How to be Blessed

Early in the book of Revelation we find this promise: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Rev. 1:3). This is the first of seven beatitudes in the book (cf. 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).

1) The Revelation given – a prophecy of future events

2) The Response expected – read, hear, keep

3) The Reason explained – the time of fulfilment is near

4) The Reward promised – the blessing of God

Revelation is the only Bible book promising blessing to those who study and apply it (though there is a general promise regarding meditation on God’s Word in Ps. 1:1-2). Some avoid the book as being too confusing, or too difficult to understand. However it is said to be a “revelation” intended to “show” us things (vs. 1). And since there is a blessing awaiting those who dig into it, we must not cast it aside.

For your meditation, regarding Revelation 1:5-6…

1) We are Cared For – Christ loved us (some manuscripts have a present tense, “loves us”–both are true)

2) We are Cleansed – washed [or set free] from our sins in the blood of Christ

3) We are Commissioned – as kings and priests (or, constituted as a kingdom, and as priests of God).

Let us not be content merely with the first to, to sit and soak and sour until God calls us home. As New Testament priests of God (cf. I Pet. 2: 5, 9) we have a responsibility to offer praise and prayer to Him, and to minister to those around us (Heb. 13:15-16).