Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Genesis 25:12-18; Psalm 16

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Read Genesis 25:12-18; Psalm 16

Verse for meditation: Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.


Reflect

There are many inspiring verses in this 16th chapter of the book of Psalms. The above is chosen as it brings home succinctly the message of the Psalm. What pure wonder it was to reflect on the richness and relevance of this Davidic Psalm. What's more, to do it on the very last day of the year, 2022.


Called the 'golden' or 'secret' Psalm, for that's what Miktam suggests in Hebrew, it logically divides its readers into 2 groups, those who are and those who are not committed to God. The Psalm certainly holds its weight in 'gold' because of the richness of the narrative. It's a 'secret' as well because of the circumstances under which it was written. For David had just been delivered from Saul who was going in for the kill.


In this Psalm, the way David described his singular commitment and utmost confidence, both pertaining to God, is no run - of - the - mill account given by an acquaintance. Here, he's a true worshipper. And a true believer. For his was an air - tight relationship with God.


Interestingly, out of the eleven verses in this Psalm, only in one did David make a request. He made his simple but earnest request in the very first verse, right at the beginning. We must remember that David had just been delivered. Though after making that one - verse request of a prayer, he went straight into confessing his love, professing his faith and expressing his hope. His main audience was none other than God who was his one true help, one true goal and one true hope.


Relate

I ask myself if I could be allowed only one prayer request this year, what would it be? Using the following as a guide, I proceeded to make my one request. What is it that's been frequently on my mind and occupying most of the space in my heart? What is it that I'm most grateful for, and yet needing the Lord's help and favour the most? Or what is it that will prevent me from being of much use to the Lord if affected?


I ask myself again if a distinction would be necessary between committed and non - committed, to which would I belong? If I'm still chasing after other gods (v 4), no matter how much I'm serving, praying or giving, it would change my commitment not a bit. And if God is not my main audience (v 7), main goal (v 5), or main source (v 2), I'm as good as non - committed all the same, even if I would think otherwise.


I ask myself the last time if I'm content. For in true commitment, there is contentment (v 6) and also gladness (v 9) since God is my all. And joy is assured at the end.


Then, perhaps, I can say like the psalmist in verse 11: "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."


What a way to enter the new year!


Rest

Lord, you have been my refuge and help. Hear now my plea, my one request. For to you, I confess my love and profess my faith that I'm yours. And you are my God. Lead me from here to express the hope that you have made known to me.


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