Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Revelation 13-16
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.
In the middle of this all, Jesus reminds the reader that He will return at any moment. While so many are trying to figure out the when of His return, they seem to overlook the what. The when will take place when it does; the saints of God have no bearing on when that will be. But the saints do have a bearing on that which they will be found doing when He returns.
In Luke 18:8 the Lord Jesus Christ Himself asks the question: …Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Now, here in Revelation 16:15, He once again reminds of His imminent return. Without fanfare, warning, or announcement the thief appears and commits the horrible sin of theft. Likewise, Jesus’ return will be without fanfare, warning, or announcement: the difference is the thief takes that which lawfully belongs to another, upon His return the Lord will take back that which belongs to Him.
Herein is the patience and faith of the saints as John mentioned twice in today’s reading (13:10 & 14:12). In patience God’s people wait, in faith they know He will return. Upon His return He will leave no doubt of His power, preeminence, and perfectness. Of His return there is no question. When is unknowable. But that which His people should be doing is very clear: they are to watch and keep their garments.
The concept of watching probably needs little clarification. It is clear, God’s children for over two thousand years are to daily, hourly, routinely, look, crave, anticipate and live like His return is imminent. But this idea of keeping one’s garments, that may need some clarification.
A key is found in Revelation 19:8, And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The “her” in this verse is the wife of Jesus that has made herself ready. Like any fiancé, the bride in waiting is to keep herself pure, prepared, and properly clothed waiting for the wedding celebration to commence. What is the clothing of the bride of Christ made of? Her righteousness. Personal righteousness is like a covering for the saints of God.
Returning to today’s verse the reader is reminded by the Lord Himself that He will return as a thief. That is His promise. When this return happens those that watch and keep their garments will be blessed of Him. Keeping their garments indicates keeping their righteousness. Of this righteousness John also wrote this in I John 3:7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
In light of all that the Revelation of Jesus Christ teaches let it be said that an overwhelming truth and warning is found in today’s verse: Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Dr. William T. Howe
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