The simple message of Revelation is this: to be a faithful witness, no matter our circumstances, and not fear any sort of death, including rejection. If we do that, He will reward us beyond our imagination. This verse from the very last chapter echoes the message from the first chapter.
Many difficulties lie ahead, ranging from severe persecution to the siren song of great riches. But no matter how crazy events on earth get and no matter what we are tempted to rely upon, God is still on His throne. God’s throne is specifically mentioned 39 times in Revelation. The message is clear, nothing happens on Earth that He did not authorize.
No matter how crazy events on Earth become, He is still in charge, No circumstances occur without His permission.
This encourages us to keep being faithful and courageous witnesses because we can trust that History is still in His hands.
Accordingly, no matter the circumstance in which we find ourselves, we can still be blessed. No events can stand in our way. We have the unilateral choice to gain blessing. Only we can stop ourselves. The simple message of Revelation and the key to happiness is this: Be a faithful witness, and walk in obedience, no matter the circumstances. Jesus possesses the throne, and will reward His faithful servants. If we walk in obedience, we win – God says so.
The Greek word translated “blessed” in this verse refers to those who “wash their robes” from the filth of the world and the flesh by walking in faithful obedience. It is the same as in the opening promise of Revelation in Chapter One. This repetition emphasizes that the greatest blessing available in life requires us to adopt a perspective that walking in obedience is the path to great happiness – a perspective that defies that of the world.
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
– Revelation 22:12-14