Thinking in 3’s - Revelation 1:3 - A Celebration of Scripture

Thinking in 3’s - Revelation 1:3 - A Celebration of Scripture

“Blessed 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.” (Revelation 1:3 ESV)

This is our final “3” in our backwards run through the Book of Revelation. And this verse is an invitation to read, hear, and heed this particular book of Scripture. We know that the Book of Revelation,  with all its fantastic images, is a more difficult book than others. And yet, there is still value in reading, hearing, and heeding this book, as is true of all sections of Scripture, whether or not they are easily understandable or applicable.

A few years ago, Jason Nightengale came as a special guest and quoted the Book of Revelation for our congregation and guests. Jason, who has now gone to be with the Lord, had memorized large portions of Scripture. His recitation of Book of Revelation was the one, it seemed, in highest demand. Jason did exactly what this Scripture verse says: he “read aloud the words of this prophecy.” The people assembled were “those who hear.” The test for us, then, is have we “kept what is written in it.” 

In the early church, everyone would not have had their own copy of Scripture. It is possible that not everyone could read. It would have been common for Scripture to be read aloud in their gatherings. People were used to listening, then, to Scripture read aloud. They would have trained their ears to pick up repeated words and themes, even as we train our eyes to do the same. (And actually, today, the practice of listening to Scripture is on the rise due to apps that have the option to “read” Scripture aloud. Many people would rather hear instead of read.) I believe that the “blessing” mentioned in these verses applies to both hearing and reading. The question, of course, is: do we actually spend time in hearing/reading Scripture?

But what does it mean to “keep”? I’m sure it can mean several things. Let me offer a few thoughts. 

First of all, “keeping” means that we will not forget or ignore this book of the Bible. We should not forget or ignore any book of the Bible. For someone to say, “Well, Revelation is just too far out there for me,” is not an attitude that we should take. 

Second, there are sections of this book that are easily applicable. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 contain many warnings, corrections, and praises. We can easily heed those.

Also, this book reminds us that this world is full of powers that can be human, or spiritual, and that spiritual forces are directing the physical forces. These powers are presented as powerful, and that we stand in need of God’s protection from spiritual forces. This is a word to be “kept.”

The book also makes clear to us that there is a future that is radically different than the turbulent present. Evil powers will be done away with. The prayers of the saints will be heard. Jesus Christ, the Lamb, triumphs.

And finally, this book contains much worship material. Chapters 4 and 5 in particular show both heavenly and earthly representatives bowing in worship to the Father and the Son, and singing glorious songs of praise to our God. This is something that we can do now, in anticipation of that future. 

Perhaps we could, each of us, take an hour or two, and sit down, and just read through this book one more time.