Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

— Revelation 1:3

Have you ever had the opportunity to read the book of Revelation? It is not an easy book to read, although many people are attracted by the astonishing events and mysterious characters on its pages. Focusing on things like the dragon or the beast or Armageddon can create fear and uncertainty in the hearts of many people. But the opening verses of this book give us the guideline on how to read it.

After a brief introduction we read, “Blessed [or happy] is the one who. . . .” And this is not a coincidence. We should not be surprised that a book described as “the revelation from Jesus Christ” should include these words. The Lord Jesus often taught his followers with words of blessing, known as beatitudes (see Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23).

We are the Lord's church, and as the opening verses show, the book of Revelation is written for God's people. In fact, we who are God’s people receive not only the book of Revelation but also the entire Bible as a letter from God.

Though the book of Revelation can be challenging to understand, we can trust that we are safe in the arms of Jesus, who has saved us to live with him in the new heaven and earth (Rev. 21-22). And our calling is to live by his Word, showing his love to everyone around us each day.

Lord and God, the greatest happiness is to be a part of your people, knowing that we will live forever with you, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.