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 4:44-5:33; Psalm 101

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Read

Deuteronomy 4:44-5:33; Psalm 101

Verse chosen for meditation: Deuteronomy 5:29 ESV

29 Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants[a] forever!


Reflect

This is Moses' second message to the Israelites, consisting of a review of the commandments given earlier to the previous generation, but with slight changes to the ones mentioned in Exodus 20.


The changes are the reasons for observing Sabbath, which in the earlier version had it as God, the creator, rested on the seventh day, but in this latter edition, it'd been changed to God, the redeemer, delivered them out of Egypt. And the addition of land to an already long list of things that were not supposed to be coveted since they would be inheriting plots of land once they were in the Promised Land. 


Reading the passage the first round gave me the feeling that God is a killjoy, with all the 'dos and don'ts' and strict adherence. But, reading it again, and looking at the tone and nuances plus understanding the context that this was preparatory to their new life in the Promised Land, my impressions changed. It's important that they learned to live as a community, and not only for themselves. Most of all, they needed to revere God. For that's the order of the day.


Relate

Honestly, do we not find the whole idea of observing commands and laws trying and burdensome? Do we not feel the restrictiveness of it, that it's taking joy right out of living? 


For a time, that was just how I felt. I viewed God as a killjoy. One who demands strict compliance with laws and commands, and carries out punitive measures against anyone who errs. It was a sure turn - off and barrier to any possible intimacy. And it really was. 


However, the saving grace was that despite the way I had perceived God, he remained a relevant figure in my life. Unlike a number of young adults that I know today where God seems remotely distant. Consequent to that, the relevance of God becomes an even harder matter to appreciate.


The turnaround came when I decided to focus more on loving God and knowing that I was loved. Bit by bit, the image of God faded as a killjoy. Drawing me closer at the same time was the association between observing commands and loving God. 


But it didn't mean that I was determined to observe every command a hundred percent. Never had I the intention of scoring in that department. I was more interested in cultivating intimacy with God. As for the blessings that followed, it was no more than a secondary goal.


In doing so, I've been able to sense his hot pursuit as well as willingness to override my failings. In return, I've become more accepting as well of his discipline (Hebrews 12:6). I guess this is what nature calls a positive feedback loop. The end result is loving God more.


The next few verses help to illustrate the point further:


"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21


"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." I John 5:3


The same message is brought home to us, without any mincing of words, in the succeeding chapter:


"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." 


Rest

Lord, thank you for loving me first, pursuing me, and even disciplining me. Let me do everything for you out of love. For that is what really matters.


Naville Chia


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Revelations 22:12-21

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