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December 31

Scripture for today: Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31

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“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2 NLT) “And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5 NLT). “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6 NLT). “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised” (Proverbs 31:30 NLT)

From: December 31, 2014

As we finish up the OYB readings for 2014, here are verses from each reading from the last books of the Old and New Testaments and the last chapters of Psalms and Proverbs. As I’m sure others have noticed, even though the Bible is made up of sixty-six books, it has an amazing unity. Though it was written over a period of over fifteen hundred years, in three distinct languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) on three separate continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe), by at least forty human writers from vastly differing fields, perspectives, and backgrounds, it still reads as one book. Why? Because they all wrote under the direction of the one Spirit of God.

Notice in the above four verses the unifying themes: Fear of God, praise of God, eternal life, the Lord as our light, eternal reward… Perhaps the Proverbs 31 reading seems a little out of place, until we consider that the bride is often a metaphor for the Church. Taken in this way, the Proverbs reading joins in the harmonious chorus of Christ and His Bride enjoying all of eternity together.

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:5) “‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

From: December 31, 2013

As the year 2013 ends and so our readings from the OYB, it seems appropriate to quote verses from the last books of both Testaments. In the OT reading from Malachi we read of a coming “Day of the Lord” (Hebrew: Yom Yahweh) that will be preceded by a preparer of the way, Elijah. In the gospels, Jesus taught that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this prophecy, coming in the spirit of Elijah. This was the first “coming.” In the last book of the NT, the apostle John closes the Revelation with another “coming,” this one has yet to occur. I’m sure the contemporaries of Malachi wondered what year, what day would be the DAY. Perhaps they even doubted it would ever arrive. But it did. I wonder what 2014 holds for us?

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life” (Revelation 22:17)

From: December 31, 2012

God both sends and invites. First, He sends Jesus, and Jesus sends the Spirit and the Spirit sends the Bride, which is the Church. Then, the Spirit and the Bride together invite others to “come.” If you hear the Spirit’s voice calling, if you are spiritually dry and thirsty, if you desire real and fulfilling life, then “Come.” This is the last day of 2012, perhaps the Last Day is today or tomorrow, so why not “Come.”

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12)

From: December 31, 2011

What the Lord Jesus declares to John can reframe our thinking as we approach a new year. Ask yourself: Am I ready for Jesus to come in 2012? Where am I seeking reward- here or with Him? What will I do for Jesus in 2012 that will require great risk?