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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Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:8 "Not vanity if .. .".

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READ: Ecclesiastes 11:9 -12:8 “Not vanity if .. ”.

Verses chosen for meditation: Ecclesiastes 11:9 and 12:1.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

12 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 

 

REFLECT

The great Teacher kickstarted the topic of youth to old age in these two chapters. He first exhorted the young to remember his Creator (12:1). He conveyed that young people could enjoy life while they can, but with a boundary; that is not to enjoy sin.

Solomon went on to list various metaphors to describe the physical decline of old age - trembling hands, weakened muscles, failing eyesight, etc. He even used grasshoppers as metaphor to illustrate the same (v.5 - “it drags itself along” instead of hopping). Solomon's observation about the aging process was certainly true and being beyond our control but not necessarily mundane or depressing. 

Contrary to what Solomon had possessed, he repeatedly expressed that all that, have failed to satisfy him. To him, these achievements in work, pleasure, wealth and even fame were all emptiness - "all is vanity" (v.8). Sadly, that is Solomon's presupposition and observation of the entire life cycle!


RELATE

Chapter 11:9 points us to one truth. It affirms that youth can enjoy life as God intended to be, without sinning. Solomon exhorted the youth specifically to spend their youthful days holistically and live responsibly by remembering God, your Creator (12:1). The word, “remember” is more than just knowing in memory or knowing cognitively. The principle of living here is that there is a duty to live right and not forget God. The word, “remember” is an imperative verb by implication, can be applied as “living in a relationship with Him” (Eccl 11:9-10). We are to remember by bringing God into our everyday life because there is judgement (Eccl 11:9, Hebrews 9:27- accountability before God) after death.

So, in remembering God, we live life from youth to old age as one preparing for judgment and eternity in answer to Him (v.7). Given humanity’s limitation and God’s supremacy as seen in Ecclesiastes, the only correct attitude in life is one of trust and obedience to God (Eccl 3:14). And in our preparation, we have the Word of God as our “Creator’s Handbook” to pursue satisfaction out of life!

So first, let’s adopt a thankful attitude with the gifts and portions given by God to enjoy, whether they are family, friendship, or a simple meal. Give thanks and enjoy the pleasure over a meal with family members or over a cup of coffee with friends (“there is a time for everything”, Eccl 3:1-8). Count it a blessing while we have the capacity to enjoy what we have on earth.  

Throughout, the proverbial Solomon shared with great wisdom challenging all, young and old to live life with a correct perspective. Just as when Psalm 90:12 speaks about “to number our days”, it is not referring to the length of time we live that matter. It is a reminder that our days should be characterised by quality and wise living, with God being our Wisdom. Therefore, Christians do not have to live poorly to demonstrate certain "spirituality maturity". Whether we are living in simplicity or in plenty, the more important motivation for us is not to live selfishly but a humble and purposeful one with God as the centre of our lives. 

As his closing refrain, Solomon's expression “all is vanity” was always lamented with an “under the sun” premise. This is the kind of life living in a world without God, which ends in meaninglessness. But in contrast, we affirm that life “under the Son” is totally delightful and purposeful (Romans 8:20, not despair but fulfilment).

 

REST

Dear Lord, You are the Master of our destinies, not us. Therefore, we surrender our lives to You. Help us to live purposeful and meaningful lives. For His sake, Amen.

Vincent

 


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