Introduction
Setting us up for study of this book using prologue of vss 1-3. Learning the book is Christ's letter to us, means to teach us about himself/his plan of redemption. He adds to this a declaration of happiness. Point: to show you who this happiness belongs to and why these people will be happy. Begin by seeing....
Happiness belongs to the one who reads the words of this prophecy (1a)
Blessed=happy/in happy condition; cf. Sermon on mount; Greek term means happy; a beatitude here-one of seven (14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7,14). The one who reads is happy.
Must understand what read means here: Greek term, avnaginw,skw means to know exactly/recognize; often re: reading aloud; use of lector in early church. Neh 8:7,8 good e.g. listeners supposed to respond (e.g., ch 2 and 3)
This makes sense because of description given: ...the words of this prophecy. Rev not just any book/letter; contains words of Christ/God the Father re: explanation of things past, present, to come. One reading aloud/helping others understand are blessed of God for being instrument to that end. Husbands/Fathers, read this book to your families.
Happiness belongs in 2nd place to those who hear the words of this prophecy and take them to heart (3b)
First, those who hear it: privilege of hearing Word of God taken for granted; returning exiles Nehemiah's time did not read language of Scriptures (hence Ezra); literacy not a general norm in early church; Middle Ages, church forbade Scripture to be read by common man; often reading in Latin/common people did not understand. Following Reformation this blessing again made possible. Children, listen when your father/mother read Word of God to you.
Second, those who take it to heart: lit; keep/guard it w/view to obeying it. Again reminds us ethical in significance. Meant to hear voice of our Lord instructing us in way to live. 2 Timothy 3:16,17. God means for us to hear and obey the Word of God, whatever portion; but special significance to this book-only book w/this blessing.
Why this blessing? These are Jesus' Words, vs 1a; Cf. Lk 6:47-49; Proper respect/handling of this book called for. Not a mystery book/is a practical book. Those who use it rightly by obeying it are happy.
Why so strong on this point? Why this verse written at all? What makes these people so happy?
The happiness of both reader and obedient hearer is due to the fact that the time is near(3c)
What does this mean? Paul uses phrase Rom 13:11; John's perspective compared to Daniel's perspective-Dan 2:45b what will take place in the future; Dan 12:5-9; end times events/dist future to Daniel; present realities/near future realities to John. In John's days events of Revelation, prev. described by Daniel, began to be fulfilled.
The happiness of the reader/hearer is this: One who understands this book understands the times he/she lives in; understands working of God/Christ; has been given tremendous blessing by Christ-able to understand mysteries (Isa 6:9,10; Mark 4:10-12). Way of salvation opened to you/to all whom Christ pleased to call by Revelation.
We live in the last days: time of Christ's 2nd coming imminent. No man knows day/hour; no 7 year waiting period to be expected. Why not now? Even if not in our lifetime, impetus given. Must labor faithfully in light of this; be found faithful in task given by our Lord. Should enable us to put events of our day in solid/comforting perspective. All happening according to plan of God/under control of Christ.
Conclusion
Believer, Christ has given you a token of love in this book-shown you his heart/mind. Seek his help to understand and apply Christ's instructions contained in it. Make this book the object of earnest study. Read it to others/study w/others. Most happy will you be if you do.
If you are not a believer, what will you do with this book of Revelation/knowledge that you live near return of Christ? You must repent and believe or face condemnation of God for your sin; oh that day will be terrible, make all terrible days of this life seem as nothing. Do not wait any longer! Come to the Savior/be saved.
Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835