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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Hosea 8:1-9:9

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Read Hosea 8:1-9:9

Verse chosen for meditation: Hosea 8: 5, 7 ESV: 

I have spurned your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence?

For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour; if it were to yield, strangers would devour it.


Reflect

I wonder how many of us are familiar with the 60s song 'Blowing in the wind', written by the legendary Bob Dylan. 

This song came to mind as I was reading the passage of Hosea. In the song, there's a recurring theme in the questions asked: How many roads? How many years? How many times? The theme is one of ambiguity and cynicism, and the questions are rhetorical.

The answer repeats in an intended manner. A simple answer, yet not really an answer. By repeating the answer, it speaks volumes and draws attention to it.


Relate

The same question is asked of the Israelites, 'How long will you be incapable of innocence?" Why is it that you never learn? Why is it that you never change? Why do you keep repeating your sins? When will you ever come to your senses?


However, the Israelites are not alone here. We are as liable as any of them. How long? How many times? These same questions have been asked of us umpteen times as well. For example, 'When will it be that we will ever learn from our mistakes?' Until then, we will just keep messing up like the Israelites.


Concerning the response 'for they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind', it was an answer to their rebellious and idolatrous ways. But still, it was not the real answer as God had never intended it that way.


Looking again from another side, do we know how much God loves us, how many times he has come to us, and how long he has waited for us?


Unfortunately, this is often treated as the flip side or side B of the song record when it should have been side A or the side staring us in the face.


For that is how conscience is pricked, contrition is expressed and conviction is born when we consider all that God has done and is doing for us.


Now, about the real answer, it is no doubt the Cross. This is the only solid answer, which doesn't blow in the wind. It has come in place of the whirlwind. And it will reap a harvest of souls for the kingdom.


With Good Friday still unfaded in most of our memories, may this act in furtherance of our appreciation of the Cross.


Rest

Lord, forgive us for not learning our lessons. We thank you for sending the Cross instead of the whirlwind. With such an incredible, solid answer, which doesn't blow in the wind, may it reap a bountiful harvest of souls for your kingdom. 


Naville Chia


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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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