The Seven Blessings Of Revelation
Would you rather listen than read? Listen here.
Entranced By His Word
I have read through Revelation many times, but have really taken time to study it three times. The first time I read through Revelation, I was a newer believer and had never read the Bible all the way through. While studying, I continuously got stuck on the judgements. I would get transfixed on the devastation and natural disasters. The second time studying it, everything felt factual.
This time through, God opened my eyes to so much more. I have felt entranced by His word and keep wanting to dig just a little deeper. While reading, I have seen His hand of protection, His mercy, and His grace. What had once brought trepidation now brings excitement and anticipation.
One thing I never picked up on the first two times through were the blessings. John tells us of seven blessings that we should take to heart. We should read them and hold them close, but also share them with anyone who will listen. Are you ready? They are pretty amazing.
Blessing One
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
Revelation 1:3 NIV
John tells us we are to read the book of Revelation aloud. Our online community has read every word of this book aloud when we gather on Zoom. There is something powerful in the words of this prophecy that feels different when read it aloud.
Moreso, God says all that read it and take to heart what John wrote will be blessed. I have written two separate posts on this and don’t want to repeat myself. You can read ‘Revelation’ here and ‘What Does It Mean To Be Blessed?’ here.
Blessing Two
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”
Revelation 14:13
Those that die in the Lord are those that die after accepting Jesus as their Savior. Those of us that have made this decision will receive the blessing of eternity with God. There will not be the second death, which is eternity in Hell, complete separation from God.
Blessing Three
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
Revelation 16:15
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 15:1-13 is a great example of this. Ten virgins go out to meet their bridegroom. Five of them were ready with oil for their lamps, and five did not have enough. They went to buy more, and when they returned, the bridegroom was gone.
The bridegroom in this parable is Jesus. Those that have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior will unite with Him. The ones that are not prepared will miss the opportunity and when they go to seek Him, they will hear the words no one wants to hear, “I do not know you.”
We often think I will do that tomorrow. Well, tomorrow never comes. I pray for each of us to feel an excitement and anticipation to share the Good News with as many as possible so that no one will be left to hear the words, “I do not know you.”
Blessing Four
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Revelation 19:9
After seeing Jesus’ return on His white horse, the wedding feast is something I long to see. This blessing says, “Blessed are those that are invited to the wedding feast.” The invitation is Jesus, and the RSVP is whether you choose to let Him into your heart or not. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks, waiting for you to open.
Blessing Five
“Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”
Revelation 20:6
This is much like the second blessing. Some scholars would say the first resurrection is your baptism, and others would say it is when you die as a believer and you go to Heaven. Either way, the important part is as before, you have said “Yes” to Jesus. Knowing the second death has no power over you brings an unimaginable sense of freedom.
Blessing Six
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:7
This is a reiteration of the third blessing. We must be ready. God’s idea of soon varies from ours, but that should give us even more anticipation to be ready since we do not know when He will return.
Blessing Seven
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
Revelation 22:14
Who are the ones that have the right to the tree of life? You guessed it! Those that belong to Jesus. When the glorious New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven, those who are in clean robes, or dressed in the righteousness of Christ, will have the right to the tree of life where we will live for eternity with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Invitation
The seven blessings culminate in reading the prophecy of what God gave us through John. Taking every part to heart and to be prepared. When Jesus died on the cross, He extended the invitation of a lifetime and it is our choice to accept it. If you have accepted the invitation, you will get to meet your Bridegroom, take part in the wedding feast, and spend eternity with the One who calls you His own.
