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 4:1-43; PSALM 100

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TITLE:

READ: DEUTERONOMY 4:1-43; PSALM 100

TEXT FOR REFLECTION: DEUTERONOMY 4:15-16

Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves...

REFLECT

What does perfection look like? What would we liken infinity to? With what known form can one depict God? Every image of God that we can conjure in our minds would at best be self-limiting. For example, if one were to depict God as a warrior with all the attributes of a great warrior, that would allow devotees to understand God's power and invincibility. Yet looking at God in all His splendour and might, how could anyone understand God's mercy and sacrifice for His enemies who are no larger than a drop in the ocean? Any image that we may try to create of God will limit God's true nature. The only depiction of himself that God would allow is in the form of a living, breathing, healing, forgiving, suffering Man - God's own Son.

There is another problem with humans creating an image of God. We subdue and control that which we create. What we create, we can also destroy. What we create, we can have power over and can use for our purposes. So it is alluring to create an image of God that is all powerful and worship such a god. But that would beg the question: how can a god whom we can control subdue us? If, as many philosophers have affirmed, we are our worst enemy, would such a god be able to subdue us? If our greatest need is within the inner life, to find peace and fulness within, how would a god born out of  our feeble yet wicked minds transform our minds? While we face many external troubles, the real things that trouble us are internal. A man may have so much wealth that he never has to face poverty. With his wealth he may be so insulated from the uncertainties and storms of life. Yet will that wealth still the storms in his heart? A created being is no greater than its creator. Hence if we feeble creatures are the creators of an image of god, then that god has no power to transcend our flawed selves.

RELATE

Scientific advances have been so rapid, most of us have difficulty catching up. And in many ways, these advances have served to improve our lives. Medical science has extended lives, alleviated suffering, provided a cure for many diseases, and generally made life better for all. It has become indispensable for our lives and well-being. We place our hopes in the swift advance of medical research. Cancer patients look forward to the invention of new cancer drugs, sufferers of all sorts of ailments find hope in new discoveries. Mental health sufferers are heartened by new forms of therapy. And we are thankful that in our era, we have such brilliant scientists.

Medical advance is only one aspect of the proliferation of knowledge. Digitalization has taken place at a mind-boggling pace. For better or for worse, our lives have been changed. Chatbots and most currently, chatGPT have allowed us to access and consolidate the best of the world's knowledge and wisdom. The potential for the man-on-the-street to amass knowledge and wisdom is now available.

Can science be our new gods? This begs another question: what does man (humanity) live by? If God is my creator, then only God can chart my destiny towards an abundant life. Scientific advancement can help, but it cannot direct my heart to live as I was destined to live. Science is a tool, but it cannot be my god. Ultimately, the quality of my life is determined by where my heart is, and where my heart goes can only be led by the One who formed it. It is futile to trust in any other god.

REST

Father, you created me with the purpose of giving me an abundant life - within my circumstances and my limitations. Help me to see that despite all the problems that I face, you want only to lead me to a place where there are green pastures and still waters, that I may find rest and fulness. Help me to rest, completely assured that You, my God, are doing just that in my life. Amen.


Chiu Ming Li


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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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