Revelation 1:1-3

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul writes to pastor Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching.” We can understand the importance of preaching and we can appreciate the value of teaching, but sometimes we neglect the importance and value of publicly reading God’s word out loud.

Think about it…for many people over the centuries, the public reading of God’s word may have been their only interaction with scripture. We know that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). This promise is especially relevant as we study the book of Revelation.

Why? Because we receive another promise in Revelation 1:3! There is a special blessing for those who read, for those who hear, and for those who obey what is written. All three of theses blessings are accessible to each and everyone of us—and hopefully we will all experience these blessings as we all read, hear, and obey God’s word.