Ok, so there I was reading some stuff in the Bible (The Message) when I ran across one of the lines that just kind of leaves me wondering “what the heck is going on here.” So I need some help. Check out this passage. My question: It seems that according to this that some folks are going to be “in charge” of other folks. Whether or not this is referring to here on earth or in heaven I’m not sure. Set me straight.
Just some half-formed thought….
When you read through the entire chapter there is a flavour of steadfastness and dependability, trustworthiness and commitment to the end. Perhaps the “being in charge” aspect is in the context of reigning with Christ, as in the following verses (NIV):
1. Revelation 20:4
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Revelation 20:3-5 (in Context)
2. Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:5-7 (in Context)
This is very interesting. Thanks for the insights. As I have read the passage in a couple of other versions it does seem to pretty clearly point to a future time and seemingly that in heaven. The scriptures you have referenced here in Revelation seem to point to some people who live through the tribulation without denouncing their faith. The terminology is much more specific than the generic terminology used in Matthew. I wonder if that matters.