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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Revelation 14

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READ Revelation 14

Verses chosen for devotion - Revelation‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬


The Messages of the Three Angels

6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”

9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.


‭‭


There were 3 revelations here to be reflected upon. First, there was the revelation of good news that our Lord will surely come again, and this time to judge. We are reminded to fear God, by having reverence for Him, doing all things for His glory. Second, the evil kingdom Babylon has fallen, revealing that evil ones who cause others to follow their wicked footsteps, will be thrashed. Finally, we are not to have 2 masters. We are not to worship both. We either belong to God or to the darkness. And those who belong to the darkness will receive God’s full (undiluted) wrath.


Relate


The wicked goes unpunished?


In the world today we are seeing news of many evil doings, in politics, in war against each other, in the oppression of the weak and helpless. It would seem like the evil one has gained victory and there is nothing much the righteous one can do. Some even question why God has gone quiet. Others have even become more Godless, and taken over the role of playing God themselves. There is no fear, no reverence, and no regards for the almighty one who created heaven and earth. But vs 6 told us that God will come and judge. And Babylon (once a powerful kingdom) has fallen. Babylon is likened  to today’s powerful but Godless countries or even organisations that seemed to be able to do all the wicked deeds and no one seems to be able to stop them. But this is not true according to vs 8, for God will extend His justice.  


Is God merciless?


 Verses 9 to 11 reveals the wrath and anger of God, against those who bear the mark of the beast. They will be receiving the full scale of God’s wrath and eternal torment. Does this make God merciless? What happens to His grace?


When I was very young, I participated in one evangelistic event with my parents with the topic of judgement day. We were each given a small booklet at the end of the event. It was a pictorial book that depicted all the different sins that human were indulging in and how they would end up in eternal fire and suffering. I was unable to sleep for a few nights after reading the booklet because at such a young age I was wondering why God would be so cruel in sending His creations to the pit of fire. But in the process of growing up and going through multiple personal encounters with God I got to learn that He is all compassionate and merciful. Otherwise he wouldn’t have sent His only son to die in our place. But there will be those who harden their hearts to disregard His act of mercy and continue to refuse His offer of salvation. The light and the darkness cannot co-exist. A choice has to be made in between ruling as joint heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17) or suffering in the fiery pit of fire (Revelations 14:10).


Who should be afraid?


The book of Revelations may terrify many readers especially on the part of the judgement. Some may wonder whether they will truly be saved or be casted into fire in the end. But who should really be afraid? Verses 14-16 (Harvest of the Earth) said the son of man swung his sickle to harvest the earth. In the end the faithful believer will be gathered to Him and the rest will be destined for the wine press.  God’s plan is for all of us to be saved. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. This  plan of salvation is not just for a selected few but all who believes in Him. 


Today is Christmas Day and I am reminded again that love came down from above more than 2000 years ago. I am to stay faithful and to continue to trust in Jesus for when He comes back again He will receive us into eternity.


Merry Christmas everyone and may the Lord lead us into another year of wonder and love! And peace on earth, goodwill to men.


Rest


For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son

Whosoever believes

Will not perish

They shall have eternal life


Amen

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