TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Malachi 3:1-4:6
Revelation 22:1-21
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 31:25-31
Malachi 3:1 — A messenger who shall prepare the way of the LORD? Not preparing the way of a mere prophet but the way of Yahweh Elohim, the LORD God! This is the same promise that Isaiah 40:3 shares and was fulfilled by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3, 11:10; Mark 1:2-3; John 1:23).
Malachi 3:5 — Who will He judge? Interesting that its similar to Revelation 21:8 and Revelation 22:15.
Malachi 3:11 — Why was Israel beset with famine? As a judgment for sin (Deuteronomy 28:3-4). Malachi reminds us of the lesson from Elijah in 1 Kings 17:13 – if you will trust God with your resources that came from Him, He will provide all that you need!
Malachi 3:14 — Ever get depressed and wonder what benefit there is to serving God? Demas did (2 Timothy 4:10). It’s okay to be depressed, but don’t let Satan change your beliefs. True, serving the Lord is not the highest dollar return on your time, but are you laying up treasure here or in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)?
Malachi 4:2 — ”Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!“
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings!
Malachi 4:5-6 — Elijah would come. John denied that he was Elijah (John 1:21), but the angel sent to Zacharias declared that he would go before the Messiah “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). Jesus Himself confirmed that John was the very messenger (Matthew 11:10) prophesied by Malachi. The Old Testament ends by warning us that without repentance, we will be cursed (Malachi 4:6).
Revelation 22:3 — The Old Testament ends with a curse, but the New Testament ends declaring “there shall be no more curse!”
Revelation 22:10 — Notice four promises of the unsealed prophecy:
- Reward (Revelation 22:12) – 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that we will give an account of ourselves to God, and He will reward us (1 Corinthians 3:14-15).
- Reception (Revelation 22:14) – Jesus went to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3), and He gave us power to become Sons of God (John 1:12) so that we have the right to enter into the gates!
- Restrictions (Revelation 22:15) – Not everyone is going to heaven. Sin keeps all of us from heaven – even just one sin (James 2:10)!
- Return (Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20) – Jesus is coming!
Yes – the Wonderful word of the King is that Jesus is coming again!
Revelation 22:16 — Only Jesus can be the root, the offspring, and the father of David (Luke 3:38)! He is the only One Who can also be his son (Luke 3:23)! He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13)!
Revelation 22:17 — The final invitation of the Bible is for you to come. Take of the water of life freely! Jesus told the woman at the well that He gives living water (John 4:10). If you haven’t come to Jesus yet, come to Jesus before Jesus comes again!
Psalm 150:6 — As we end this year, I don’t know if you’ve been as blessed reading Revelation 22 as I have. I’m extremely glad we finish the year with Psalm 150 – Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Proverbs 31:30 — Beauty pageants focus on the wrong aspects of womanhood. Praise is for those women who fear the LORD!
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