And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”(Revelation 21:6)

God is the beginning and the end. He is the self-existing creator. He is the cause and succession of all things that exist. He is the sole Creator, and beside him there is no God. (Isaiah 41:4) He created and determined the purpose of all things. God is the only source of eternal promises, and his unchangeableness is the assurance of their steadfastness.

The promise recorded here is of life-sustaining spiritual water. Jesus promises the same to a Samaritan woman. "Jesus answered and said to her, “ If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)  No sensation is more burning than physical thirst. However, the thirst of the soul is even more threatening. The human heart is looking for purpose, acceptance, and security. Only the self-existing God can provide. 

This life-sustaining water is offered freely, or without merit. The recipients, don't deserve the gift. They deserve death, but they have been washed in the blood of the lamb. They have been released from the debt of sin! They are heirs of an eternal promise!

Just because it is a free gift does not mean it is given without terms or conditions. The next verse states: ”He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son”. (verse 7) God calls his people to endure hardship for his cause. Being a follower of Christ is not a life of ease, yet it is far better than the yoke of sin. (Matthew 11:28-30)

It is hard to believe that God offers such an incredible gift. But, surely the same God who is the giver of life itself, who provides sustenance for our existence, would also provide for man's spiritual needs and offer everlasting satisfaction.

So the question is – are you thirsty? If so, do you believe it? "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17. 

By George Slover

 

Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)

One of the closing acts of David’s life was to call on the nation to make an offering toward the building of the temple. Such a project was one that David wished to accomplish himself, but God‘s answer was “no.“. But as civil and religious leader of the nation, David called a solemn assembly to offer adoration and praise for the acquisition of those items necessary to accomplish the task.

When called upon, the people offered willingly and eagerly. Such generosity came out of a loyalty to David and the Lord. Every child of God is a servant and worker for the Lord. Such service and gifts must be motivated by a devotion to Jehovah. God considers the heart of every giver.

A heart truly devoted to God will result in generous giving. “With a loyal heart they gave willingly. “ Nothing is gained until all the barriers of indifference are broken. Only then will one be fully devoted to serve. 

Such gifts come from perfect hearts. They gave out of humility, and not out of a desire to draw attention to self. Such giving is an act of self denial, when the heart is given to advancing the cause of the kingdom of God.

When they gave they did so out of their own substance and according to their ability. The gifts were costly and generous. Such liberality will prompt joy in the heart of each participant. They are glad that they were able to participate in the work of God.

This liberality was accompanied with gladness and rejoicing. And David blessed the Lord with adoration before the assembly. (vs. 10-14) The attributes of God are celebrated with reverence. God’s name is blessed. David acknowledges his own unworthiness before God. And he is grateful that God has provided the means of their generosity.

This day was one the happiest in all the history of Israel.  Any concerns about the nation’s future were placed aside for this moment of rejoicing. There are fewer scenes more beautiful than when God’s people offer willingly their lives and resources to the service of God.

By George Slover  
 

“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10,11)

Joshua, the great leader of Israel, is addressing the nation. The mission has been accomplished, and Canaan has been conquered. Before retiring, Joshua delivers his final charge to the nation. It is full of encouragement, warnings about the future, and reminders of the past.

God has already delivered the enemy into their hands, and he will continue to do so. Even today God's people have adversaries, but victory is assured. Even when it looks like the odds are against us, God is by our side fighting for us. He strengthens us through prayer, and directs us with his marvelous word.

Connected with this promise, is an admonition: “take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God”.  A perfect love of God involves a  strong relationship with him. It is manifested in our delight of his law, our implicit trust, our yielding obedience, and our longing for his presence.

Why would Israel need such a reminder? Simple. Israel's past was not always pretty. Through the wilderness wanderings there was a yearning to go back to Egypt. Throughout their journey there were times when Israel lapsed into licentiousness and idolatry. It is still easy for God’s people to look back and be tempted by their past sinful life. Thus, we need to “take heed”!

In addition to the past influences there are current challenges. There are times when God’s demands seem unreasonable and painful. We live in a world where our peers are self-serving. These temptations may blind us from the heavenly vision.

But scripture encourages us to devise a plan and press on. Too much is at stake if we fail. God could withdraw his help, and we could miss the home God has prepared for us. Thus, we must frequently meditate on God's wonderful character, and the blessings that he offers.

God is still calling his people to be a holy people, separate from the world.  He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover  

And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” (Daniel 5:23)

It is amazing how often history repeats itself. We humans are stubborn and have a hard time learning from the past. Surely someone had told Belshazzar of the demise of the Nebuchadnezzar, his predecessor. (Daniel 4:28-33) Surely stories had circulated about the deliverance of three Hebrew men from the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:26.,27) 

For close to 70 years the Babylonians had witnessed the impact of Daniel, this godly Hebrew. When troublesome times came, who did they turn to? None of the Chaldean soothsayers or astrologers had the answer. But Daniel, with with the Spirit of God was able to provide answers.

 Belshazzar, the Babylonian ruler called for a great feast of wine and revelry. They defied the god of Daniel by taking the articles of the house of God and praising the idols of men. Suddenly their party was rattled by words that appeared on the wall: “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. Mene:God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; Tekel:You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; Peres:Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. (Daniel 5:26,27) Belshazzar had failed to use his life to glorify the very God who had given him a breath.

It is the duty of every human to glorify God, regardless of social, or economic status. Even the most powerful rulers cannot escape this responsibility. This obligation primarily stems from man's complete dependence on his Creator and Provider.

Those who fail in this matter are regarded as rebels. When one fails, he defiles his maker by fashioning his own god and worshiping it. This is the unfortunate dilemma of every human who is accountable to God. (Romans 3:23)

Belshazzar was not an exception. God made him ruler over the Babylonian empire. Like all humans, he was accountable to the one who made him and blessed him. He was tried and found wanting. One day all of mankind will face God in a final judgment. Sadly, many will follow the path of this Babylonian ruler. Where will you be on that day?

Belshazzar lost his kingdom in one night. Sadly, he will be among those on the final day who will be sentenced to eternal destruction. What would God say about your life? Are you using it to God's glory?

By George Slover
 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5,6)

The marvelous imagery presented here not only represents a time of national joy, but also foreshadows the healing and grace of the Messiah. The reader must also recognize the marvelous work of Christ, as Isaiah vividly depicts the transforming influence of the gospel of Christ. 

John, the Baptist had heard from prison about the activity of Jesus and inquired, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”  (Matthew 11:2)  On this occasion Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. “Jesus answered and said to them, “ Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  (Matthew 11:4,5)

The work of Christ is depicted here in marvelous pictures. During his earthly ministry he was moved with compassion toward the lame and the blind. His healing work and marvelous signs not only prove his claim to be God’s Son, but was a glimpse of his great work of healing and saving souls.

Christ also has power over sin, which is man's greatest ailment. The power of Christ is able to make those who are crippled and blind by worldly ambitions, and transform them into fruit bearing souls for God.

The overall tone of these thoughts are within the context of a hymn of joy. “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1,2)  The accomplishments of Christ is like a refreshing stream in a wasteland that is full of heartache, disappointment, pain, and guilt. The friendship of Christ is a source of joy and peace – like streams in the desert.

Recognizing these words as messianic in scope, they describe the transforming effect of Christ on those who receive him. When the gospel of Christ is allowed to work in the lives of men, it's effect is wonderful.

By George Slover