Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Devo June 20 John 5:31-47, Revelation 17:1-14

John 5:31-47
What's being said? Jesus was challenging the religious leaders that they look forward to praises from people and not from God.  The religious leaders do not believe in Jesus Christ, yet they claim that they believe in Moses and being the chosen people of God.

How do I related to what's being said?
Jesus said "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.  These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."  I study and read God's Words very often.  Do I fall into the trap of the religious leaders thinking just by reading and knowing more will allow me to have a blessed life?  It is when I read and took God's Words to my heart.  God's Words is alive when I live it out as a response to love for Jesus.

How to apply that today?
Later, I would have some time for worship practice with my friends.  I would like to share this insight and encourage each other to worship God in spirit and in truth.  I would like my brothers and sisters to keep me accountable to listening and obeying God's Words.


1One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come,
I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.
2With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the
earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman
sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had
seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and
was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her
hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5This title was
written on her forehead: Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Prostitutes,
and of the Abominations of the Earth. 6I saw that the woman was drunk with the
blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw
her, I was greatly astonished.… …
12”The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom,
but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13They
have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14They
will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he
is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and
faithful followers.”

Meditation
1. The judgment scene comes to an end with the portrayal of the Great
Prostitute. Although Prostitute is a sexual image, here it is about spiritual
infidelity. This figure embodies those people and institutions that, across the
ages, have betrayed the living God and sold themselves to Satan’s forces,
doing their bidding in order to enjoy privilege and riches.
2. In fact, we, too, also quickly follow other gods. We are so easily seduced into
idolatry of one kind or the other. What are some the temptations that would
draw Christians from God?
3. Think: What are the temptations that I face today? What can help me to
remain faithful to the very end to “FINISH WELL”? Sit quietly before the Lord
and pray for His protection and empowerment.

No comments:

Post a Comment