The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave
Him to show His slaves what must quickly take place.
(Rev 1:1a)
The book of Revelation was never meant to remain clouded in mysteries that could not be comprehended. The title of the book, Revelation, comes from the Greek word apocalypsis from which we get the word apocalypse. The word apocalypse means to make known, to reveal a mystery and its meaning. It is meant to be understood. This book is a revealing of the mysteries of the end times. Jesus fully intended for it to be understood.
God wants to reveal this mystery and its meaning to His servants. That is you and me, and everyone who has received the free gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation but we are saved to serve. If you fully comprehend the price Jesus paid for our sins, for your sins, and you willingly accepted His free gift of grace, He expects that you will serve Him by sharing the love He gave you. That means sharing the gospel so that people have a chance to come to know the Lord as their Savior, people you know and meet. These same people are people that God loves.
He sent it and signified it through His angel to His slave John, who testified
to God’s word and to the testimony about Jesus Christ, in all he saw.
(Rev 1:1b-2)
The text clearly shows that God the Father gave this message to Jesus (God the Son) and used an angel to deliver it to John who then recorded it in writing so that the church—the entire church throughout church history—would have, know and act on these words. John was one of the original twelve disciples and an apostle. He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He witnessed Jesus’ entire earthly ministry. He was one of the three that witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and was probably the only one of the original twelve to be present at the cross when Jesus was crucified. John’s credibility as a witness and an apostle is indisputable.
The one who reads this is blessed, and those who hear the words of this
prophecy and keep what is written in it are blessed, because the time is near!
(Rev 1:3)
During Bible times many people were illiterate, Even those who could read did not have private libraries and getting access to written materials was difficult. People went to synagogue and a rabbi read the scripture then interpreted it. That must be understood when looking to receive the blessing that is promised in this scripture.
The other condition of receiving this blessing is to take it to heart. These are the words of God. If all we do is listen but what we hear does not make a difference in our lives, then what’s the point. That is worse than then going home, turning on the TV to watch a football game, and falling asleep on the couch. When you wake up, the game has long been over and some other program is playing. Why is it worse than this? The outcome of a football game has no real bearing on the eternal fate of human souls. God’s goal is summarized in Second Peter, chapter three, verse nine. “God is patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (Emphasis mine.)
Here is another mystery. He chose us to help see that end vision come to fruition. Why would He chose me? I am the least likely person to be called by God to do something on His behalf. If he can use me, He can use anyone. Since I am so unlikely, anything good that comes out of my efforts can only be attributed to God.
If you want to receive the promised blessing of this scripture, read it, listen to it, embrace it, and obey it.
