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.

·         The apostolic benediction (MH)

·         Revelation is unique as the only book God promises a special blessing to anyone who reads, hears and keeps the prophecy (Rev. 1:3), as well as, a destructive curse for anyone who adds to or subtracts from it.

·         We may “keep the prophecy” now in three ways. First - by understanding and responding in loving faith and obedience to specific truths about Jesus. Second - by proclaiming and praying for the release of Jesus end-time battle plan. Third - by refusing to compromise while resisting temptation or enduring persecution.

 

Isaiah 26:17 – As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so have we been in Your sight, O Lord.

Ezekiel 30:3 – For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles.

Revelation 1:1-2

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – things which must shortly take place.  And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

·         The title of the book of Revelation is the “unveiling of the glory of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1), because it reveals the perfection of His heart, power and leadership in preparing the nations for the glory of God (Hab. 2:14; Num. 14:21; Ps. 72:19; Isa. 11:9). The Father’s primary purpose in giving us this book is to reveal the infinite and eternal beauty of His Son (Isa. 4:2; Hag. 2:7), as well as, the brilliance of His unfolding “battle”.

·         Revelation – unveiling/drawing aside curtain of concealment

·         The Father commissioned Jesus to “unveil” certain dimensions of His infinite beauty and eternal majesty (Isa. 4:2; Hag. 2:7), as well as, the brilliance of His unfolding “battle plan” (Dan. 9:24), revealing His heart, power and leadership in preparing the nations for God’s glory (Hab. 2:14). The Father commissioned Jesus, who sent and signified the revelation by His angel to His servant John (Rev. 1:1; 22:6, 16), who was commanded to write and send it to the churches (9x Rev. 1:11, 19; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14).

·         Shortly – swiftly in occurrence

 

Habakkuk 2:14 – “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.)

 

Psalm 72:19 – “Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?

 

Isaiah 4:2 – “In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious….)

 

Daniel 2:28, 29 – But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets….

 

Revelation 22:21

 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

 

Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 8:9  O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!