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.
The Apostle John is exhorting his readers to pay attention to all that follows in the revelation that was revealed to him. However, I was struck by the advice to “take to heart” what is written. Taking something to heart means that you care about and are committed to the purpose and the outcome. And, surely for those of us who are calling ourselves followers of Christ we should be taking to heart all that is written in the whole of the Bible. It all points us to Christ, even in the Old Testament, and gives us direction as to how we should be living our lives.
When we ask for, or receive advice or guidance, I wonder if we always take it to heart? How often do we listen to people half-heartedly because our minds have wondered off in a completely different direction? And if we don’t like what we hear, or read do we discount it because its not what we wanted to hear. Christians believe that the writings in the Bible are the inspired word and guidance from God Himself. If we hold to that belief, should we not then take what it says to heart, even when it is difficult to understand, or the instruction is not easy for us to do. I think those who do will be blessed, just as John told his readers about the book of Revelation.
Dear Lord,
I am grateful for the guidance, direction, comfort and blessing that comes from Your word, the Bible. It is a privilege to have free access to it, unlike some. So may I never neglect it or take it for granted. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.