“How fortunate is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and those who hear and keep what has been written in it—for the time is near.”
The Revelation 1:3 TLV
“God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.”
Revelation 1:3 NLT
I’m not going to lie. This is one of the books I dreaded reading when I started the Daily Audio Bible this year. Filled with symbolism and imagery, I’ve found this book challenging. For some reason it’s a book I’ve shied away from and even feared, until today.
As I opened the reading, I was struck by verse 3 – how fortunate and blessed are those who read, hear, and keep the words of this book. Immediately it dawned on me that my perspective is skewed. This book is not one to fear, it’s not a book I’m incapable of understanding as some denominations taught me growing up, rather, it’s a book, like all the others, for me to read and listen to. It’s here for my benefit and growth. And the One who inspired it is capable of helping me understand it.
Though I know fear is not of G-d, there are still a few things that I am afraid of but eternity should not be one of them. At times I’ve been incapacitated by fear to the point of thinking death would be better than facing the thing before me. It occurred to me last night as I was trying to explain my fear being a certain issue that the things I fear aren’t physical – they the intangible things you cannot see or touch. I ask Him repeatedly to guide and help me, to perfect and mature His love in me and cast out fear, yet at times, it still tries to crouch in and cloud my view of things. This book is one of those things. As I wrap up 2022 and the Bible reading plan, I realized I have 4 days to devour this book. I know I won’t understand all of the symbolism and imagery. But I also know from reading through the Word that He will open my eyes and heart. I know He will faithfully show up and speak to me morning after morning. I believe He will show me what He wants me to see. I believe He will not fail me or forget me. Because He’s been faithful day after day, I know He’ll be faithful through the end. Here’s to facing this fear and forging ahead with eager anticipation of all He has for me.
Father – open my eyes to Your truth. Erase the lie that this book is only for the trained preacher. This book, like all the others, is for me. Guide me in Your truth. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Revelation 1-5
December 28, 2022