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 37:2-38:30; Psalm 23

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READ 

Genesis 37:2-38:30; Psalm 23

Verse chosen for meditation: Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd. I shall not want."


REFLECT

In this beautiful Psalm, recited usually at the end of one's life journey, there contains six verses, each a nugget of inspiration on its own. It's said that there are as many as eleven hidden names of God in the passage, from Jehovah - Raah to Jehovah - Cheleq.


The impression is given of the psalmist having an insider's intimate view as well as a pilgrim's overall view of life with God, as the various names of Jehovah imply. Though it could be verse six, which made it the choice passage that it is, verse one is unmistakably still the 'poster boy' of Psalm 23. Just mention 'The Lord is my shepherd' and the reference to the Psalm could not be more immediate. 


What is it about verse one that really makes it tick? Besides making a strong statement, the verse sets the tone for the rest of the Psalm. Or is it the other way around? The rest of the Psalm lends its reasons for the psalmist to feel the way he does in verse one.


RELATE

Whatever it is, I'm not sure if I could claim the same, that "I shall not want" or in the NIV translation "I lack nothing". In case anyone should think this is the same as saying, "I have everything", it is not. The two are not interchangeable as the latter does not guarantee there is no lack. And the former does not assume everything is at one's disposal.


Suffice to say, "lack nothing" is not the same as having everything. It's more to do with satisfaction and assurance. The result of being content, of knowing that one has all that one would ever need.


From this, a certain calmness naturally follows. Not the tantrum throwing, spoilt brat antics. Neither the forceful demands for one's rights nor the crying and fighting for the things that one can't have. But the solid assurance that one's needs will be met or favourably taken care of. For it is not about having everything or more of something, but lacking nothing. 


This may be the start of a new year, but already there could be gripes about getting less bonus, less recognition, poorer A level scores, missed promotions, being left out of the A list and so forth.


It must be remembered that this state of contentment is not reached in a day. It needs to be learned like a weaned child (Psalm 131: 2). Even Paul recognised this process of learning in his letter to the Philippians (4: 11).


A good analogy is that of a boy passing by a shop window displaying his favourite toy, which is the current best seller. He eyes the toy, wishes for it, but walks away even though children are coming out of the shop with the toy in the grip of their tiny hands. He has learned to know that he lacks nothing despite not having the toy. 


But this is not all.


It should be because of hope that one is able to be content with the present state of affairs as well as being.


A hope, which rests on a person. A person whom one trusts. A person who provides for one's needs, at times, beyond one's wildest dream. For without hope, there can be no true contentment. Only cynicism. Or fatalism.


Therefore, because the Lord is his shepherd, the psalmist can say that he lacks nothing. The boy who has learned to trust the hand he was holding on to can walk away from the shop window. For it's not about 'what', but 'who' at the end of the day.


Try echoing the psalmist (Psalm 132: 1, 3): My heart is not proud. My eyes are not haughty. I do not concern myself with great matters. I'll put my hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. 


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing.


REST

Lord, you are my shepherd. With you, I am content and lack nothing. I am like a child who knows the hand that he / she is holding on to. And my hope rests on this blessed assurance, both now and forevermore.


Naville Chia


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