The Seven Beatitudes of Revelation: Blessed to Keep the Words

My Dear Shepherds,

Surely you’ve noticed how church people seem to always want a class or sermon series on Revelation. You also know how many pastors fidget, hemming and hawing at the request, wary of being sucked down into the hermeneutical maelstrom of the Apocalypse.

But Revelation, for all its intimidating challenges, makes a very generous offer in the first of the book’s seven beatitudes:

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. (Rev. 1:3)

Again, near the end, the Lord Jesus says,

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Rev. 22:7)

The promised blessing is described in the promises of crowns and white robes, of priestly service, and our wedding feast. These blessings come to life through our obedience. With such mind-boggling things to see and hear in Revelation, it’s easy to overlook just what words we are to keep.

Pastors, when our turn comes to expound this book the real blessing for our people will not be the tours we conduct through John’s visions but in the words we help them obey.

To begin with, the Son of Man gives very explicit commands as he walks among the lampstands of his churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Beware of false teachers, of Balaams and Jezebels. “Endure hardship for my name.” Repent of sexual immorality, lost love, and lukewarm hearts. Open the door when Jesus knocks. All those commands are underscored and illustrated through the prophecies that follow.

We are ushered into the throne room of God and of the Lamb, trembling with the weight and glory of holiness. After that we behold diabolical wickedness engulfing the world, God’s mighty unfolding judgments, the vast joyful assembly of his saints and angels, and finally our bright home. We hear the great hallelujah chorus, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Cue the choir: “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”

What in all that is there for us to keep? For one thing, to attune our heartfelt worship now to the anthems we will sing forever: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,” “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,” and “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.”

Years ago I came across a little book by Robert E. Coleman entitled, The Songs of Heaven (later reissued as Singing with the Angels; both out of print now). He surveyed Revelation through fourteen hymns positioned through its pages. When I used his idea for my own sermon series I quickly discovered the benefit of preaching the sermon early in the service so we could respond at length afterward in singing and testimony, our happy obedience to the scroll.

We help our people keep these words by embedding this hope, these true visions of our future, in their hearts. Revelation is intended to change the way we look at life now, and to make us homesick.

I recently committed to teaching a 16-week series on Revelation next year. Believe me, I tried to dodge it but in the end I was cornered. As I was dithering, I came to this blessing and realized the privilege and duty God is granting me of helping fellow believers keep the words of this scroll as we await Jesus’ soon return. Perhaps your turn is coming!

Be ye glad!

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