A Revelation Invitation

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 ESV)

Reading between the lines, this blessing gives a small insight into the dynamics of the church in first century Asia Minor. We notice that John speaks to both “the one who reads aloud” and “those who hear.” Most of the people who gathered in their house churches could not read. Even those who could read almost never had a copy of any portion of the Scriptures among their personal possessions. The cost was prohibitive. The only direct engagement these disciples had with God’s word was in their assemblies as one of their fellowship would read aloud from a portion of Scripture that was shared among the churches. John encourages this book to be read by offering this blessing both to the public reader and to those listening. Today, nearly everyone can read and afford a copy of the Scriptures. We are without excuse. This beatitude reminds us how important it is to take the understanding of Revelation to heart.

Paul instructed Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). Does this passage apply to Revelation? Of course, we will say yes, but what do our actions reveal? We may wonder what exactly Revelation offers that will equip us for every good work leading us to doubt it being of any practical use. Regardless, we mustn’t refuse to forge ahead until we have receive a satisfactory answer to that frustrating question. If we truly believe it to be profitable, we won’t blow it off. We must trust the Holy Spirit when he says we will be blessed.

To that end consider the following: Few books of the Bible will move you to appreciate the glory, majesty and power of God as will Revelation. Few books convey the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ over all creation, over the nations and over the affairs of the human race like Revelation. Few books so expressly portray God’s care for his people as we endure trials and tribulations. Few books so convincingly reassure the saints of their ultimate victory. Few books so strikingly illustrate the impotence of the rulers, powers and authorities of this world. Few books so powerfully present the triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ over all the forces of evil in both this world and in the heavenly realms. Few books more gloriously describe the wedding of the Lamb to his bride, the holy city, the church, as does the book of Revelation.

As we read Revelation, chaos will give way to order. Our fears will be supplanted by faith. Persecution and oppression will be met with justice. Suffering will eventually be replaced with comfort. Misery will evaporate into celebration. And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

Dear Father, forgive my past neglect of this book. I’m excited to learn what encouragement you have for me in its pages. I eagerly anticipate growth in my faith as I read it message. Now open my mind and open the eyes of my heart that I may see your hand at work in the affairs of the world and among your people. I know your Holy Spirit will be with me on this journey. Amen.