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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Acts 8 "Is our heart right with God for ministry?"

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Read: Acts 8.1-9.31


Verses chosen for reflection

Acts 8:18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall[c] of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”


Reflect

Simon the magician was an interesting character. He was able to perform magic (not sure what kind) and this got the attention of everyone in the city of Samaria. Simon did not only perform magic, but proclaimed himself to be "great". For this, the people loved him and said that he was of the power of God called "Great". 


Yet, when the Apostle Philip came to town and preach the Gospel; this greatness fell at the feet of the truth and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Simon the magician became a believer and followed Philip whenever he went. When the Apostle Peter and John came to Samaria to help Philip in ministry, Simon saw how they laid hands on those baptized and they received the Holy Spirit. 


Simon wanted to do the same so he offered money to the Apostles, asking them to bless him with the same "power". Perhaps this was how Simon did his magic performances. He bought those tricks from someone and sought to impress others with what he could do. The Apostles saw through his heart. Simon was not interested in ministering to others. He was more interested in making himself look "great" (again). Hence, Simon was severely rebuked and refused a part in this ministry. The verdict of the Apostles, was that Simon's heart was "not right with God".


Relate

Having a heart right with God for ministry is such an important theological reflection; that it should be a key aspect of Christian leadership and ministry equipping. The Apostles seem to be very clear with this: Ministry cannot be bought with money. A person also cannot be a part of the ministry if his or her heart for that ministry is not right with God. For if persons like Simon is allowed to have a part in ministry while his or her perspective of ministry is not corrected; the Gospel will be undermined. People will get hurt. 


Today's passage is such a good reminder to self. After so many years in ministry, how is my heart for ministry? Is it still right with God? Am I having a Simon-like idea of ministry for others to view me as "great"? Or do I think that i can "buy" my way into ministry? Having these sorted out is so important. I do not think many people started out serving in church with a Simon like heart. Perhaps along the way, something happened and they stumbled. Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, must therefore have the courage to bring those who stumbled back to the Lord.


Sometimes, we might even be asked to make a choice between doing what is right and risk relationships versus compromising but get to maintain certain relationships. When faced with such a difficult position, we can learn from the Apostles. Always choose to do what is right but do it in the right way. For Simon, he needed a rebuke but the Apostles also gave him a way out to repent. At the end of the passage, we are not sure if Simon got the message; but it seemed that he surrendered to the prayers of the Apostles. 


Rest

Is our heart right with God for ministry? Good to spend some time reflecting before we continue further; lest others and ourselves be harmed.



Jason

 








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