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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3 John

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 Read 3 John

Verses chosen for devotion: 3 John 1, 5, 6, 9, 10.

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.


Reflect

Gaius was doing all the commendable and praiseworthy deeds of being hospitable, loving and caring. While Diotrephes was doing exactly the opposite by being proud, inhospitable, wicked with words against others, and even prevented others from doing good.

Do we see such opposing characters in churches today? Which one do we align more with?


Relate

I have experienced many moments of hospitality extended by generous and caring families. One of the most unforgettable one was hosted in the humble home of a pastor many years ago. It was the act of welcoming us into their home, cooking the simple dishes with love and arranging the time to pray for me and my family after the meal that left an impactful life changing experience for us. Being hospitable does not mean we have to welcome others into our luxurious home or lavish them with expensive food. What it simply requires is to welcome others into our family and share with them with what we have. Gaius was commended for not only for being hospitable to the brothers and sisters in church but also to strangers! This selfless act of love not only brought good testimony about Gaius but also about God.

Reflections -

How would I rate myself on hospitality to others? Would I invite a stranger who is in need to my home? Would I share what I have with others?

On the contrary, Diotrephes was rebuked for doing the exact opposite. He was proud, disregarding the authority of the elders. He was mean with his word, maligning others viciously. He even caused other christians to stumble by forbidding them to do good and putting them out of church. Have we seen such character in our church today?

Reflections -

Have I ever let my pride overpower me when I was working with others in ministry? Have I disregarded the counsel of others? Have I made unkind remarks about others, especially when they were unfounded? How do I treat others (especially those who are different from me)? Will I shut the door on them making them feel unwelcome?


Rest

Lord have mercy on me, especially when I have not been acting in the manner worthy of You. Let the fruits of the spirit continue to grow in me so that I can exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.


In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Alan

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