Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Rev. 1:3).
Where else do we find so direct a blessing pronounced upon the hearing, reading, and observance of any part of God's Word? Surely, with this blessing in connection with the prophecies of the book of Revelation, we ought to study them earnestly. Every passing year makes them more important. Every fulfillment in history makes more urgent the need of study, not only of this book, but of the entire volume of Sacred Scripture.
Uriah Smith reminds us that "every fulfillment of prophecy brings its duties. There are things in the Revelation to be observed, or performed. Practical duties are to be fulfilled as the result of an understanding and accomplishment of the prophecy" (Daniel and the Revelation [1944], p. 341).
An example of this is seen in Revelation 14:12: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." God, who sees the future, sees things that we do not see. He has revealed some things that He has commanded, whether or not we understand everything.
Archibald Ruthledge tells the story of a turpentine worker whose faithful dog had died in a great forest fire because he would not desert his master's dinner pail, which he had been told to watch. With tears running down his face, the old man said, "I always had to be careful what I told that dog to do, 'cause I knew he'd do it." Are we always as faithful?
Let's study the book of Revelation, not only with interest, but with obedience, "for the time is at hand."
MEDITATION PRAYER: "Moreover by them [God's commandments] is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Ps. 19:11)
Where else do we find so direct a blessing pronounced upon the hearing, reading, and observance of any part of God's Word? Surely, with this blessing in connection with the prophecies of the book of Revelation, we ought to study them earnestly. Every passing year makes them more important. Every fulfillment in history makes more urgent the need of study, not only of this book, but of the entire volume of Sacred Scripture.
Uriah Smith reminds us that "every fulfillment of prophecy brings its duties. There are things in the Revelation to be observed, or performed. Practical duties are to be fulfilled as the result of an understanding and accomplishment of the prophecy" (Daniel and the Revelation [1944], p. 341).
An example of this is seen in Revelation 14:12: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." God, who sees the future, sees things that we do not see. He has revealed some things that He has commanded, whether or not we understand everything.
Archibald Ruthledge tells the story of a turpentine worker whose faithful dog had died in a great forest fire because he would not desert his master's dinner pail, which he had been told to watch. With tears running down his face, the old man said, "I always had to be careful what I told that dog to do, 'cause I knew he'd do it." Are we always as faithful?
Let's study the book of Revelation, not only with interest, but with obedience, "for the time is at hand."
MEDITATION PRAYER: "Moreover by them [God's commandments] is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Ps. 19:11)
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