Title: The Blessings of reading God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:3

“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.”

Main idea: “for the time is near” refers to imminence. Believers must be ready for Christ’s coming.

Who is blessed?
The one who reads the words of the prophecy. The public reading of Scripture was common in Jewish life (for example, Nehemiah 8:2-3; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:15). Scripture reading was an important event. In addition to the reader, blessed also are those who hear and who keep what is written. This reminds Jesus’ words in Luke 11:28: “blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

A blessing to the reader hearer and keeper of this book
He who reads: This is in the singular. It speaks of one person who reads. Paul might have had this in mind when he said to Timothy, “Give attendance to reading” (1 Timothy 4:13).

“Those who hear” is in the plural. It speaks of many people hearing. John might say, “Blessed is the pastor who teaches the book of Revelation, and blessed is the congregation who hears it.”

Blessed are those who keep those things which are written in it. Most of all, pastor or congregation, blessed are those who keep those things which are written in it. John pronounces a blessing on the reader who reads this divine message and to the members of the congregation who listen and obey its teaching. They are blessed, the same word found in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3–8 and Luke 6:20–22.

Why will we receive blessedness if we read this book?
Because Revelation is about Jesus Christ and His ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose for creation. His coming is certainly near. No one knows when these events will occur, so all believers must be prepared. They will happen quickly, with no second chance to change minds.

Application
Every generation of believers must look for the return of Christ. The proper attitude is this: we must be expecting Christ to return today, but we must plan as though He will not come for a hundred years. Our Lord reminds us that the time of His coming is at hand. It is coming soon. Paul said in Romans 13:12 …. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Let’s pray together
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Word. Help us Lord to understand what we read and what we hear and also Lord, help us live by Your word. In Jesus Name Amen.