4 days ago2 min read

Monday, November 11

Read: Revelation 1: 1-3

READ, HEAR AND KEEP THE WORD

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil ... and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.” - James 1: 21

In today’s text, we see there are three requisites necessary to receiving the blessing promised by the Lord. First, blessed is the one who “reads the words” of this prophecy. (Revelation 1:3) Here, the reader that John mentions is the lector, the one whose duty was to read publicly in the synagogue or church. (Acts 15:21) ln the early days of the church before the invention of the printing press, there were a limited number of handwritten copies, and this necessitated a public reader to go from church to church. There is no doubt however, that God’s blessing is to all who take up this Book and read it with regularity and reverence. Secondly, the blessing is promised to all who “hear the words” of this prophecy. Jesus said many times in letters to the churches, “He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29) So the open ear is required to receive the promised blessing. Thirdly, the blessing is promised to all who “take to heart what is written.” If we love Him, we will obey what He commands. (John 14:15)

Read - to be Protected; Hear - to be Corrected; Keep - to be Directed.

Here, John explains that there is some urgency in reading, hearing and heeding this message because the “time is near.” What time does  he refer to?  The time of the end of this present evil age, which will culminate with the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16) 

Dear friends, diligently read the Word, hear it and take it to your heart.  Do not discard the Word or postpone reading it to a later time.  The Lord’s return is imminent and the time is near.  For those who reject the Word, that Day will be a time of dread and gloom.Repent now! Or else it will be too late.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is one thing to hear the Word, but it is quite another thing to take it in my heart and believe it. Let me read, hear and take into my heart Your Word. Let me not procrastinate, for the days are evil. Your coming is near. Let me keep myself from all filthiness and be ready to meet You. Amen.

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