JANUARY 1, 2024 – THE TIME IS NEAR!

READ: Rev. 1:1-3: … Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. 

Revelation is the final book of the Bible. It follows an introduction and seven letters full of visions, insights that unveil the grand plan that God has for His church and creation. John has written them down and sent them to seven churches (v.4).

God Himself first revealed them to His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ (v.1). Christ then had their contents written down in symbolic language by His servant John, who was allowed to witness it himself.

These visions aren’t ordinary dreams. Christ showed them to John in full consciousness. Also, an angel provided John with further explanations of what he saw in the visions. Thus, the described visions make an indelible impression on the believing reader and listener.

Christ desires that we do not forget them but continue to focus on their message. He insists that we read the book, ponder its contents, include it in our prayers, and live according to it (1:1,3; 2:6,11,17,29;3:6,13,22;8:1-5;22:6,7,10,18-21).

The importance of the content is underscored not only by its divine origin and mode of revelation but also by its timeliness. It deals with events that must soon happen. Therefore, the book ends with a fervent prayer in which the bride longs for the return of Christ.

Everything in this book concerns Christ and His Kingdom. He is urgently working towards its fulfillment and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. The time of completion is near because Christ is at work! ‘Near’ means that everything is now relevant! Therefore, prepare for His return!

Blessed and happy are you if you thoroughly know this book of Christ and allow Him to strengthen, warn, and comfort you! In this new year, Christ continues to work toward His ultimate goal.

How well do you know this book?

Singing: Ps. 89:1