Blessed is He Who Watches
The Seven Beatitudes of Revelation – Part 3 – Blessed is He Who Watches and Keeps His Garments
The third beatitude is in Revelation 16:15, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” This is a blessing upon the diligent. Jesus refers to the familiar image of the thief that comes in the night who comes suddenly and without notice. Paul uses the same image in First Thessalonians 5:2: “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” The child of God will not be caught asleep. He will be prepared. The faithful watch and wait because the Lord commanded as much. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:45).
The Christian wants to be ready. He will watch and wait for the coming of the Lord. He will keep his garments by remaining in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. To be naked is to neglect what Christ Jesus has instructed. It is to be among the lawless of Matthew 7:21-23: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness).” The faithful Christian will abide in the vine so that Jesus may give him life (John 15:4).
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley