So our church just began a study of the Book of Revelation.

I think it goes without saying this book tends to bother people and can generally stir up feelings of angst. The last book of the Bible’s a doozy by anyone’s standard.

That said, I want to encourage anyone who might feel this way about the book of Revelation; if you will read this book and commit it to prayer the Lord will surely bless you for it.

Did you know that Revelation is the only book in the Bible to promise a blessing to those who read it?

“3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” – Rev 1:3

Certainly we’d be blessed to read any of part of the Bible but isn’t it interesting that this book among all books of the Bible is the only one that states a specific blessing to those who read it? Moreover those who “read ALOUD the words of this prophecy”.

So out loud.

Why did the Lord have John write those words “read ALOUD”?

What is the significance of this?

I’m not sure I know. But I’m guessing there’s a reason for it.

In the final chapter of the book Jesus reiterates this promise of blessing.

Only this time to those who “keep” the words of the prophecy of this book, that is, those who guard the word heard.

“7“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”” – Rev 22:7

The Greek word for “keep” here is the same word Jesus used in John 14

“22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

25“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14

So Jesus teaches us that the Holy Spirit who was to come and is now here is the one who will “teach you”, and not just somethings, but “all things…” and as he teaches us if we keep the word heard he promises us we will have his peace.

Earlier in his ministry Jesus also said this of the Holy Spirit:

“37On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” – John 7

So Jesus said this living water, the Holy Spirit, would flow out of our hearts.

Not into, but out of.

What is the Lord saying here?

How might this give meaning to Revelation’s promise to bless those who “read ALOUD” and “keep” the words of the prophecy of this book?

Some final Scripture to chew on as you consider these things:

““The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me;

his word is on my tongue.” – 2 Samuel 23:2

“17“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” – Acts 2:17

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” – Rev 22:17

I pray the Lord bless you and keep you this day and that as you abide in his Word you know his perfect peace.

Grace and peace to you all in Jesus’ precious name.