Today And Tomorrow!
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 21 and Psalm 149 (NIV)
(Philip Oh, Chairperson, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee)
READ:
Whilst I read both Revelation 21 and Psalm 149, the verses that caught my attention were:
Revelation 21
v4: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
v7: …and I will be their God and they will be my children.
v27: …but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Psalm 149
v3: Let them praise His Name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.
OBSERVE:
As I write this reflection, I have just returned from the wake of an LCEC member’s relative, the second wake I attended in a week. These visits contrast so clearly with verse 4 which reminds me of the hope I have through Jesus Christ – “no more death, mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away”. Hallelujah!
The assurance for me is contained in verse 7 where God reminds me that I am His child. Verse 27 reminds me with a “but”… this is only for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, that is, those that have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
We were created to worship God and Psalm 149:3 is one of many verses in the Bible that tells me that I will continue to worship God – on earth and in heaven. Indeed we will be worshipping God forever!
APPLY:
As a senior with a decreasing number of years left to live on earth, I increasingly think about heaven and my arrival at the “pearly gates”. I look forward to the new order where there will be no more pain and where I will have a new body!
I am also reminded to praise God by worshipping Him with timbrel and harp, making music and dancing – which I can do now and in the eternity of Heaven!
Whether God gives me another two or another twenty years here on earth, I know I must worship Him with my life and in my daily living. This is because Jesus died for my sins even though I was undeserving, so I must love Him with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength. (Mark 12:30)
I even look forward to the day, when, in faith, I trust that I will be greeted by my master with these words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
DO:
As a Disciple focused on my next steps, I will continue to strive to
– read His Word daily;
– practise the spiritual discipline of Examen and
– allocate time to silent retreat with our Abba Father.
With His help I will strive to live out Mark 12:30: “..love God with all my heart and all my soul and with all my mind and all my strength”. This is arguably easier to do than the 2nd commandment in Mark 12:31: ”..to love my neighbour as myself”! May the Holy Spirit prompt me periodically and enable me.
To help me, I will play the hymn “Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise” again and again as I take my morning walk and exercise. It will give me the right perspective for my day!
PRAY:
Dear God, I thank you for the years you have given me thus far. Use me for your glory, and whether your plans are for me to be here on earth for another two years or twenty years, let me worship you wholeheartedly – in song, in action and by modelling a life which is pleasing to you.
Please bless all the readers of this devotion with your presence, and may you provide a word in season to each and every one.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
