3 March Revelation 16

Blessed are all who are watching for me

Revelation 16:15(NLT) states: “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

From this passage, we glean the following insights:

Christ’s second coming will be as unexpected as a thief.
Blessings are upon those who eagerly await the King's return.
The faithful are encouraged to keep their clothing ready.
They should not be found naked and ashamed.

Coming unexpectedly as a thief: This theme recurs in the New Testament, underscoring the unpredictability of Christ's second coming. The analogy to a thief, indicates the suddenness and unpredictability of this event, urging Believers to always be prepared.

1 Thessalonians 5:2(ESV) For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10a(ESV) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…

Blessed are those who are watching: This sentiment speaks to readiness, vigilance, and anticipation. It calls for a life dedicated to Christ, a life that shuns sin and actively pursues God's will.

Matthew 24:42-44(ESV) Therefore, stay awake ……………… for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Luke 12:37a(ESV) Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes…

Keep their clothing ready: Biblically, clothing often symbolises righteousness or spiritual preparedness. This implies that we should live righteously and maintain spiritual integrity.

Revelation 19:8b(ESV) - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Ephesians 4:24(ESV) and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Not walk around naked and ashamed: This extends the metaphor of clothing. Spiritually, to be naked suggests unpreparedness, sinfulness, or spiritual death. The implication is that at Christ's return, the unprepared will be exposed and ashamed, risking an eternity separated from Him.

Revelation 3:18a(ESV) I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire…

Genesis 3:10(ESV) And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

The overarching message is a dual one of caution and encouragement, urging us to remain spiritually vigilant and live in a manner that anticipates Christ's return. We are reminded not to grow complacent in our faith or deeds, for we may be caught unaware, when the time arrives.

I'll conclude with Proverbs 8:34(NKJV) Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.

Let’s remain watchful, ready, and expectant for the second coming of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.