I have written and taught about John’s journey through the Book of Revelation many times over the years, and without failure I have learned something monumental each time. This past time I realized something that was not obvious as it is revealed throughout the entire book. Amongst all His judgements God has revealed seven incredible beatitudes to the readers of the book. As you review them, don’t be in a hurry to get to the next one. There is a powerful message in each blessing and there are challenges that go with the blessing.
- Blessed are those who “read and hear” these words as they are able to understand, keep, and appropriate them … Rev 1:3 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.
- Blessed are those that “die in the Lord” will resting from their labors … Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.
- Blessed are those who are “ready and watch” for His coming … Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
- Blessed are those “called to the marriage supper of the lamb” … Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
- Blessed are those who shall be “priests of God” … Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
- Blessed are those who “read and keep” the prophecy … Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
- Blessed are those who “do” His commandments as they are assured entrance to the city … Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
“The first and greatest commandment, of course, is the love of God (Matthew 22:37), and that “we love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). “And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, in and out of the holy city and who partake of the wonderful tree of life are surely those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and who, therefore, love His commandments and His prefect will.” Henry M. Morris