Footsteps of the Messiah: Episode 2

Episode 2:  The Blessing of Prophecy:  Why Eschatology Matters

Section 1: Opening & Greeting

There’s a kind of hush that falls over a courtroom when the judge walks in.

It’s not silence out of fear—it’s silence out of reverence. The authority in the room has arrived. Everyone listens a little more carefully. Every word matters.

Now imagine holding in your hands a written decree—not from a human judge, but from the Judge of all the earth. A scroll that doesn’t just describe the future—but calls you to live differently in the present.

That’s what biblical prophecy is.

It’s not just a mysterious preview of end-time events—it’s a divine message of hope, warning, and blessing for right now. And at the very beginning of the most prophetic book in Scripture—the book of Revelation—God opens not with a riddle, not with a symbol, not even with a vision.

He opens with a blessing.

Revelation 1:3 says:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it…” (LSB)

That’s stunning. In a world where prophecy is often treated like a controversial footnote or a theological side quest, God says:

There’s a blessing here. Don’t miss it.

That’s where we’re going today.

In this episode, we’re not diving into dragons or timelines or bowls of wrath—not yet. Instead, we’re standing on the threshold of something sacred: the promised blessing that comes to those who take prophecy seriously.

And here’s the thing: this blessing isn’t vague. It’s personal. It’s practical. And it’s accessible.

God doesn’t say you have to be a scholar to receive it. He doesn’t say you need to decode a secret meaning or track a red moon. He says:

• Read it.
• Hear it.
• Keep it.

That’s how prophecy changes lives.

But sadly, in many churches today, prophecy has been either sensationalized or sidelined. Some treat it like a speculative playground for conspiracy theories. Others avoid it altogether, worried it might confuse or divide.

But here’s the truth: when we follow Scripture’s approach—not human systems, not political guesses, but Scripture—prophecy becomes not a cause for confusion, but a catalyst for devotion.

“The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.” – Revelation 19:10

That means prophecy is about Christ.

Not charts. Not trends. Not fear.

Jesus.

And if prophecy points us to Christ, then ignoring it doesn’t make us more spiritual—it actually keeps us from knowing Him more fully.

So in today’s episode, we’re going to do three things:

1. We’ll explore why God attaches a blessing to this part of His Word—and what kind of blessing it actually is.
2. We’ll look at how the book of Revelation—and biblical prophecy more broadly—is structured to strengthen the Church, not confuse it.
3. And we’ll lay a foundation for how this blessing leads us to live with urgency, holiness, and hope as we await the return of our King.

Because here’s the reality: the return of Jesus Christ is not just doctrine. It’s destiny.

And when you start to live with that in view, everything changes.

Your prayers become more focused.

Your priorities get reordered.

Your heart begins to beat with the rhythm of eternity.

So as we begin today—let me ask you:

• Do you want to be blessed?
• Do you long for clarity in the chaos?
• Do you want to love the Lord’s appearing—not just with your mind, but with your life?

Then stay with us.

Because prophecy is not a puzzle to fear—it’s a promise to cherish. And it begins here.

Let’s keep walking.

Section 2: Scripture + Prophetic Structure

Let’s go straight to the source.

Revelation 1:3 is the only verse in the Bible that offers a specific, declared blessing for engaging with prophecy.

Not just for understanding it.

Not just for agreeing with it.

But for reading it, hearing it, and obeying it.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it…”

Three verbs. One promise.

Let’s break it down.

1. “Blessed is he who reads…”

This speaks first to the individual. The Greek verb used here refers to personal reading—but in the early church, it also referred to public reading aloud in worship gatherings. So whether you’re reading Revelation privately at your kitchen table or hearing it proclaimed in church—the blessing is for you.

This is an open invitation.

Not to the elite. Not to the expert.

To anyone who opens this book and says, “Lord, teach me.”

2. “…and those who hear…”

This is where reverence enters the room.

In biblical terms, “hearing” isn’t passive—it’s attentive. It means leaning in. Receiving. Believing. Being changed by what’s said.

Think of how Jesus often taught:

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

In other words: Don’t just listen—listen to obey.

Prophecy isn’t meant to be a curiosity. It’s a call to attention.

3. “…and keep the things which are written in it…”

This is where the rubber meets the road.

This third verb—“keep”—is crucial. It means to guard, observe, and obey. To live in light of what’s been revealed. This is what separates biblical prophecy from a newspaper headline or a political analysis. It’s not just about information—it’s about transformation.

And here’s something important: the fact that prophecy is meant to be kept means that it must include ethical instruction.

Yes, prophecy involves future events. But it also shapes:

• How we treat one another (Matt. 24:12)
• How we live in a fallen world (Titus 2:13)
• How we persevere under pressure (Revelation 2:10)

This is why the early Church didn’t treat prophecy as a niche topic—it was a discipleship issue.

The Word “Blessed” (Makarios)

Let’s pause and consider the weight of that word: “blessed.”

The Greek word here is makarios—the same word Jesus uses in the Beatitudes.

• “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”
• “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”

It’s not surface-level happiness. It’s a deep, soul-rooted joy that comes from being rightly aligned with the will of God.

This blessing is not earned. It’s received. But it’s only received by those who engage—who read, hear, and keep.

So ask yourself: When was the last time I approached prophecy expecting a blessing, not confusion, not fear, not debate, but joy?

That’s what God wants for you.

The Structure of Revelation

Sometimes people think Revelation is too confusing to understand. But that’s often because they’ve never been shown the structure. In truth, Revelation is one of the most clearly organized books in the New Testament.

Here’s a quick overview of its prophetic structure:

1. Revelation 1 – The risen Christ revealed: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”
2. Chapters 2–3 – The letters to the seven churches: commendations, corrections, and calls to overcome.
3. Chapters 4–5 – The heavenly throne room and the sealed scroll: a vision of God’s sovereign authority.
4. Chapters 6–18 – The Tribulation judgments: seals, trumpets, bowls—God’s wrath and redemption unfolding.
5. Chapter 19 – The Second Coming of Christ: the Rider on the white horse.
6. Chapter 20 – The Millennial Kingdom and final rebellion.
7. Chapters 21–22 – The Eternal State: new heavens, new earth, new Jerusalem.

This is not random. It’s not allegory. It’s not chaos.

It’s chronological, thematic, and Christ-centered.

And the more you read it that way—literally, sequentially, reverently—the more it makes sense.

Prophecy in the Big Story of the Bible

Prophecy isn’t a side dish to the gospel—it’s part of the main course.

From Genesis to Revelation, God uses prophecy to:

• Reveal His nature
• Confirm His promises
• Call His people to hope and holiness

Think about this:

• Nearly one-third of the Bible is prophetic.
• Over 300 prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming.
• Hundreds more describe His Second Coming, the future of Israel, the resurrection of the dead, and the coming Kingdom.

If we ignore prophecy, we ignore a significant portion of God’s Word—and we miss the blessing He promises to those who embrace it.

“For the time is near…”

Let’s end with that final phrase in Revelation 1:3:

“…for the time is near.”

This is the doctrine of imminence. It doesn’t mean every prophecy will be fulfilled tomorrow, but it means the next event on God’s calendar could happen at any moment.

No signs are required before the Rapture. No warnings will be given. The clock is ticking—and the call is clear:

Be ready.

Prophecy doesn’t give us permission to speculate. It gives us motivation to prepare.

Because the King is coming.

Section 3: Event-by-Event Exposition

This episode isn’t about the seals, trumpets, or bowls just yet. We’re not analyzing the Antichrist’s rise or mapping out Armageddon. What we’re doing today is far more foundational:

We’re answering the question:

Why does prophecy matter—personally, practically, and pastorally?

And to do that, we’re going to walk slowly and reflectively through the three key components of Revelation 1:3:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it, for the time is near.” (LSB)

This single verse isn’t just the introduction to Revelation. It’s the doorway into a prophetic life—a life marked by readiness, reverence, and reward.

1. The Blessing Is Personal

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear…”

This is for you. Not just for scholars. Not just for theologians. Not just for prophecy buffs on YouTube.

This verse speaks directly to the everyday believer—sitting in church, opening their Bible, maybe even a little nervous about the symbols and judgments ahead. But God meets us right there and says: You are blessed if you engage.

And that’s important, because too often, prophecy has been hijacked by extremes.

• On one side, you have the speculative crowd, obsessed with world events, newspaper prophecy, and cryptic predictions.
• On the other hand, you have the skeptical crowd, who think prophecy is impractical, divisive, or irrelevant.

But here’s the truth: prophecy is for disciples.

Not to feed our curiosity, but to shape our character.

God gave it to the Church—not just to Israel, not just to apocalyptic enthusiasts—but to us, so that we might live with greater clarity, urgency, and hope.

That’s personal.

2. The Blessing Is Conditional

“…and keep the things which are written in it…”

Here’s where many stumble. They assume prophecy is just information about the future. But Revelation 1:3 makes it clear: it’s also instruction for the present.

This blessing isn’t automatic. It’s not a participation trophy. It comes to those who keep—who obey—what they read and hear.

That means prophecy is more than a timeline. It’s a teacher. It instructs you how to:

• Be watchful

“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.” —Mark 13:33

• Love His appearing

“There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness… to all who have loved His appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:8

• Warn others

“Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” —2 Corinthians 5:11

• Endure hardship

“The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” —Matthew 24:13

This is where prophecy becomes deeply pastoral. Because it shapes how you live when life gets hard. When the world feels dark. When hope feels distant.

It says: He’s coming. Be faithful.

He sees you. Keep going.

3. The Blessing Is Timely

“…for the time is near.”

That little phrase is like a thunderclap. It echoes through the rest of the book—and through the rest of Scripture.

This doesn’t mean every prophecy will be fulfilled tomorrow. But it does mean the next event in God’s prophetic plan—the Rapture—is imminent. It could happen at any moment.

That’s what theologians call the doctrine of imminency.

It’s the belief that:

• Nothing else needs to happen before Jesus returns for His Church.
• No further prophecies need to be fulfilled before that trumpet sounds.
• Christ could return before this sentence is over.

And that truth radically changes how you live.

It means you don’t just wait—you watch.

It means you don’t drift—you disciple.

It means you don’t waste your time speculating about the end of the world—you live ready for the beginning of eternity.

Prophecy Shapes Our Habits

Let me give you a few examples of how prophecy touches everyday life:

• Your Purity

“Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” —1 John 3:3

If Jesus could return at any moment, you don’t want to be caught clinging to sin.

• Your Perseverance

“Do not throw away your confidence… for you have need of endurance.” —Hebrews 10:35–36

Prophecy reminds us that suffering is temporary, but glory is forever.

• Your Evangelism

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” —Romans 13:12

Time is short. The gospel is urgent. And eternity is real.

• Your Worship

“Worthy is the Lamb… for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe…” —Revelation 5:9

Prophecy reveals the majesty of Christ and draws our hearts upward in praise.

A Word to the Strategic Learner

If you’re someone who loves to go deep, who wants to teach, disciple, or lead others in studying prophecy, this verse gives you your mandate.

Revelation 1:3 is your license to teach boldly, clearly, and faithfully.

But remember: the goal is not to impress. It’s to equip. The blessing isn’t in dazzling others with your prophetic insight. It’s in helping them read, hear, and keep what’s been revealed.

So whether you’re leading a small group, teaching students, or studying privately, approach this book with humility and hope. Because the Spirit still speaks through prophecy, and Jesus is still coming soon.

A Word to the Faithful Forager

If you’re here with hunger in your heart—curious, maybe cautious, maybe even carrying some past church hurt—hear this:

Prophecy is not here to crush you. It’s here to comfort you.

It’s not meant to confuse—it’s meant to clarify.

It’s not about predicting dates—it’s about preparing hearts.

You don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew.

You don’t need a timeline taped to your fridge.

You just need a soft heart and an open Bible.

Jesus said in John 14:29:

“Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.”

That’s the heart of prophecy: to deepen your faith, not inflate your fear.

So wherever you’re starting from—God will meet you in the pages of this book.

Because when you study prophecy, you’re not chasing headlines.

You’re listening to heaven.

So let’s keep walking—because the blessing isn’t just for those who read and run.

It’s for those who follow Jesus all the way to the end.

Next up: we’ll talk about the myths that have sidelined prophecy in the modern Church—and why it’s time to bring it back to the center.

Section 4: False Views Refuted

Let’s be honest—prophecy has a PR problem.

For many Christians today, eschatology is either treated like theological TNT—best left alone—or it’s distorted into something fear-driven and speculative.

Some of that hesitancy is understandable. Prophecy has been misused, misread, and mishandled. But we can’t let abuse lead to avoidance.

If God gave us over a quarter of His Word in prophetic form, then our job is not to skip it—but to interpret it rightly, apply it humbly, and live it faithfully.

So let’s tackle four common misconceptions that have kept many believers from receiving the blessing of Revelation 1:3.

❌ Myth #1: “Prophecy is too divisive.”

This one often comes with a sigh: “Why bother? Everyone disagrees anyway.”

It’s true that there are different views—pre-trib, post-trib, amillennial, historic premillennial, preterist, futurist. And those debates matter.

But here’s the problem: many believers have taken the existence of disagreement as an excuse to disengage altogether.

Imagine applying that logic to any other doctrine:

• “People disagree on baptism… so let’s stop talking about it.”
• “Spiritual gifts are controversial… so let’s avoid them entirely.”
• “Evangelism offends people… let’s just love in silence.”

We wouldn’t do that.

Truth may divide—but it also clarifies, corrects, and unites those who submit to God’s Word.

The solution isn’t silence. It’s interpretation—literal, grammatical, historical interpretation. When we apply the same hermeneutic to prophecy that we use elsewhere in Scripture, much of the confusion begins to fade.

Division comes not from prophecy—it comes from pride, poor teaching, and speculation.

But clarity? That comes from the Spirit and the Scriptures.

❌ Myth #2: “Prophecy causes fear.”

This one is especially common in our cultural moment.

People say: “Why study prophecy? Isn’t it all doom and gloom?”

Or: “I just want to focus on the love of Jesus, not fire and judgment.”

But this view completely misses the heart of biblical prophecy.

Yes, there are judgments. Yes, there is wrath. But for believers—prophecy is a source of comfort, not fear.

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:17–18:

“And so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”

The return of Christ is not meant to frighten the Church. It’s meant to focus us.

It reminds us that evil will not win. Justice will be done. And Jesus will reign.

Fear doesn’t come from truth—it comes from speculation, sensationalism, and spiritual immaturity.

When we read prophecy rightly, we don’t panic—we prepare.

We don’t tremble—we trust.

❌ Myth #3: “It’s all symbolic anyway.”

This idea—popular in amillennial and allegorical traditions—says: “You can’t take Revelation literally. It’s all metaphor.”

Now, it’s true: Revelation includes symbols. But here’s the key—most symbols are explained in the text itself, and even symbolic language points to literal realities.

For example:

• The lampstands in Revelation 1:20 represent churches.
• The dragon in Revelation 12:9 is clearly identified as Satan.
• The beast from the sea represents a future political ruler and empire.

Just because prophecy uses imagery doesn’t mean it’s fictional.

Jesus literally fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies at His first coming—born in Bethlehem, pierced in His hands and feet, riding a donkey, betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.

If His first coming was fulfilled literally, why would His second coming be fulfilled symbolically?

As Dr. John Walvoord once said:

“If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense.”

We don’t allegorize resurrection, justification, or sanctification—why would we allegorize the return of Christ?

❌ Myth #4: “Prophecy doesn’t affect my daily life.”

This is perhaps the most dangerous myth—because it sounds so practical. But it’s deeply unbiblical.

Scripture ties the study of prophecy directly to personal transformation.

“Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself…” —1 John 3:3

“Since all these things are to be destroyed… what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” —2 Peter 3:11

“Encourage one another… all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” —Hebrews 10:25

Prophecy shapes how you live:

• Your morality
• Your relationships
• Your perseverance
• Your priorities

If you believe Jesus could come today, it changes how you spend today.

This is what Dr. Michael Heiser was rightly concerned about: when believers use prophecy as an excuse to disengage from the world, rather than a reason to walk in holiness and mission.

Prophecy is not escapism. It’s engagement.

It’s not passive waiting—it’s active watching.

The more clearly you see what’s coming, the more faithfully you’ll live right now.

The Blessing Comes When We Refuse the Lies

So let me ask you:

• Have you believed any of these myths?
• Have you hesitated to study prophecy because of fear, frustration, or fatigue?
• Have you dismissed it as impractical or divisive?

Then hear this:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it…” —Revelation 1:3

This blessing is for you.

Not when you figure everything out—but when you open the Word with reverence and obedience.

Don’t let fear keep you from the blessing.

Don’t let confusion keep you from clarity.

Don’t let the misuse of others keep you from the truth of God.

Let’s keep walking.

Section 5: Theological + Devotional Insights

Let’s slow down for a moment.

We’ve spent most of this episode clarifying the structure, purpose, and misunderstandings around prophecy. But we can’t leave without stepping into the devotional heart of it.

Because the ultimate reason we study prophecy is not to argue—it’s to adore.

Not to build charts—but to bow in worship.

Not to fill our heads—but to fire up our hearts with reverent expectation.

So let’s look at three theological truths and three devotional responses that flow out of Revelation 1:3—and out of the prophetic Word as a whole.

Theological Insight #1: Prophecy Reveals God’s Character

Every prophetic page proclaims who God is.

• He is sovereign—declaring the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)
• He is faithful—keeping every covenant and promise
• He is holy—judging sin with justice
• He is merciful—calling people to repentance even in wrath
• He is true—unable to lie or change (Titus 1:2; Malachi 3:6)

Prophecy is not merely about events. It’s about the God behind the events. And when we study the timeline, we begin to trust the Author.

It’s one thing to say “God is in control.” It’s another to see it across the ages, written into the scroll of human history.

Theological Insight #2: Prophecy Exalts Christ

“The witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” —Revelation 19:10 (LSB)

All prophecy ultimately points to Christ.

He is:

• The Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3)
• The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)
• The Son of Man (Daniel 7)
• The Pierced One (Zechariah 12)
• The Returning King (Revelation 19)

In both His first coming and second, He fulfills the Word perfectly.

Prophecy reminds us: Jesus is not just the Lamb who was slain. He is the Lion who is coming.

Every throne judgment, every trumpet blast, every crowned King in prophetic Scripture is meant to lift your eyes to Him.

Theological Insight #3: Prophecy Vindicates God’s Promises

One of the strongest apologetic tools in all of Scripture is fulfilled prophecy.

• Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies at His first coming.
• Israel’s regathering after nearly 2,000 years of exile (Ezekiel 36–37) stands as a modern fulfillment.
• The global rise of anti-Israel sentiment (Zechariah 12) aligns exactly as predicted.

If God has kept every promise so far, we can trust Him with what’s still ahead.

That’s not wishful thinking. That’s anchored confidence.

And that confidence produces endurance.

Devotional Insight #1: Prophecy Fuels Worship

Look at the scene in Revelation 5. The Lamb takes the scroll, and all of heaven erupts in praise:

“Worthy are You… for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue…” (Rev. 5:9)

Prophecy should make us sing. Not just about the past, but about the future.

When you realize that the same Jesus who conquered death is coming to reign, your heart lifts.

When you remember that every crown will be cast before His feet, you stop trying to build your own.

Prophecy pulls worship out of you—because it puts Christ where He belongs: on the throne.

Devotional Insight #2: Prophecy Builds Endurance

Revelation 13:10 tells us:

“Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”

The saints suffer in that verse. But they don’t quit.

Why?

Because they know how the story ends.

When you understand where history is headed—when you know that death is not the end and that Christ wins—you can walk through suffering with a steady heart.

Prophecy gives you a long view in a short-tempered world.

It reminds you that injustice will be judged.

That your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

That your pain is never wasted.

Devotional Insight #3: Prophecy Realigns Your Affections

2 Peter 3:11 says:

“Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…”

In other words, if this world is temporary, why are you clinging to it?

Prophecy loosens our grip on comfort, possessions, and cultural approval. It reminds us:

• This world is not our home.
• This government is not our hope.
• This moment is not the end.

And when you internalize that, your affections start shifting:

• You stop chasing what doesn’t last.
• You start loving what does.
• You begin living in light of eternity.

That’s not escapism. That’s discipleship.

Let’s Put It All Together

When you study prophecy rightly:

• You see God more clearly.
• You worship Christ more deeply.
• You trust His promises more fully.
• You persevere through hardship more patiently.
• You live with eternal focus more faithfully.

That’s why we’re here. That’s what this series is about.

Not to just prepare you for the Rapture.

But to anchor you in the Redeemer.

Not to make you better at timelines.

But to make you more like Jesus.

So if you’ve been longing to see more of Him… you’re on the right path.

Let’s keep walking.

Section 6: Call to Readiness

Let’s bring this episode home with the same words that opened it:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it, for the time is near.” —Revelation 1:3 (LSB)

That’s the heart of it.

God didn’t give us prophecy to confuse us. He gave it to bless us.

Not to stir up speculation—but to stir up obedience.

Not to drive us into fear, but to drive us toward readiness.

So as we close today, I want to ask you some questions—not just for reflection, but for action:

1. Are you reading prophecy with reverence, or avoiding it in fear?

If you’ve been hesitant to engage Revelation, or Daniel, or Matthew 24, or any prophetic passage, maybe it’s time to come back with fresh eyes. Not to decode headlines, but to delight in the Word.

Action Step:

Read Revelation 1 aloud this week.

Let the words hit your ears and your heart. Notice how it centers on Jesus, not just events.

2. Are you listening attentively, or just glancing past the warnings?

Prophecy invites us not just to scan, but to hear. To pay attention. To let it reorient our thinking.

Action Step:

Memorize Revelation 1:3.

Tuck that blessing into your soul. Let it shape how you approach this study in the weeks to come.

3. Are you keeping what you’ve heard, or filing it away as interesting trivia?

This is where it gets personal. What is God asking you to do in light of what you’ve learned?

Maybe it’s repentance.

Maybe it’s urgency.

Maybe it’s letting go of comfort, or stepping into mission, or walking more closely with Jesus.

Ask yourself honestly:

“If I truly believed that Christ could return at any moment… what would change in my life today?”

Would I pray differently?

Would I love more sacrificially?

Would I hold the things of this world more loosely?

Prophecy is not meant to be a hobby. It’s meant to be a holy summons.

A Prayer for the Journey

As you take this first step into the blessing of prophecy, here’s a simple prayer to pray this week:

“Lord, thank You for revealing Your plan—not to frighten me, but to prepare me.

Help me to read Your Word with reverence, to hear it with obedience, and to keep it with faith.

Make me a student of Your promises and a servant ready for Your return.

Let prophecy not just inform my mind, but ignite my life with joyful readiness.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next Time on Footsteps of the Messiah:

In Episode 3, we’ll explore the most important tool for unlocking clarity in prophecy: the Golden Rule of Interpretation—“Literal, unless context demands otherwise.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to interpret prophetic passages without falling into confusion or contradiction… this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Until then—read the Word. Keep the Word. Live the Word.

And remember:

Prophecy isn’t just prediction. It’s preparation.

Let’s keep walking.