How can we apply the urgency of "the time is near" today? Hearing the Call of Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3) Why “the time is near” Still Matters • God measures time differently (2 Peter 3:8-9), yet every generation sits on the edge of fulfillment. • The next event on the prophetic calendar—the catching away of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)—requires no further signs. Near means imminent. • Jesus finished Revelation with the same reminder: “Do not seal up the words… because the time is near” (Revelation 22:10). The book opens and closes with urgency so we will live ready in every season, not merely study end-time charts. Living Like It Could Be Today 1. Reorder Priorities – “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us discard the deeds of darkness” (Romans 13:12). – Schedule reflects theology: block time for worship, family discipleship, service. 2. Keep Short Accounts with God and People – “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9); seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). 3. Speak of Christ Often – Paul begged, “We are ambassadors… be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). – Carry tracts, share your testimony, pray over a coworker’s lunch break. Someone’s eternity may hinge on today’s conversation. 4. Gather, Not Drift – “Not neglecting to meet together… and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). – Join a Bible-saturated church; arrive expecting to give encouragement, not only receive it. 5. Invest in Eternal Accounts – Jesus: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). – Budget generosity: missions, benevolence, pro-life ministries, persecuted-church relief. 6. Persevere with Hope, Not Panic – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober” (1 Peter 4:7). – Read news through Scripture, not Scripture through news. Live steady, not alarmist. Guarding Against Complacency • Life feels long, but “you are a mist that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). • Delay of judgment is mercy, not slackness (2 Peter 3:9). Use the pause to finish the Great Commission. • Spiritual lethargy often begins with neglected Scripture. Keep a Bible-reading plan; consider public reading in your home, echoing Revelation 1:3’s blessing. Encouragement for the Weary • Jesus promises, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). Our labor is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Every unseen act of faithfulness will be rewarded when He appears (Revelation 22:12). Daily Checklist to Cultivate Urgency □ Begin the morning in the Word before screens. □ Ask: “If Christ returned tonight, what unfinished obedience would I regret?” □ Share the gospel or a Scripture with at least one person. □ Pray for Christ’s return and strength to occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). □ Review the day: confess, thank, rest. The blessing of Revelation 1:3 stands open to us. Read, hear, obey—because the time is near. |
    |