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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Ezra 3-4

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Read Ezra 3-4

Verse for meditation: Ezra 3: 11 ESV: And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.


Reflect


We've heard this word mentioned every once in a while in Christian circles and communities. But what does 'revival' really mean?


How was 'revival' viewed and approached in the passage?


What conditions are conducive to a 'revival'? Conversely, what could make a 'revival' unfavourable?


Relate


A few months ago, I saw the word 'revival' in a group chat. It was brought up as feedback from a first-time visitor to our church. Honestly, I had no idea what it was supposed to mean. But the second word that was shared gave a slight hint: 'fire'. Or at least an idea of the expectation that the person had who made those comments.


But what really is 'revival'? 


Is restoration considered a revival? Is the experience of 'burning hearts' a revival? Not sure if the 'fire' alludes to this, or if it suggests a certain 'oomph' in worship, or a spiritual stirring of some sort with observable manifestations. Or is the witnessing of signs and wonders a revival?


I suppose it can be any of these or a combination of them. But a revival is very simply a return to the Lord. It's also not static, but something that may be sweeping the whole church, community, or land over.


At least, that is the picture I got from reading chapter 3 of Ezra where there is first and foremost an awakening as well as an opportunity, or a divine moment. The heart, the seat of our altar, is set ablaze by the fire of the Spirit. The 'fire' is such that it's uncontainable, refusing to be quenched. And all this is but a prelude to restoration.


In the passage, we see a picture of organised chaos, a mixture of emotions, and most of all, a concerted effort to build the temple. A uniform praise sits on the lips of every person. They're all praising the Lord for His goodness as they remember His love. 


In a rather strange and beautiful way, they appear indistinguishable as a people. A people who is set apart, yet no one can tell them apart. For in their diversity, there's unity. This central message rings loud and clear for all to hear, even those far away.


The conducive bed for any revival is indeed the word of God, the fear of God and the love for God. 


There's a resurgence of interest in the Word. A God - wrought revival brings a fervour for his word as we live, sing, pray, work and worship according to the word of God. 


There's even a fresh awareness of God's holiness, juxtaposed with the appraisal of our own broken and contrite state. Then, there's the renewed commitment to the covenant, an aspirational promise to love God as well as others.


But it would not be without a counterforce so long as we're on this side of heaven. More so, in a revival. Expect, therefore, oppositions and naysayers.


Nevertheless, take heart, for the Lord's plans will not be thwarted. And the Lord himself will see to it: So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55: 11)


Rest


Lord, may everyday be a revival. May your Word revive us each day. May it be our strong foundation. And may your holy and gentle Spirit sweep over us. For you are good and your steadfast love endures forever.



Naville Chia


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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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