“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord….they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation 14:13
This year, I had three precious people in my life pass into their eternal Home: my dear husband, my oldest sister and a special friend. Naturally, my heart turned toward thoughts of heaven and what it must be like to begin that new life with God, enjoying the Home He has prepared for us. How amazed the apostle John must have been as he attempted to describe the glory and majesty of God’s Throne Room! Imagine the 24 elders, the angels, the living creatures saying ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty’ with the Lamb in the center! Along with the appearance of diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones were the great multitude whom had “washed their robes” and stood before the Lamb. What a sight! John did his best to describe it, but somehow, I think he fell short!
In studying Revelation this year, I discovered the seven blessings in store for believers. What a delight it is to “camp out” on special thoughts the Lord gives us in our quiet time! I really loved the “Seven Blessings of Revelation.” They were totally new to me! Please enjoy them with me:
- “Blessed is the one who reads 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
- “…Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on….they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13
- “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 (NKJV)
- “…Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!……These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9
- “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
- “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” Revelation 22:7
- “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:17
Some of our loved ones are already entering into these blessings. The rest of us have this hope before us!! God has a Home prepared for us where no earthly “eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) John was speechless in his description of heaven! For us it will be a source of amazement and wonder! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Your friend, Jean