Scripture
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Observation
We know that all of Scripture is a revelation from God to man even if it’s title isn’t “The Book of Revelation.” Paul puts it this way, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Tim 3:16). I’m so glad The Apostle John was led to re-emphasize the blessing that comes from Revelation because there are many who would choose to ignore it simply because the prophetic imagery is often so difficult to understand. Is there anyone who doesn’t want to receive a blessing from God? Anyone feeling a little over-blessed? I guess they might want to skip this book. Not me. I want to receive everything my God wants to give. Sadly, the Anglican Church virtually omits The Book of Revelation in its regular schedule of readings for both public worship and private devotions because it’s so hard to understand and can often be divisive. Often, those who study the Book of Revelation are viewed as fanatics or fringe Christians. As for me, I plan on receiving the blessing that is waiting in every word and every page of this book.
Application
There are two points to understand about the promised blessing of Revelation.
Hear & Obey- This blessing is for the one who both hears and obeys. The Hebrew language has one word for hear and obey. To Israel, it’s two sides of the same coin. Our God feels the same. The Hebrew word Shema means to hear and obey, to give respect to the teacher by being intentional to pay attention and put it into action. Deuteronomy 18:1-2 describes it this way: “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God…”. In a society of information overload our Lord is calling us to more. Revelation isn’t simply more content to skim, debate about, and then move on from. No, if we want to enter the blessing promised here we must do the hard work of both listening and then living it out. We must put feet to our faith.
Apply What You Know- I’m so glad this blessing is not limited to those who understand all of Revelation, because I’ve been a Christian for most of my life and I’m still coming at this book like a novice. The blessing is for those who hear and obey. In fact, this is a key to the whole book of Revelation. I often wish God had given us a straight out explanation of what everything means, but this book is really an invitation to relationship in the end times. He will reveal what we need to know when we need to know it as long as we are applying what we know and understand right now. Notice that God uses the same phrase to each of the seven churches in Revelation: “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7) Could it be He is saying this to the 21st Century Church as well? He corrects those He loves. He wants to lavish blessing on us, but we must "Shema"- we must hear, obey, and, as life-long learners, sit at His feet every day to learn and apply what He says.
Prayer
Lord, there’s no doubt we are living in the last days. I’m so thankful You have given me a guide through all of the hurt, heartache and confusion around me. I repent for the times where I simply heard your word, checked off my “God box” and moved on with living the same way I was before. You didn’t give us Scripture for information but for transformation. I refuse to approach Your Word in a passive way anymore. I will actively pursue the blessing You have for me in hearing and obeying Your Word throughout the day.
11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
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