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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Daniel 2 "Remarkable courage"

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READ: Daniel 2.

Verses chosen for meditation: Daniel 2: 21, 47.

21He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; .. .

47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” 

 

REFLECT

In 1478, Lorenzo de Medici, the ruler of Florence, Italy, escaped an attack on his life. His countrymen sparked a war when they tried to retaliate against the attack on their leader. As the situation worsened, the cruel King Ferrante I of Naples became Lorenzo’s enemy. But a courageous act by Lorenzo changed everything. He visited the king unarmed and alone. This bravery, paired with his charm and brilliance, won Ferrante’s admiration, and ended the war.1

Similarly, the prophet Daniel had showed himself to be a courageous man, but not a fearful captive under the Babylonian king. That happened when one night, King Nebuchadnezzar was awakened by a bad dream. Being frightened, the king called for his magi to interpret the nightmare but added an unprecedented requirement,” Tell me what my dream was and interpret it” (Dan 2:5). The penalty for failure was death for every wise man in the kingdom.

Hearing that, Daniel was determined to prove God’s power to the king and hence asked him for some time to discover the dream (vv.14-18). That was his second daring request as a captive, in addition to his earlier request with the re-arrangement of the food offered (Dan 1:8-12). Didn’t Daniel realise that he could be executed for being disrespectful, by setting conditions to the cruel king?  In the end, Daniel and his wiseman friends escaped death, all because of Daniel’s courage. It was indeed a test of his faith in God too. 

 

RELATE

As a young captive (Dan 1:3-7), Daniel lost his freedom, his family, his culture, his native language, and even his name. Yet Daniel didn’t rage but remained devoted to God. Daniel demonstrated his sterling character, all because of his commitment to God. Out of that commitment to God came great boldness and wisdom.

In deciphering the dream to the king, Daniel boldly declared that the God of Israel is in control of world affairs and the future (vv.30-45). God would eventually destroy all kingdoms and replace Babylon with one created by Him that would last forever (v.44). Daniel asserted that the king though powerful, could not do anything to avoid the outcome, as he was nothing compared to Daniel’s God (vv.46-47). At last, the king acknowledged Yahweh as the One True God: “Truly, your God is God of gods and the Lord of kings” (v.47)!

Yes, Jesus holds answers to all mysteries and has dominion over both physical and spiritual realms. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). The God Daniel humbled himself before and sought after, is the same God you and I could approach. He has not changed. The same power that was with Daniel, is available to us through the Holy Spirit living inside us. Friends, come to God for He can change any difficult situation!

In our lives, there are times when courage and boldness are needed to communicate important messages. We use our courage not to argue our way across but to gently point others to Jesus. May God guide our words and give us the wisdom to know what to say and the ability to say it well. In our own troubles, may we also follow Daniel’s example in trusting God, who is the Above All and to be big enough to intervene in every predicament.

 

REST

Thank You Jesus for the courage You showed during Your life on earth. Fill me with Your wisdom and power when I face difficult situations. In His Name I pray, Amen.

Vincent    


1 Source: Daily Bread Devotion

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Revelations 22:12-21

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