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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Exodus 32-33; Psalm 49 “Crowd Pleaser”

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Read: Exodus 32-33; Psalm 49 “Crowd Pleaser”


Verse chosen for meditation: 

Exodus 32:21-24  21 And Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?"  22 And Aaron said, "Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.  23 For they said to me, 'Make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.'  24 So I said to them, 'Let any who have gold take it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."



Reflect

While Moses was communicating with God on the mountain, the people were rebelling against God at the foot of it. When Moses came down from the mountain, he was horrified to find that the people had turned their backs on God so quickly. Even after all the miracles and manifestations, the people were quick to demand that Aaron make other gods for them. 


The irony is not lost on us. Among the many things that God said to Moses, there were instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons to be made priests of God. Yet, here we are, the “to be ordained” priest had allowed the people to pressurize him to violate the very first of the ten commandments: “You shall have no other gods before me”. 


Worse, when confronted, Aaron tried to minimize his own sin and push the blame on the people. If we compare what Aaron told Moses in verses 21-24 and what he actually did in Exodus 32:2-5; there was obviously an attempt to taint the truth and push the blame. 


Relate

How did Aaron decline to such a level? 


All because he gave in to the pressures of the people. He knew better, but he wanted so much to please the crowd. The people knew that Aaron was temporary made to be in charge. He had the power to do what they wanted. So they pressured him: "Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32:1) It was a rather sinister demand as they tried to pressure him to do what they wanted; and at the same time, appealed to his sense of ego for leadership. 


We might have faced similar situations like Aaron. Being pressured by our friends, ministry partners or even loved ones to do something we knew to be unsound. Yet, at that point in time, it could be very tempting to give in to such demands. This is especially so when we want to feel “in charge” or we feel good that people are coming to us for favors. Or we want to do people a favor and rationalize such bad decision making based on “relationships”. Or perhaps it is the sense of wanting to avoid conflict. Not realizing that giving in to such demands only bring greater problems and conflict in the long run. Tragically, because Aaron failed to exercise spiritual leadership and gave in to the demands of the people; 3,000 males died that day.


It is a stark reminder to me. Whether in family, personal relationships or ministry, I should always try to hear the voice of God than give in to the pressures of demands. Or at the very least, be polite to hearing such demands, but seek God and those whom we think are wise for counsel. Never make decisions solely based on how I feel or what I have experienced. But rather what is biblically sound. Very importantly, I need to also consider how decisions can affect the spiritual life of others. This is of course easy to say but might be difficult to do when the situation arises. So how can I be made more accountable? Some ways I found helpful are:


1. Surround myself with people whom I trust to be able to warn me of making a bad decision. If I just surround myself with people whom I know will agree with me, I am not being wise and could be someone who loves control. 


2. Be as transparent and clear as I can in my conversations and positions with others. This is so that some might not have misunderstandings or the presumptions that I can be pressured to do what they want (and not what God wants).


3. Be humble and apologize if a bad decision is taken. In such a way, I open myself to corrections and such learning milestones will be etched in my heart forever. 



Rest

Heavenly Father, you are full of grace. Even when the people of Israel sinned against You; You relented to the voice of Moses to have mercy. So God, help us to come to you with gratefulness; give us the strength to abide in You so that we do not sin. Help us not to be crowd pleasers but in all things, grant us the fervor to please You instead. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 


Jason Phua












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