You’re probably familiar with the Beatitudes—the blessings that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5:3-11 that start off the Sermon on the Mount. Revelation actually has seven beatitudes of its own.
ONE Blessed are those who read, hear, and heed the prophecy.
Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
I wrote about this last week, but the bottom line is that the blessing goes to those who read, hear, and heed (keep, apply) Revelation. Thankfully the word “understand” is not included. Even John, the author of the book of Revelation, didn’t understand all Jesus was revealing to him.
TWO Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
Revelation 14:13: “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.’”
This is sometimes quoted as a comfort for those who have lost Christian loved ones. When those who love Christ die, they literally close their eyes on earth and open them in heaven. Suffering and persecution are over, and rest and rewards are just beginning.
THREE Blessed are those who stay alert and keep their clothes.
Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”
This may seem like an odd one. I think the NLT says it a little clearer: “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” It’s a reminder to stay vigilant, ready, and faithful.
FOUR Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of Christ.
Revelation 19:9: “Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’”
This is a reminder of the celebration in store for us, along with all God’s people, including the apostles and patriarchs.
FIVE Blessed are those who have a part in the first resurrection.
Revelation 20:6: “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”
The second death is a spiritual death—separation from God. Christ-followers are blessed because they will reign with Christ as kings and priests.
SIX Blessed are those who heed the words of the prophecy of this book.
Revelation 22:7: “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
This blessing calls back to the first one—it bookends Revelation. Blessed is the one who keeps, heeds, applies the words of the book.
SEVEN Blessed are those who wash their robes.
Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.”
Those who “wash their robes” have been purified by trusting in Christ and following Him faithfully. They remain faithful and ready for His return. Adam and Eve were barred from the Tree of Life, but we will have ready access to it.
It’s significant that there are seven blessings. The number seven is all over the book of Revelation. The number seven signifies completion, totality, fulness, perfection. (Think of the seven-day week established in Genesis 1 and many other sevens throughout the Bible.)
Will you be ready for His return? Are you not just reading and listening to the Word, but applying it and letting it change you? Don’t just read the Word; let the Word read you.