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
It is more prevalent than one might think to hear people say, "I'm so blessed." By looking at the volume of instances in social media, it seems that even lost people are using this phrase. However, there are many instances when Christians post these words as a way to thank God for providentially providing health, a loving spouse, children, a dream job, a good church, friends, and more. It is appropriate for us to have a thankful heart and give God praise for His many blessings. But let's remember one other thing that makes us richly blessed.
When the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation under inspiration, he told the reader, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand" (Revelation 1:3). John wrote this book to seven Jewish kingdom churches under intense persecution during the Acts era, prior to Paul's last epistle (see Colossians 1:25). John specifically promised them God's blessing if they read, believed, heeded, and took encouragement from the content of Revelation.
These churches were instructed to correct specific failures, expect specific persecutions, find courage in knowing that Christ ultimately will return to vanquish His enemies and reward the faithful. While not ignoring this context, we should remember believers in every dispensation are always greatly blessed when they read and obey God's written Word. For a believer, the Scriptures rejoice the heart while enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:8), become a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), give understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130), and give reproof that directs into the proper way of life (Proverbs 6:23). As the sword of the Spirit, God's Word equips for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:17) and thoroughly furnishes us unto all good works with a balance of doctrine and correction (II Timothy 3:16-17). It is, therefore, a great blessing to those who will take the time to read it, and even more so to those who will really study and live it. Jeremiah said God's Word was unto him the rejoicing of his heart (Jeremiah 15:16). And David said time in Scripture was more to be desired than gold, even fine gold (Psalm 19:10).
How blessed do you want to be? Beyond physical or tangible blessings, every believer needs earnestly to desire the blessings of learning spiritual truths in God's Word, then put them into practice in everyday life. Right now, purpose in heart to do both regularly.
Article by : by Pastor John Fredericksen / Daily Transformation - The Berean Bible Society
Bible Text
Colossians 1:25
of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
Psalm 19:8
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
Psalm 119:105
Nun Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
Ephesians 6:17
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
2 Timothy 3:16-17
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.
Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
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