Prophecy Blessing 6 of the 7 Blessings of Revelation – Reward

Prophecy – Jesus’ promise to return.

Once more, we are reminded of Jesus’ prophecy promise to return, which can also be found in Revelation 3:11 and three times in Revelation 22: 7, 12, and 20. His statement of ‘I am coming soon!’ is not taken as a promise for John’s time, since almost 2,000 years have transpired since Jesus first told us of His imminent return (Matthew 24:42-44). For us, it is prophecy. However, it is a promise to those believers who are living during the Tribulation, as all the proceeding blessings have been. This promise is a blessing, for those anxiously awaiting an end to their suffering; His coming cannot be soon enough. It’s almost as if He is saying, ‘Be patient children, we are almost there.’

Jesus Speaks from a Divine Perspective & Prophecy

One must understand that when Jesus speaks of His imminent return, he is speaking from a divine perspective. What meaning does time have to an eternal God? God simply is. He is always existing in the present. I believe God created time for us, after Adam’s sin when mankind knew death. I believe had Adam and Eve not sinned, they would have lived eternally in the Garden of Eden.

There is, however, another possible interpretation of Jesus’ statement ‘I am coming soon!’ Jesus may be speaking from a perspective of the events taking place during the Tribulation, as recorded in Revelation. It is as if Jesus is saying to those suffering at the time… ‘Don’t worry, I am coming soon.”

Be Vigilant and Stay Faithful

Of course, there is a second, clearer blessing in this statement. It is once more reminding the believers to keep the words of this prophecy. Not just keep it, like in a drawer, but keep its promise, and all the blessings held within it. This scroll refers to what we now call the Book of Revelation. Reading and hearing the word of God, however, is not enough. We must also do what it says, walking in obedience and remaining faithful. It is no different from today. We must read and take in what God’s word says, responding with obedience.

However, we must also ensure that we protect the contents of what was written so it is available to all generations until the Rapture, and that the words are not altered in any way. With that, we must be careful of flippant interpretations that are not true to the original Word, often part of ill prepared sermons, or from popular evangelists, who may have lost sight of their first love. Therefore, we must also be obedient to what the Word of God says. Both of these interpretations could pertain to ‘keep the words of this prophecy’.

Tribulation Hardship Reality not just Prophecy

Keeping the faith and proclaiming God’s word during the Tribulation time, will be a difficult task indeed. All believers will be persecuted, even to death. For some, death will be welcome because of the heinous suffering they will live with. Many will not even have the Bible available to them, and may only hear the word of God when someone is willing to read it to them. Being there, listening, will be a huge gamble. But, it may be the only option, but if taken to heart, will reap eternal rewards.

Take Heart

So, dear reader, take heart. God is not leaving us unprotected. He always provides a way, even during such harsh times as the Tribulation. Yes, suffering will be real. Many will live in constant fear. But those whose hope is found in Christ, their savior, have eternal hope and will live in eternal peace…

Blessings,
Jana