The Seven Beatitudes Of The Apocalypse

THE SEVEN BEATITUDES OF THE APOCALYPSE

Introduction

Whenever we read the book of Revelation we are filled with questions. Filled with symbols, amazing creatures, scenes of both horror and triumph - John’s Revelation can be challenging. Despite its apocalyptic nature and the often unsettling imagery, the Book of Revelation is ultimately a message of hope. It reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God is in control and will bring about a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. Revelation assures us that our faithfulness in the midst of trials is not in vain, as God's redemptive plan will prevail.

In the pages of the Apocalypse there are seven beatitudes. The Sermon on the Mount begins with beatitudes, where Jesus sets the foundation for what it means to live as a Christian. Now at the end of our Bibles, Jesus gives the suffering church some beatitudes to encourage them. Ernest Lloyd: The beatitudes in the book of Revelation should be better known. They form a golden chain of glorious promises, which run through this wonderful book, and these could be a source of comfort and inspira­tion to all believers. 

As we listen to the Beatitudes of the Apocalypse, let us keep our hearts open.

Blessed by the Word

Revelation 1:3 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.

-Blessed to Read. Blessed to be able to read the Scriptures in our own language, and have multiple copies in various translations! Lloyd: The book of Revelation is the only book of the sixty-six in the Bible that con­tains a declaration of special blessing to the readers and hearers…

-Blessed to Hear. In Revelation 2 and 3 the phrase “Hear” is spoken to each of the seven churches. Luke 11:28 “Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it”. Romans 10:17 ESV "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Luke 8:15 NIV "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

-Blessed to take it to Heart! So important because time is near! For them, persecution. In the book of Revelation, Jesus appears as a Lion, a Lamb, and a Lord, but … he is always victorious. Despite the Persecution, those with the Lord will be victorious. For us? Whatever lie ahead. Demonstrates the importance of staying in the Word, taking it to heart, regarding it as preparation for challenges to come.

2. Blessed When We Die

Revelation 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”

Revelation is a violent book, stained with blood, but the shedding of blood, loss of life is not defeat, but victory for the Christian. Jesus has the keys of death and Hades (Rev 1:18). Scripture presents a view of death very different from ours. Those who die in the Lord are blessed! Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” Garrett: Death is man’s most consummate fear, but for those who die in the Lord there is nothing to fear, for death is here made part of life. … those who die in the Lord will through their good deeds continue to bless mankind long after they leave planet earth.

3.  Blessed Are the Alert

Revelation 16:15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

Though they experienced persecution, the judgment of God was coming - be ready - stay awake! We are reminded that Jesus is coming. Garrett: “…Lord’s unexpected return, like a thief in the night, an oft-repeated theme in Scripture.” Scott: "The idea of being clothed is to be ready to go. The children of Israel were to observe the Passover feast fully clothed and with their shoes on in preparation to depart. We are to clothe ourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”. Lloyd: "We must be always vigilant lest we succumb to spiritual drowsiness. The blessing is for the watchful."

4. Blessed to Be Invited

Revelation 19:9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Barclay “The Jews had the idea of a Messianic Banquet. …Isaiah speaks of God preparing for His people a feast (Is 25:6).” Those who are called to the wedding feast have …