded with Prophecy!)
Besides, Bible Prophecy is no fruitless area of study! As 1 John 3:2 proves: “We know that, when he (Jesus) shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.” The hope of Jesus’ Return (prophecy) aids (propels, motivates) a Christian to live more purely, more godly (practicality)!
Wow!
But Psalm 46 now progresses in worship … “The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Verses 6 and 7)
The “heathen” here are the non-Jewish nations of the world, lost and reprobate souls! Sounds like Psalm 2, another prophetic Poem! “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (His Messiah).”
“Kingdoms moved?” (Psalm 46:6) This literally happens when Jesus comes again … every nation on earth will be affected! Revelation 11:15 (Millennial too) agrees: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD are become the kingdoms of our LORD, and of his CHRIST; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Amen, that’s Kingdom “movement,” all right!
Then, Psalm 46 observes, “The Lord is with us!” Saved Israel during the Millennium, with Jesus actually in their presence, in Jerusalem, on this earth!
But there’s more … Millennial to the Core … “Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Verses 8-11 of Psalm 46!
“Wars to cease?”
Isaiah, millennially speaking, has it: “And he (Jesus) shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Worldwide peace, Isaiah 2:4! (Micah 4:3 also quotes Isaiah’s beautiful word picture!)
“I (Jesus) will be exalted IN THE EARTH!” Not just in Heaven, but “the earth” too, Psalm 46:10, the Chapter’s penultimate (next-to-last) verse.
Then finally redeemed Israel worships, exults: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Read “Selah” here as a strong “Hallelujah!”
“WITH US,” but not just poetically!
Nor metaphorically or spiritually or typically!
LITERALLY!
Jesus on earth, with every nation bowing to Him!
Ruling among His people (Israel), and finally bringing … “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
The Millennium … in Psalm 46!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
How about that, the Bible … the most amazing Book on earth (and in Heaven, where it is settled forever, Psalm 119:89!
Yes!
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