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. (Rev 1:3)
The child leapt onto her snoring mother’s bed just as the first blushes of sunrise peeked through the bedroom blinds. “Mommy, I saw Jesus. He was full of light, just like the sun!”
What would your reaction be? What if your child woke you up from a deep sleep with that claim?
John, condemned because of his faith to the barren island of Patmos, had an amazing vision of the eternal Christ. He challenged us, as readers and hearers of this vision, to believe what he saw to be true. Some may argue that, in today’s scientific and analytical world, it is not possible. But, I challenge you to look again. God is revealing himself to people every day. It may not be in a chariot of fire that expands the horizon with angels and heavenly creatures crying, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” but, to the one receiving that holy shoulder tap, it is just as miraculous.
It may come in a passage as you read your Bible—you know, the verse that you never quite grasped before now sends chills up your arms. It may be in a gorgeous sunrise that renews your hope after a night of weeping into your pillow. Maybe a hymn will pierce your heart, or the comforting, convicting words from another believer—perhaps from your pastor! God makes himself known in all kinds of ways.
The Lord is revealing himself to us all the time. Blessed are those who take notice.
Julie B. Cosgrove is a widowed Christian author and speaker who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is involved with women’s and outreach ministries.
