“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:7 NIV
Twice in the closing verses of Revelation, Jesus tells us that he is coming soon. Nearly 2000 years later, we might be tempted to think that he was wrong. But the Lord’s timing is not the same as ours. His words here make it clear that this world will not go on forever. He is returning. And when he does, he will reward his faithful servants.
And, while we wait for his return, we are encouraged to keep the words of this prophecy. But how do we keep the words of a book that is so hard to understand? The word translated as “keep” in this verse also means to guard or to obey. He is telling us to guard these words and obey them.
Revelation was written to encourage faithfulness to our Lord. If we are faithful to his call, we will face opposition from the world around us. A world that belongs to the evil one. But those who overcome will be rewarded when our Lord returns. It is not necessary to understand all of the images described in this book. It is enough to realize that while our enemy is strong and active today, his doom, along with all who follow him, is certain. At the same time, the reward of the Lord’s faithful overcomers is also certain.
Keep the words of this prophecy by remaining faithful regardless of what may befall you.
