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 5 "Writing on the wall"

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Read: Daniel 5

Verses chosen for reflection Daniel 5:22-23

And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.


Reflect 

When King Belshazzar started to use the golden vessels of the First Temple to drink wine, it was an abomination to God. These actions dishonoured the Name of God as the vessels were once used by the Israelites in their ministry and worship of God. God was angry and sent a message. Literally a hand writing on the wall. "mene mene tekel, parsin". 


Belshazzar panicked and called all of his best enchanters and astrologers to interpret the writings but they could not. Later on, upon remembrance of the queen, Daniel was called to the palace for interpretation. When Daniel reached the palace, he was not prepared to sugarcoat his words. 


In fact, at the threat of being killed immediately by a powerful king, Daniel spoke the truth. Nothing but the truth. He did not even want the rewards for interpretation of the writings on the wall. He warned the king that he had not humbled his heart towards the Lord God. This was despite witnessing what happened to his own father Nebuchadnezzar, who was judged by God for his pride. The writings on the wall, as Daniel interpreted, was regarding the downfall of Belshazzar and the kingdom of Babylon will be divided between the Medes and Persians. 


Here, we see a man who has no fear for men but only for God. He boldly stood up for the truth and message from God against a foreign king who had the power to execute him at any one time. For speaking the truth, Daniel was rewarded by Belshazzar as promised for those who manage to interpret the writings. He became the third ruler of the kingdom of Babylon.


Relate

How much are we willing to give up for the sake of truth? How much are we prepared to sacrifice for the sake of obeying God? Do we trust God enough that when we stand and live the truth, we have freedom and blessings? Blessings might not come in the sense of how Daniel got it, but blessings of a fruitful life with God. Blessings of a clear conscience and with it the freedom of spirit. Blessings of having clarity to go where God is leading. 


There is more than once that I was asked to choose to speak the truth and risk persecution; or sugarcoat the truth and be protected. When i choose to speak the truth, persecution came in more ways than one as the man in power is vindictive and would lie to get his way.


The sense of betrayal and injustice was intense and it grieved my heart. However, through that process, i begin to see how God works in mighty ways. The man in power had since fallen due to his own persistent pursuit of lies. We witnessed how his "sharp teeth" were literally plucked one by one until he is now rather "powerless".


It is a real lesson for me to be confident of the truth from God. God's protection and way is much better than what the world promised. A reminder not to compromise in any way as like how Daniel had done. Honor God, for He knows. 


Rest

Lord my God, help us to honor You above all things and all men. Help us not to fear men but to revere only You. For You hold our past, present and future. Let not the ways of this world and men destroy our confidence for You. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen. 


Jason





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