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 5 - 6

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Read

Ezra 5 - 6

Verses chosen for meditation - Ezra 6:11-12, 14-16

11 Also I make a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of his house, and he shall be impaled on it, and his house shall be made a dunghill. 12 May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who shall put out a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I Darius make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.”

14 And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia; 15 and this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16 And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.


Reflect

The rebuilding of the temple had been met with constant resistance and effort to frustrate the process. Though the decree was issued by King Cyrus the work was only completed during the reign of King Darius. In v5:3 the process was again disrupted by Tattenai and his associates who wrote a letter to Darius to validate the decree of the rebuilding. But the decree to rebuild was sealed in v6:11 when King Darius issued an ultimatum that no one should alter the decree or face serious consequences (death through impalement!). In other words, no one should object or appeal to challenge this rebuilding work ever again. Not even a King (v6:12)! So even when the process of rebuilding the temple had not been smooth sailing, God was faithful to see it through and make it happen, in His own way and in His chosen time.


v5:16 - the returning exiles celebrated with joy to be able to restore their place of worship and to return to be God’s people again. Before the exile the Israelites had the perfect temple built by Solomon (supposed to be of much grandeur compared to the rebuilt ones) and a country to call their own (governed by Israelite Kings) but they did not treasure the grace and blessings of God. They committed great sins (by worshipping other gods and defying God’s command repeatedly). I can comprehend their feelings of being able to return to God once again to worship Him, and to be liberated from the exile and the painful experience. By now they should have experienced God’s grace and faithfulness, and the fulfilment of His promises (as written in Jeremiah 29:10-11  “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfil to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.)”.


Relate

God has made everything perfect in its time. And whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. Our lives are often faced with many obstructions and frustrations. It may be just a simple desire to fulfill our role as an employee, a parent or a volunteer in the church ministry. But along the way, we are challenged with obstacles to get things done (even when we feel we are doing the right or even Godly thing). But sometimes we do not know whether our desires align with God’s. As for the rebuilding of the temple of God, it was the will of God and therefore the project was completed amid much adversaries and resistance. Hence I believe if our desire is to please God and to align to His plan, our work (irregardless of how much uncertainties and challenges) shall be brought to fruition (read Romans 8:28).

As for the case of returning exiles, it has prompted me to think about what I have right now and whether I have taken things for granted. Many times when we are healthy we want more (maybe more wealth, career, prestige?). We grumble when we pale in comparison with others. But when we fall sick we start to realize we have taken God’s blessings (i.e. health) for granted. I am also reminded of how much inconveniences we had to endure during the Covid pandemic. We were not even able to attend worship in person (something we might have taken too lightly before covid).  This message serves as a constant reminder that we should be thankful for every God’s blessings and to treasure every moment of God given time.


Rest

Teach me to do your will,

   for you are my God!

Let your good Spirit lead me

    on level ground!

Psalm 143:10


Alan Wong

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