Wed.’s Devo - The Beginning and the End -

Read: Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31 Malachi proclaimed the coming of the Messiah to earth. He spoke of John the Baptist who would come and call the nation to repentance and tell the people to prepare their hearts to receive the Lord. John would speak against the evil of his day and call out deceivers and sinners. *** Malachi answered every question they would have. They had turned away by not obeying his laws. They had cheated God by not giving their tithes and offerings to him. They had complained that there was nothing to gain by serving the Lord because they saw no consequences for sin. He reminded them of God’s scroll of Remembrance that recorded the names of all who feared him and honored his name. The names in that scroll would be the ones who would be spared in judgement and be his special treasure. *** The day of judgment was coming and the arrogance and wicked would be burned up. Those who feared his name would go free, leaping with joy. They will tread upon the wicked. *** Malachi reminded them to remember the law that Moses gave them on Mt. Sinai. God would send his prophet Elijah (John the Baptist) who would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and vice versa. If they don’t turn, they will be struck with a curse. *** In Revelation, the angel showed John the same river flowing through the Temple that the angel showed Ezekiel. The river had trees on both sides whose leaves had healing in them. They were used as medicine to bring healing to the people of all nations. There was no more curse in the land because God and the Lamb will be there. The people will see them and bear their name on their forehead. God and the Lamb will be the light. *** The angel made it clear that all this would happen an it would happen soon. He would’t let John seal this part of the scroll because it was so imminent. He also told him to let everyone continue to live their lives as they determined to do, but the Lord was coming soon and bringing rewards for everyone’s deeds. *** Those who repent and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse their lives will be blessed and allowed into God’s holy city. They will enjoy the fruit from the Tree of Life. Those who lived in wickedness and refused to repent would be allowed to live outside the city because they loved to live a lie. *** Jesus told John that he had sent the angel to give this message to the churches. Jesus created David and is also the heir to his throne. He is the bright and morning star. *** Jesus blessed anyone who hears this prophecy and believes it. He also cursed anyone who tries to twist or add to this prophesy. Their names will be taken out of the Book of Life. He proclaimed that He is coming soon. *** Lord, may the grace of the Lord Jesus be with your people. May we faithfully wait for you to come and serve you with loving hearts and good deeds. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.