Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Redeeming Christ
Isaiah 12: 1-6
V. 2 “(And in that day you will say)...Behold, God is my salvation”
Isaiah 12 is a song of praise. It is like the song of praise sung by Moses and Miriam during the great exodus from the land of Egypt (Exodus 15). The people of Israel were always in political unrest from the founding time. During the times of Isaiah, Assyrians threatened the borders of Israel. The prophecies concerning the invasion by Assyria is followed by prophecies related to Israel's hope in the Messiah. From the branch of Jesse (the father of David) will come one who will reign in righteousness and peace, and whom even the gentiles will seek.

The prophetic words of a savior in this politically charged environment had the people of Israel believe that the Messiah would be born as a King. They were expecting a King who would trample their enemies with a sword. Little did they know that their Savior would be born in a manger and would not fulfill the political ambitions in a fashion that they desired. The Messiah was born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem. The three Kings from the east brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. Gold represented His Kingship, incense His Priesthood and myrrh denoted His death and burial. His death was not to be in vain but it was to serve a bigger purpose. It was to restore the fellowship with God, which was lost in the Garden of Eden. The redemptive process that was conceived at the Garden of Eden was finally fulfilled at the cross.
The restorative act was not complete with his crucifixion. The resurrection and ascension of the Son of Man, who sits at the right hand of the Father ensures that the gates of hell shall not prevail. The solution was not just temporal but eternal guaranteed by His own blood thus establishing justice. God almighty has done his part to beckon us to the salvation that he freely offers. It is unto us to respond to this call of salvation.
“Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life
Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life
All so freely given, wooing us to heaven”
Prayer: Almighty Father, through the Cross of your son Jesus Christ, You redeemed us from the bondage of sin. May we always open our hearts to receive Your heavenly blessings.........Amen
Thought for the day: God redeemed us through Christ for His Service.
Dr. Derry Rajan,  LIMC, NY



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