Jude 1:1-25
Revelation 1:1-2:29
Revelation 1:3, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near.”
Media today has catapulted our culture into a fascination with seeing behind-the-scenes and celebrating big reveals. Home improvement shows dominate the airwaves, taking spaces from simple to spectacular. Our various platforms of social feed are full of proud expectant parents posting about their baby’s gender reveal celebration. And we can all agree, YouTube is full of how-to instructional videos that detail how everything works from hairstyles to smart devices to gourmet cuisine and everything else imaginable in-between — sometimes what we learn is surprising and other times it leaves us thinking, “That’s it?!” Nonetheless, we are captivated by potential and mesmerized by what could be. But did you know that way before TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, God posted the most impactful and important reveal of all time — the book of Revelation!
In this final book of the Bible, Jesus clues us in to how the story ends and prophesies about what is still to come. No wonder this book has been the subject of such intense study! It uncovers behind-the-scenes information about the world’s re-creation — the new heaven and new earth — in descriptive detail. (Spoiler alert: Jesus remains the victor and His followers share in His triumph today, tomorrow, and for all eternity!)
Today’s verse informs us that by simply reading Revelation and taking it to heart, we will be blessed. And, as we’ll learn in more detail over the next five days, this book is the culmination of the ultimate victory achieved by Christ. But it all boils down to this: no matter what we’ve faced in this life, in the end if we have surrendered our lives to Jesus, we win!
Lord, Thank You for letting me in on the big reveal! Help me remember that victory comes from You alone. Knowing this, I can look forward to what is to come. Amen
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