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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Joshua 3:1 - 5:12; Psalm 122

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Read Joshua 3:1 - 5:12; Psalm 122

Verse chosen for meditation: Joshua 4:24 ESV

24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”


Reflect

There are more than a few lessons that can be drawn from the above three chapters. To be spoilt for such choice is usually not the case. After some mulling over, I decided to focus on what can be learned from chapter 4, verse 24.


The reason being, it trumps all the others. Whether it was the exaltation of Joshua, the crossing of the Jordan, or the timing of circumcision of a younger generation of able-bodied males, God was behind them all. 


There's also a personal reason for choosing the verse. As I get increasingly involved in the affairs of the church, seeing the 'hand of God' as well as sensing the 'heart of God' becomes integrally important to my spiritual growth and Christian service. They are equally vital and pivotal to the understanding of life and ministry.


Relate

Ten years ago, when my dad was suddenly taken ill and hospitalised in the intensive care unit, my plea to God was for a miraculous recovery. I had hoped for a full, not even partial recovery. 


The Lord had promised me his Word in Isaiah 60: 16 "...and you shall know that I the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob".


I had understood it to mean that my dad would recover. It would have caused all those who knew about my dad's dire condition to be dumbfounded by the mighty act. However, that was not to be. Even then, the verse was still used in the obituary.


Despite what happened at the end, the Lord has not failed to show me that he is indeed the Lord Almighty. This comes with the realisation over the years that there're two aspects of God that needed to be appreciated in life and ministry, namely the 'heart of God' and the 'hand of God'. 


It would not be wrong to say that in order to have a fuller understanding, both are necessary. For we can't easily see the 'hand' if we don't know the 'heart' of God. We could if things turned out according to plan or as expected. Otherwise, it would not be easy at all as in the case of my dad.


But if we know the 'heart of God', we'll learn to see the 'hand of God' in his dealings with us. Just as how the Lord had watched over and provided for my family, which would not have been possible without him. This is all in keeping with his Word and character.


As for matters of the church, I've always marvelled at the 'hand of God' when it's time for our year - end financial balance report. For no matter the amount of deficit we started off with at the start of the financial year, the figures would invariably be in the black at the end. This simply confirms to me, albeit indirectly, the 'heart of God'. That he truly cares for his church. And that we must be doing his bidding after all.


After all this, there's really no need to worry about how the others would come to know. It's important that we know it first for ourselves. The others would eventually know since it would be the Lord's doing. And he would be doing it through us.


A well - loved verse says it best: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)”.


Rest

Dear Lord, it's been ten years already. Since then, I've come to know that you are Lord. And that you are also Saviour, Redeemer and the Mighty One.


Naville Chia


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Revelations 22:12-21

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