Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Touch the Untouchable
Jacob Joseph
St. John's MTC, NY
12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in
order to sanctify the people by his own blood. 13 Let us then go to him outside
the camp and bear the abuse he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city,
but we are looking for the city that is to come. 15 Through him, then, let us
continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that
confess his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for
such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Christ’s gift was not limited to those within the “city,” but also to those who are on the outskirts and who did not belong in the city. The gift of grace was not a gift limited to a special sect of people but a gift to all of humanity. Too often in today’s society, we fail to see this. We see those we deem unclean and untouchable and are afraid to approach them. But God has cleansed through the blood of His son Jesus Christ, and this is the love we should not be afraid to show others no matter who they may be.
Our Mar Thoma church motto, “Lighted to Lighten” deals with this very concept. Everyone deserves to hear the good news, so it is our responsibility as Christians to spread it. However, this is easier said than done. Being unashamed of the gospel is a very difficult manner within itself. Today, we have become very self-conscious, and we constantly worry about what other people think. Our short sightedness prevents us from seeing the good that is to come when we fulfill His will. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). To be a truly devoted Christian, we have to realize that struggle is the only way to the kingdom of God, but when it is all set and done, Jesus will restore us.
We also need to realize that God is standing right next to us, in everything that we go through. Verse 15 and 16 deal with the sacrifices a Christians must make in order to preach the good news. Jesus specifically told the rich, young man, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Luke 18:22 NIV). We have become too attached to what we have built on this world. So much so, that we have forgotten our real purpose, but I tell you brothers and sisters, that God can give and he can take away. He blessed us with everything we have, so it is only right that we help build his kingdom.
Christ’s gift was not limited to those within the “city,” but also to those who are on the outskirts and who did not belong in the city. The gift of grace was not a gift limited to a special sect of people but a gift to all of humanity. Too often in today’s society, we fail to see this. We see those we deem unclean and untouchable and are afraid to approach them. But God has cleansed through the blood of His son Jesus Christ, and this is the love we should not be afraid to show others no matter who they may be.
Our Mar Thoma church motto, “Lighted to Lighten” deals with this very concept. Everyone deserves to hear the good news, so it is our responsibility as Christians to spread it. However, this is easier said than done. Being unashamed of the gospel is a very difficult manner within itself. Today, we have become very self-conscious, and we constantly worry about what other people think. Our short sightedness prevents us from seeing the good that is to come when we fulfill His will. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). To be a truly devoted Christian, we have to realize that struggle is the only way to the kingdom of God, but when it is all set and done, Jesus will restore us.
We also need to realize that God is standing right next to us, in everything that we go through. Verse 15 and 16 deal with the sacrifices a Christians must make in order to preach the good news. Jesus specifically told the rich, young man, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Luke 18:22 NIV). We have become too attached to what we have built on this world. So much so, that we have forgotten our real purpose, but I tell you brothers and sisters, that God can give and he can take away. He blessed us with everything we have, so it is only right that we help build his kingdom.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we
thank you for the abundance of blessings that you have given us. You have
given us all a purpose, so we ask that give us the strength to fulfill your
will. Allow us to be able to endure the sacrifices and sufferings of a
true Christian, so that all may hear your word, and become a part of your
kingdom. In your most precious name we pray. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Gandhi