Revelation 1:1–3 (ESV)
Prologue
1 The
revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ,
even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
As John begins relaying the prophetic word that God gives through him, he pronounces a blessing upon all who will listen and take to heart this revelation. Despite this promised blessing, however, people are resistant to hearing unsettling prophecies,
let alone acting upon them by making changes in their lives. But take heart! Jesus Christ stands at the center of this and every other Scripture. His first coming resulted in forgiveness and life for you, and His second coming will perfect the new creation.
I pray: Lord Jesus, lead me to read, hear, and keep the message You revealed through John, for it tells about my final hope, even life eternal in Your presence. Amen.
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran
Study Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 2200.