The Time is Near (Revelation 1:1-3)

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 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 1:1-3 NKJV)

The word of the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ has been given to Apostle John at the close of the first century when he was exiled in the island of Patmos. The Revelation of Jesus Christ given by God was revealed to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. The revelation was signified by His angel, being described with full of strange animals and symbols. These are the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. The revelation is given to read and be blessed. Though it is a bit challenging to read and understand the revelation and prophecy, blessed is he who reads and hears the words of his prophecy.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

The word of God is given for us to read, hear, understand, and obey. Then it transforms and changes our attitudes and lives into godliness. That’s what our God is after. God desires mercy not sacrifice. God knows what is in our hearts. God cannot be fooled by the external performances. God searches those who worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The word of prophecy reveals the truth and the reality of life.

The revelation has been given to take heed to things which must shortly take place. It’s given in the first century, saying “shortly take place.” How much more shortly those things must take place! It is the age of end times. The time is near. As Jesus Christ began His messianic ministry, He proclaimed, saying “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near!” How much closer to the kingdom of heaven in the twenty-first century! Read the Book of Revelation and be blessed, says the Lord Jesus.