Todays readings.. 1Samuel 13, Isaiah 56&57, Revelation 21 & 22

“BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO KEEPS“

Today we reached the final chapter of the Bible where the angel says to John who received and wrote up this vision, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” [22 v.6]  This is ‘soon’ as God sees time, for, as Peter wrote, “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” [2nd Peter 3 v.8] – so we are now completing the 2nd day, as God sees time – since his Son walked on this earth.

We ponder the possible significance of “the third day” when Israel were in the wilderness!  “On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings … and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.” [Exod. 19 v.16]   John is told, “”Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil …”  [v.10,11].  There is more evil and godlessness than ever these days.  But let us specially note the next words, “… and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” Let us redouble our efforts to be among those who do that.

The next verse announces, ” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense (reward) with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” [v.12]  Those counted as holy “have the right to the tree of life” [v.14]  This is the tree from which Adam and Eve were barred – see Gen 3 v.22-24.

Back in Revelation we see how v.15 lists those barred from the tree of life; the list ends with “… and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Our world abounds with people who do that – although many go to great lengths so this is not too evident: may we not be inclined to practice this – in any way at all.

Let us – each day – have in the forefront of our minds the words “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” [v.7]  Prophecy does not simply mean, predictions of the future, but a ‘prophet is one who talks and teaches about the words of God (see 1 Cor. 14 v.5, 22, 37)

Finally, we again quote v.11 “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”  May we all be “righteous” and “holy” – for there is no ‘middle’ way – becoming more conscious than ever that we are “blessed” when we “keep” on the narrow way and that our daily reading and meditation on God’s word is an essential foundation to enable us to “still be holy.”