Are You a Blessed Reader?

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, March 7, 2023
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 1:3 (NKJV)

What does the Bible teach about reading? One of the clearest answers comes, strangely, from a book that many people do not read, ostensibly because it is sealed. Ironically, Revelation is the only book that starts with a blessing to its readers.

Blessed is He who Reads

Sample this: “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 1:3). Not only the readers of Revelation but also all who study the entire Bible receive special blessings from God when they obey God’s voice.

Scriptures Make us Wise

To understand the blessing of reading / hearing and living by God’s word, let us examine the functions of scripture as presented to Timothy by Apostle Paul:
“… and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 3:15-17).

Equipped for Every Good Work

In other words, when we study and adhere to the word of God, we get wisdom, encouragement, doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. When we allow God to use His word to carry out these functions, we become “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Equipped for Every Good Work

In other words, when we study and adhere to the word of God, we get wisdom, encouragement, doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. When we allow God to use His word to carry out these functions, we become “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

This means that God’s tool for inculcating godliness and practical Christianity is His word. When we read or listen to it and implement its teachings, we undergo gradual character transformation. In essence, God restores His image in us as we read and meditate on His word by the help of the Holy Spirit.

Are You a Blessed Reader?

How often do you read (or listen to) and reflect on the word of God? Is the Bible an important book in your life? If you are Bible student, do you obey its teachings? Are you a blessed reader?

Prayer
Dear Father, create in me the urge to read, reflect on and obey Your word, for by so doing I will gradually become like You in character.