"Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this scroll." (NLT) From Jesus himself come the words of assurance: "Look, I am coming soon!" The word "soon" means that his coming will be quick and without delay. It may not be "soon" according to human timing (after all, John wrote this two thousand years ago), but it is certain to occur; it is imminent. Jesus clearly told his followers, "So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected" (Matthew 24:42, 44 NLT).

Then follows the sixth of seven beatitudes in the book: "Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this scroll." (The other beatitudes are found in 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:14; see the chart at 14:13.) Like the beatitude at 1:3, the one listed here promises a blessing to those who obey God by heeding the warnings of this prophecy. Remain Faithful

Jesus announced a blessing for those who obey the prophecy. What is the Christian’s work of obedience as detailed in Revelation? We are to be faithful to Christ. God commended the Philadelphians for keeping Christ’s words and not denying his name (3:8). We are to be morally clean and prepared for his return (7:14; 22:14). We are to endure patiently (14:12). We are neither to add nor detract from Revelation’s words. Serving God begins with our faithful service to him now.

• Revelation 22.7
• Rev. 1.3
• Rev. 14.13
• Rev. 16.15
• Rev. 19.9
• Rev. 20.6
• Rev. 22.14