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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Deuteronomy 21-22; Psalm 109 - "Justice"

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READ: Deuteronomy 21-22; Psalm 109

Verses chosen for meditation: Deuteronomy 21:9, 21 – Justice.

9 So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the Lord.

21 … . So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.  


REFLECT

The Book of Deuteronomy has been recognised as a series of speeches from Moses where he is calling the second generation of Israel to be faithful to the covenant with their God. Israelites were reminded that Yahweh is the only One God that they should worship. Overall, the book does contain some new laws/ legislation, in addition to most of the repeated ones given at Mount Sinai. They include civil laws (marriage, family & business) and social justice (protection of widow, orphan & immigrant), all aiming to uphold justice for mankind.

In Deuteronomy 21, it specifically spells legislation that outlines several laws regarding justice in treating the strangely murdered, captives, orphans and widows, rebellious son, and even for hanged man who is dead, vv. 22-23. The setting apart called by God has invoke Israelites to have a higher standard of justice. God has given these standards as their Lord God and their responsibility is to obey and uphold. When God gave the legislation after giving the Promised Land, He expects His people to live and behave right with Him. The end result shall be either punishment from God or reward from Him for our behaviours.

 

RELATE

The legislation listed here calls for no practices in favouritism or bribes. Bible teacher, David Pawson explained that whether one is an orphan, widow or alien, one is to get the same treatment as the richest businessman in town. This is good justice without favouritism in light of His holiness.

Another example in vv. 22-23 is that when a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death and was hang him on a tree. His body shall not remain all night on the tree, but it shall be buried the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. The man’s body is not to be hanging on the tree after sunset, as a dead man is not to be ridiculed this way. This is just treatment in light of His holiness.

What do we make out of all these laws? Primarily, God is not merely teaching us about His character of being just, merciful and holy. More than that, God is showing us that He is interested in our entire lives. He is not just interested in our spiritual being. God desires first for us to live right with Him and then with others. He has meant to bless us holistically in every part of our lives. He is ever faithful; always choosing to bless us than to curse us.


REST

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what Your standard of justice is about. Help me not to pre-judge those around me and live uprightly according to Your commands. But whenever I witness wickedness or injustice or even receive mistreatment myself, do not allow them to prod me to take revenge. Remind me that I am not God, but to fear You and my assurance is that the Lord will never cease to be my fortress and rock. I can take refuge in Him, Ps 94:22.

Let us be assured as in Psalm 94: For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will not abandon His heritage; for justice will return to the righteous and all the upright in heart will follow it, (Ps 94:14-15). Amen.

Vincent

 

 

 

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