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Revelation 20:4-6
In Revelation 20:4 the Apostle John sees in his vision those who sat on the judgment thrones. There is no further communication of just exactly who it is who sits on the judgment thrones other than that they were given the authority to judge. What we see next is “the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands” (NKJV). We must be careful not to read too far into this passage as it does not say that the ones that sat on the judgment thrones are the martyrs, however, it does seem very possible that it is the martyrs. The end of Revelation 20:4 declares, “And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” In Revelation 20:5-6 we learn that this is the first resurrection, that is, of those who were martyred for Christ and His word (Revelation 20:4). The others in Christ who have died will not be resurrected until the end of the thousand years/the millennial reign.
This is the first resurrection, which consists of those who have been martyred for Jesus and the word of God.
For those who have been or will be martyred for Jesus and the word of God is a great reward in heaven – and they deserve it for standing for Jesus until the end of their lives in the face of the enemy. Being martyred is not something that we want to do or would wish upon anyone, but standing up for Jesus is something that we all should do. . . every day of our lives.
Dear LORD,
This passage, giving respect to those who have been or will be martyred for standing up for Jesus and Your word in the face of death, is a declaration of Your faithfulness to those who remain faithful to You throughout any circumstances that may confront us in this world. We salute them and praise You for being the God who rewards our faith in our Savior Jesus and Your everlasting word. In Jesus name I pray, amen.