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 26; Psalm 112 "I am second"

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Read: Deuteronomy 26; Psalm 112

Verse chosen for meditation: 26:1-2 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there.


Reflect

In Deuteronomy 26:1-2, God reminded the second generation that they must make an offering of first fruits when they come into the Promised Land. Such an offering bring to remembrance that it was only by the grace and power of God, that Israel was finally able to enter into such a land flowing with milk and honey. 


Notice that God did not want any leftover fruits, but only the first fruit. This was meant to teach the people that God is their Provider. Bring in the first fruits and God will fulfil His promise of blessing the people in abundance. 


This was also meant to teach the people that God should be the first in their hearts. Even as God brought them into the Promised Land after much trials and challenges; the people must learn to live in this excellent piece of land with God as first in their hearts. Otherwise, they would not be able to dwell for long. Without a rightful heart, there can be no rightful living. Sooner or later, they would be like their forefathers; giving in to themselves in idolatry. All because God was not first. 


Relate

Some years ago, I chanced upon a video series of Christian testimonies call “I am second”. The whole idea was that those who view such testimonies can be inspired to live “second”; meaning to put Jesus as their first in life. 


From the series, I remembered the testimony of Bethany Hamilton, an aspiring surfer whose arm was bitten off by a shark. After the traumatic incident, Bethany did not stop surfing. She wants to continue to do what she loves and knows that she can only do it with God as her source of strength. Today, Bethany is happily married with three children and had won many trophies. 


Bethany has been a source of inspiration for me in ministry. Even if there are times of disappointments, discouragements and perhaps even felt being “attacked”; I should continue to make Jesus my priority. I should not be distracted by the depravity of men nor be tempted to be like them. Instead, I should focus on the goodness of God and leave those who are unrepentant to the hands and purpose of God. With that, I can continue to persevere on what I love; that is, to shepherd the people of God. I can continue to do that with joy and purity. 


Rest

Lord, help me to put you first just as You commanded the people of Israel to bring to You their first fruits. Give me the strength and grace to do all things that honor Your Name. Help me not to put myself as first; instead, remind me always that I am second. This I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 


Jason



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