Your Quiet Time Doesn't Have to Be Boring
Rick Warren
Morning
Verse
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And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ” Revelation 1:17
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Reflection
In Revelation 1:17, John recounts his encounter with the risen Christ, a moment of awe and fear as he falls at His feet as though dead. Yet, it is Jesus' response, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last," that transforms the scene from one of fear to one of profound revelation and comfort. Jesus' words are not just a reassurance but a declaration of His eternal nature and divine authority, echoing the themes of omnipotence and eternity that pervade the book of Revelation.
John's experience reflects the natural human reaction to the divine, yet Jesus' immediate reassurance speaks volumes about His character. It is a reminder that, despite His majesty and power, His first inclination is to offer peace and comfort to His followers. Jesus being the First and the Last signifies not only His unchanging nature but also His involvement in all of history and every moment of our lives.
Encountering the divine often brings a mix of fear and fascination, yet the command to not be afraid is a recurring theme in biblical encounters with God. It suggests that in the presence of the divine, there is not only a call to reverence but also an invitation to trust and find peace. Jesus’ words encourage a shift in focus from fear to the assurance found in His eternal presence and sovereignty. It's an invitation to view our lives and the world around us through the lens of His supremacy and loving reassurance, offering a foundation of peace in the midst of life's uncertainties.
Evening
Verse
Friday, Apr 26
Today's Theme: Gratitude
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For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” Jeremiah 29:11
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Intepretation of the Verse
In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
