Revelation chapter 1 verse 3(NIV)
Blessed is the one who reads aloud 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.
James chapter 1 verse 22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
John’s introduction to the book of Revelation is quite clear. There is a blessing in the reading of the prophesy, but a greater blessing for those who hear it and take it to heart. It got me thinking about all the times over the years where I have heart someone say what a great service or meeting it had been. I’ve said the same myself. But John’s words, which echo the exhortation given in the letter of James, got me thinking. Have I, after having voiced the praises of the meeting taken the appropriate action I got home, or did I allow the “feel good factor” to fade once I left church? The feel-good factor is short lived wherever we experience it, if we do nothing with it.
When I got home from church today, I got a text from a friend who had also been in the service. I was downstairs with the Youth Group so I didn’t hear the preaching, but my friend said in her text, “that word was for me today.” Knowing her as I do, I’m sure she will respond to God’s teaching, as we all should in the same position. If we don’t, and the word was indeed for us, then we are actually being wilfully disobedient, and the feel-good factor is of no consequence. And that’s food for thought indeed.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful that You never speak empty words, but always with a purpose; to teach, correct, build up and encourage us. Help me never to dismiss what You say as simply “a good word”, but more importantly, a life-changing one. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.