As believers we believe we are blessed to bless. And the author of Revelation intriguingly weaves seven blessings throughout the whole book. In chapter 1 we are introduced to the first of seven blessings that the writer and God wants believers to apprehend;
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Revelation 1:3 NIV.
These seven blessings of Revelation cover a lot of ground: there are blessings for those who read, hear and take to heart the word, for those who die in the Lord, for the vigilant, and those who will enjoy an eternal future. The word blessing conveys the meaning of fortunate and joyful. The rich imagery is affirming of the message the author wants to convey that believers will ultimately be blessed beyond anything they have experienced here on earth.
The author purposely writes in sevens, for example he writes of the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3 as well as giving seven references to the Messiah or Christ (1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 11:15, 12:10, 20:4, and 20:6). He also announces the Messiah's seven times (2:5, 2:16, 3:21, 16:15, 22:6, 22:12, and 22:20). Seven in the Jewish culture symbolised completion or perfection and conveyed the idea that only in God can we be complete.
If you have ever done training for teams at work you'll probably recall that some team members are naturally better completer finishers than others. For those who do see a project through at work or elsewhere, even at home crafting, gardening or DIYing there is normally a wonderful sense of relief and pleasure at seeing something complete. This feeling can give us a little glimpse of God's joy at seeing us, one of God's created - whole. The moment when God recognises in us that we have apprehended our salvation in Christ or received our heavenly inheritance and blessing must be a joyous moment in heaven. As John writing Revelation reminds us God loves to bring wholeness, this is why Jesus. God's Son chose to endure the cross because he wanted us to be whole.
After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify [make just as if they had not sinned] many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 53:11 NIV.
Lent Prayer
Father God, we thank-You for the many blessings bestowed on believers and unbelievers in Your creation. Today, we recognise that their are also many special blessings that are reserved for believers alone. We thank-You for all Jesus has done to make us and others whole. We pray for those not yet in the faith and ask they too would know they are created and chosen by You to be part of Your holy eternal family. We thank-You that Your heart is to see all creation made new. And that You desire us to be whole. Help us to recognise the fullness of all Christ has done, and all that Your Holy Spirit is doing today all about us, in us and through us. May we partner with You and see Your Kingdom come and wholeness brought to Your Created ones. Amen.
Read the other blessings:
Rev 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19;9, 20:6, 22:7 and 22:14.