“The revelation of Jesus Christ, who bore witness to the word of God…BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO READS ALOUD THE WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY, and 1BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR, and WHO KEEP what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:1-3) 1makarios: a favor or gift given by God. The person who reads this aloud, the person who hears what is read and those who chose to obey this word ARE BLESSED.
The Greeks called the Island of Cyprus “the happy isle.” They believed that because of its geographical location, perfect climate, and fertile soil that anyone who lived on Cyprus had it made in the shade. And the term they associated with the island was makarios. There are about 112 references in the New Testament with the words bless, blessing, or blessed, none of which connects blessing to material prosperity. Consider these passages for example:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are those who mourn…Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:3–4, 10–11) “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.” (Jam. 1:12) “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…” (Rev. 14:13) According to the Key-Word Study Bible, The Greek word translated blessed in these passages means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor,
REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES…
-Bill Stockham