BE HAPPY READERS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

'Happy Is Anyone Observing These Words'
Happy readers of the book of Revelation can only thrill with joy as they read the closing chapters that describe our glorious hope-a new heaven and a new earth, that is, a righteous heavenly Kingdom government ruling over a new, cleansed human society, all to the praise of "Jehovah God the Almighty." (Revelation 21:22) As the wonderful series of visions closed, the angelic messenger said to John: "These words are faithful and true; yes, Jehovah the God of the inspired expressions of the prophets sent his angel forth to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. and, look! I am coming quickly. Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll." -Revelation 22:6,7.

Revelation's happy readers will remember that words similar to these occur at the beginning of the "scroll." (Revelation 1:1, 3) These words assure us that all"the things" prophesied in this final book of the Bible will "shortly take place." we are living so deep in the time of the end that relevant events foretold in Revelation must surely occur in quick succession. Any seemingly stability in Satan's system should not, therefore, lull us to sleep. The alert reader will remember the warnings given in the messages sent to the seven Asian congregations and will avoid the traps of materialism, idolatry, immorality, lukewarmness, and apostate sectarianism.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus announces several times: "I am coming quickly." (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 20a) He must yet come to execute judgment on Babylon the Great, Satan's political system, and on all humans who refuse to submit to Jehovah's sovereignty, as now expressed by the Messianic Kingdom. We join our voices with that of the apostle John, who exclaimed: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus." -Revelation 22:20b.

Jehovah himself states: Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is." (Revelation 22:12) While awaiting the glorious reward of life without end as a part of either the promised "new heaven" or the "new earth," may we zealously join in extending the invitation to all honesthearted people: " ' Come!' and let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life's water free." (Revelation 22:17) May they also become happy readers of the inspired and inspiring book of Revelation!

Next time: DO NOT LET YOUR STRENGTH BECOME YOUR WEAKNESS

Watchtower, 1999