The Beatitudes of Revelation

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive

glory and honor and power; for

thou hast created all things, and

for thy pleasure they are and

were created.

Revelation 4:11

There are books in our Bibles that are often ignored or misused for any number of reasons and the book of Revelation ranks probably close to the top of that list if not at the top. I've seen it used and abused by people who want to put their own spin on things. True, there is much of it that is very difficult to understand, but there's a great deal of it that is very beneficial.

John the apostle is the author of this book under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We know that John wrote the Gospel of John as well as I, II, and III John. This book entrusted to John's writing is totally different from the four other books he wrote in that it is clearly apocalyptic literature. It was written during days of dire persecution. Some feel it was written during the days of Nero but because of dates of the times, it is more likely that it was penned during the days of Domitian, a leader that was even more insane than Nero if that is possible. John had continued to be faithful in his preaching and had become a thorn in the side of Domitian so John was exiled to Patmos, a very rocky island area used more as a quarry than anything else. Without Domitian having to out and out kill John, his hope was to work John to death as John by now was in his older years. John turned out to be pretty tough and after his time was up on Patmos, lived out his remaining years in Ephesus.

We are very familiar with the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5. We have come to learn that the word “blessed” means “happy.” So we should read each beatitude as “Happy is ....” We would do the same with the seven beatitudes that are found in Revelation. Let's see what they tell us:

“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.” Revelation 1:3

Here, a command is given to read this book. I don't know up front any other book of Scripture where we are commanded to read a particular book. And yet, this is one of the least read books in the Bibles of most Christians. We are also to hear this book preached and taught as often as possible and then what we learn from it, we are to keep and to put into action in our lives.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

This should be a verse of comfort for all of us who claim the name of Christ. Notice that there is to be a happiness in death. It is then that we know complete rest from our labors on this earth. Labors spoken of here are not meaning specific jobs necessarily but just the labor of living life on this earth. There are things we take with us despite what we've been told. Our works for God will follow right with us.

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

This is a wonderful caution for us to stay alert as to Jesus' coming. As the bride of Christ, we are to be ever ready for his return or we could find ourselves embarrassed for lack of our expectancy. Notice that he will come as a thief. A thief certainly does not announce his intent to come at a specific time to rob our homes or steal our cars. He may have “cased the joint” and knows the best time to strike. Jesus, too, knows the time to come and expects to find us watching, spiritual garments in order, lives in order as well. Are we fully prepared should He decide to come today? Unsaved people are cautioned to get right with God and be ready for Christ's appearing. We Christians are to be ready as well.

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9

There have been a few times in my life when I didn't receive a wedding invitation to a wedding I really wanted to attend. In many of those cases, I know it was an error of some sort but it didn't feel good. As a part of the bride of Christ, however, I don't have to have the kind of invitation we know of here on this earth. For the marriage supper of the Lamb, I am a participant...a bride all over again. What a wonderful event for every Christian to look forward to. God gives His very word verifying my anticipated presence at that great event.

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

To be honest, I can't even imagine what the millennium is going to be like, that thousand year period of time when we return to the earth with Jesus to reign with him during those many years. We know this will take place after all of God's children are gathered home to Heaven to be with Him. This verse tells us that in this whole process, we will not only be happy but holy as well.

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7

This beatitude doesn't really take much discernment to understand. The book of Revelation is full of prophecy but also full of instructions for our living on this earth right now. We will be happier people right now if we study this book and glean from it practical principles of life. By keeping the sayings of the prophecy, we are walking in obedience. Our Heavenly Father is happy about that and we are not only happier but walk in peace as well.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

Again there is a special blessing for obedience in following the commandments of God. We are expected to simply do as He asks us to do. I don't have to understand the why's and wherefore's of God's requests. I smile as I think about what I used to say to my children, “Simple obedience is all that is required.” Hadn't thought of that in years.

I trust we will not shy away from this book of Revelation. Preachers rarely preach from it for fear that people won't hang around long enough to hear the sermon series. However, this is a look into our future like no other book of Scripture. My interpretations of the above verses may be a bit off for some as I'm not an expert in this book, but am certainly working on understanding it. I usually read Scripture of this depth with an open ear to what sounds practical and as simple as possible.

We are going to have such a great time when we all gather together around God's throne in praise and adoration of Jesus. What a wonderful time that will be when we meet there with no more earthly concerns. Have a “blessed” day.

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Dear Jesus...I thank You for providing Your Word for anyone who wants to have a copy of it. May I take seriously the fact that You want me reading this precious Book, gleaning blessing and instruction from it. Thank You for the “Blessed” verses found in Matthew and in Revelation as well and for the encouragement each verse plants in my spirit. Help me, Holy Spirit to follow Your leading as you teach me from it