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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Isa 40.12-41.29 "Wings like Eagles"

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Read Isaiah 40:12-41:29

Verses chosen for reflection

Isaiah 40:28-31
28The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

Reflect

Isaiah 40:28-31 is a familiar passage to many Christians. Many of us cling on to this passage when we feel so tired and weary. Not just because of work and life; but perhaps even of being Christian. This passage was given to Israel as God declared that they have done their dues for the sins committed during the dark ages of the kings. They were reminded to turn to God. The One who will give them refreshment and strength. 

Israel should have learned from their many years of chasing after the wind and slavery under tyrant kings; that relying on God is still the best. For God is never weary of heart, mind and spirit. He is the One who refreshes. He is the One who points us in the right direction for freedom and truth. Those who wait upon the Lord is promised renewal. Like the mounting of wings like eagles. Running and not be weary. Walking and not be faint. 

Yet Israel's repentance from sin is not lasting. It was fleeting. We learned that after a period of trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the people fell back to their old ways. Getting themselves weary of soul and spirit chasing after idols and forbidden pleasures. Getting themselves faint as they fell in their journey with God.


Relate

We have no right to laugh or jeer at Israel. For like Israel, we have been given many chances. Even after knowing Jesus, we live under His mercy each and every day. We are often reminded not to rely on the wonder and strength of spiritual idols. We are told to rely on the nourishment and food that comes only from God. 

Yet, many a times, our ears are stubborn. Our minds wandered and settled on nonsensical pursuits. We stumbled but only to go back to the same trouble we vowed not to get ourselves into. Indeed, if God is not as merciful to us as He was for Israel; we would have perished long ago. 

And so this Advent, we take this time to thank God for His love and grace to us. We can do that each and every day when we wake up to a brand new day of mercy. It will never been too old a thing for our soul.

For God is the everlasting God, the Creator of the entire universe. He who does not faint or grow weary; He alone can renew us. He alone can give us hope when we feel so hopeless about our stubborn self. He alone can help us to wait for Him, and renew our spirit in Him. 

But only if we are willing. Only if we trust that He can and He will. 

Rest

Morning by morning, new mercies are streaming
I trust in your goodness where I cannot see
You have been faithful whenever I wandered
Lord, give me the hope that I need (Psalm 42 CityAlight)

Amen

Jason


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