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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1 Chronicles 11-12

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Read 1 Chronicles 11, 12

Verse chosen for meditation: 1 Chronicles 11: 9 ESV 

9 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.


Reflect


How did David become great in this warrior phase of his life? 


Why did the good men, the best of the best, join his army?


To what drummer's beat were they marching?


Relate


This is a feel-good passage, with good vibes here and there. At the same time, it serves as a roll of honour where men and commanders of valour were cited for their expertise in the art of war and contributions in the war itself.


It exudes an optimistic feeling that good things can only get better. And still better. This is seen from the unusual attraction of people of right calibre from all quarters. Even the number of men deciding to join the army is staggering as they enlist in droves, running into tens of thousands. All this is certainly a boon, adding to and shaping up David's army to be the military epicentre of its time, a formidable super power to be reckoned with.


But where does all this greatness and power come from?


Prior to this, only one of the 12 tribes of Israel had recognised David. Now, we see the rest turning to him after the death of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul and pretended king of Israel. The elders were also beginning to submit to the leadership of David as they saw in him a fellow Israelite, no longer the renegade who defected to the Philistines camp. Besides, they had also witnessed his leadership capabilities. More importantly, they were able to see the evident call of the Lord upon him to lead the people.


As for the men, contrary to their current status, they didn't start off as mighty men, but as distressed and indebted individuals (1 Samuel 22: 1-2). Therefore, it could be said of David that "more than all his victories against outside foes, the influence of his life and character on the men nearest to him testify to his essential greatness." (Morgan)


So, is this really how the others see the greatness of David?


For it looks like all the men were determined to make David their king. They were of one mind pledging their loyalty and commitment to him. There was palpable camaraderie and revelry all around. It was indeed a splendid time. And there was also joy.


This is much more than our National Day celebration, wonderful as it was. For the people were clearly energised and motivated. They were putting their lives, their hearts and their souls into their unified and single - minded cause of making David king. This is in sharp contrast to the kerfuffle and brouhaha we usually see nowadays following the election of a country's leader.


Then, should we, too, have a cause to make Christ king, who is at any rate a king far greater than David ever was? If so, how should we go about making Christ the king of our lives? 


Like many of David's men, we, too, didn't start off as mighty men (and women), but as broken individuals. But having experienced a turnaround, a breakthrough, a life - changing course, how should we respond to this Christ - to his sovereignty and lordship?


Rest


O Lord, to you who saw something of worth in us and made us the right people for the kingdom, we pledge our all. Indeed, you attract us like no other. You saved us like no other. And you loved us like no other. Therefore, you are to us a king like no other since your kingdom is like no other. In that regard, no one comes close to you. No kingdom comes close to yours. No power and love come close as well.


Naville Chia


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