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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Numbers 8:1-9:14; Psalm 80

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Numbers 8:1-9:14; Psalm 80

Verse chosen for meditation: Numbers 8:14 ESV

Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.


Reflect

Who are the Levites? Do they truly deserve to be separated from the rest? 

What does it feel like to be selected by God?


Relate

I can almost imagine the reactions in the crowd, or the assembly, when the Levites were presented before them. They could be heaving a sigh of relief or turning green with envy. This will depend on how the selection is being viewed. 


For those selected and their families, they could be feeling the pride of being chosen. That is if they saw it as a badge of honour, of climbing a notch or two up the echelon. I know how proud my sister and brother - in - law were when my youngest nephew recently went on stage in school to receive the young ACSian award. 


On the other hand, there could be a sense of loss, emotional as well as material, if being selected meant spending an inordinate time away from family and loved ones. And bidding farewell to the prospects of a good life where there would be no wealth, no ownership, no living it up. I foresee the same when my oldest nephew enlists next year. The feeling will be more or less like what's described for the two years he'll spend in NS.


Anyway, what do we really know about the Levites? Besides coming from the tribe of Levi, they were the descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. They were usually assigned the role of a priest or allocated other roles in the temple. These could range from playing the instruments, opening and closing the gates to standing guard for example. But whatever it was, they were considered consecrated, meaning set apart for God. 


Aaron was the first in its line of priests, followed by his sons. The reason the tribe of Levi could have been chosen among the 12 tribes was their non-participation in the worship of the golden calf even though Aaron was party to its creation. Their readiness to execute the righteous judgement of God at his bidding (Exodus 32: 26 - 29) was probably another reason. But in all things, there will always be those who would not do it right for example the sons of Eli as recorded in 1 Samuel 2: 12 - 24.


In today's parlance, the term used might be closely related to vocation or calling, which is a job or duty that's driven by an otherworldly motive and passion where the rewards and payouts are not measured in dollars - and - cents. Arguably, the most distinctive of features is the attribution of the title 'boss' or 'CEO' to none other than God who is the real Numero Uno.


For those of us who serve in church, we can take a leaf from the Levites in the way they approach their duties and service. In the various capacities that we serve whether as musicians, worship leads, backup singers or greeters, or in the AV team, lunch fellowship team or cash count team, or in a ministry or committee, imagine what it would be like if we knew that we have been chosen by none other than God himself. 


Where then do we think our strength should come from, together with our inspirations and all?  How then should we prioritise our time? How different then should our attitudes, motives and even expectations be as we serve?


Knowing that like the Levites, we are set apart.


Rest

Lord, we know that we have been set apart. May it make a difference in the way we serve, the way we prioritise, and the way we expect. For we are specially chosen.


Naville Chia


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