6 Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.”

7 “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.”

10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.

11 Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.

— Revelation 22:6-7; 10-14

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed

— 1 Peter 1:13

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

When we read a book, we long to know how it ends. We certainly prefer a happy ending, or at least a conclusion that resolves lingering questions. Revelation, the Bible’s final book, offers us the grand finale we long for. God presents comforting truth for His people alongside the harsh reality awaiting those who oppose Him. The seeming chaos of world history will not merely repeat meaningless cycles or fade away. God will conclude humanity’s story with resolute finality that accomplishes His eternal plan.

Everyone who trusts in Christ awaits a secure future of boundless joy. God’s people can live with this great promise informing their choices, energizing their wills, and motivating their actions. Jesus gave His people the book of Revelation to strengthen them until He suddenly returns in amazing splendor and power. God’s people are to live with eyes and hearts focused on Jesus and His return.