Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Invitation to Christ's Hospitality
We proclaim to you what we have seen
and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us,And our fellowship is
with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ.(V.3)
John’s first letter begins with an extensive introduction in which he
confirms the audience that what he is going to tell them about is, what he saw,
what he had heard with his own ears, and had even touched. He wants us to
understand that his message is based in reality that he himself was witness to.
In verse 3 he goes on to say that it is "so that you may have fellowship
with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus
Christ." The sharing of this truth brings about communion, participation
with one another and with the triune God Himself. Secondly as John continues he
says in v. 4, "We are writing this that our joy may be complete."
This Joy he speaks of is the extension of the good news that Jesus is the true
light of the world, and that all may be able to come into this communion
through this witness.
As Marthomites, we have a great slogan that has been placed to describe our
denomination, that is, as we all know, “Lighted to Lighten”. Our lives are
served as an Apostolic Witness. Each time we participate in any of our public
services we have a great declaration that is used, the Nicene Creed, which
bares two statements of faith these being, “We believe in the… Light of Light,
very God of very God, begotten, not made…” and also “We believe in the Holy
Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic Church.” It is in these two phrases that we
affirm and proclaim our witness in Jesus Christ. Also, through the laying of
hands in any of our services w also bare the Apostolic Witness that our
spiritual fathers, the bishops and priest have received through their
consecration. And indeed it is rightfully understood that our apostolic
witnessing is given to us in the last of our services as it is ordained upon us
through the raised hands of the priest as he says, “Go now in peace and serve
the Lord with the gifts and blessings that you have received from the
atoning sacrifice of the Lord.” It is this light, this proclamation and
understanding that allows each of us to understand that God is the light and
life of our souls and only when we put our full trust in faith in him shall we
be received. Thanks be to God
Prayer: “God in Christ in the Spirit, may we your people bear witness to Your
Love for all. May those we encounter in our daily lives know that we are
Christians by our lived witness of Your Love for us, in us, and through us. We
are a diverse people but we have need of each other and we have need of You.
Help us to live into the gift of Your Oneness - Your Family - Your Church -
Your Love... for ultimately we all live in you. Amen.” ( Prayer by National
Council of Churches)
Thought for the day: Fellowship among believers depends on fellowship with
God
Jason Varghese