Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. – Revelation 1:3
Revelation is a revealing, an unveiling of a mystery or an understanding not grasped initially. Scripture’s book of Revelation is not only a revealing of things to come, but more importantly, a revealing of Christ Himself. God could have spelled out the events to come in an even more specific way, but He allows His followers to be blessed by seeking Him through continued study and meditation on His Word.
In fact, He has announced a blessing to all those who read, those who hear, and those who keep what is written. At the time of John’s writing, the people of God were suffering under severe persecution and needed encouragement. The message was to give them strength and hope. It was also a message intended to make them examine themselves and areas in their lives that needed correction.
Some people take the privilege of reading and studying God’s Word for granted. His blessing comes to those who are convicted in such a way that draws their hearts to live as He has commanded. It is a life of repentance, humility, steadfastness, and prayer that will be blessed by God. In light of that, pray for the people of America who have lost their way to return to the Lord and learn of God’s promises.
As this month draws to a close, make a commitment to dedicate yourself to the study of God’s Word. Regularly examine your life to find any areas where you have not allowed God to be Master. Give thanks to Him that His written word is readily available to read. Pray for those who teach the Scriptures that they stand firmly on the solid ground of truth.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Revelation 1:3-8
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
