Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Revelation 22:6-9.

 

“⁶ And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”;  and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

 

⁷ “And behold, I am coming quickly.  Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

 

⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.  And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things.  ⁹ But he *said to me, “Do not do that.  I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book.  Worship God.”  Revelation 22:6-9.

 

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What does it mean:  “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”?

Does it mean to take all the words literally true and speculate in great detail as to exactly what will happen and to the exact time frames?  

Does it mean to “cut and paste” to your knowledge only those words which you understand?

Or, does it mean to diligently consider all the words and to consider how the words are used?

Throughout Scripture, there are words that are given to us as literally true, and there are words that are given to us as figuratively true.  On one hand, as one example, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us many words that are literally true, many based on their own eye-witness accounts and other words based on reliable sources, to describe the birth of Jesus, His miracles, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection.  On the other hand, as another example, Solomon, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John give us many words based on their visions and other vivid imagery that are figuratively true.

But, it is up to us to heed all the words, even those words difficult to understand such as are in the Book of Revelation.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

The Book of Revelation is not a book of hiding.  The Book of Revelation is a book of revelation.  It gives us a sweeping and panoramic view of God, His total sovereignty, and history.

A photograph of the earth taken from the moon (heaven) would look a lot different than a photograph of the earth taken from the earth.  And yet, there is a place for both. 

A photograph of a scene or subject would look a lot different than French impressionist painting of the same scene or subject.  And yet, there is a place for both. 

“Every word of God is tested;  He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”  Proverbs 30:5

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:4

And, what should be the same end result of all these true and tested words, literal and figurative? 

“Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“Worship God.”   Verse 9.