Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Passion Week:Living Unto God


Anil Abraham
MTC of Dallas, Farmers Branch, NY
21 They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Passion week is the holiest week of the Christian calendar. It leads to the remembrance and reflection of the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and the truth that He is alive and living! Are we a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice of Love? Do we render to God what we owe Him?
 
The Pharisees with the help of the Herodians attempted to trap Jesus in His last days. They asked a pointed question ensured to entangle Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar, or not?” Jesus’ response amazed them, “Render therefore to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Jesus did not instruct them to avoid their obligations to man/government, but fulfill them and to give unto God what is owed to Him.
 
We are reminded of our earthly obligations daily and face consequences when we do not meet them. Do we remember to be fervent in our obligations and commitments to God? We cannot begin to understand the magnitude of what God gave for us – our very breath, redemption from our sins by death of Jesus on the cross. We owe more than just a Sunday trip to church or an occassional prayer. We owe our lives and our being to Him – how can we ever repay this debt!?!
 
Friends, let us take this Passion Week and press for recommitment. Let us make use of our time, talents, and resources showing forth our heavenly commitments, not just our earthly ones. Can we take time to seek His face daily, to reach out to his flock in need, to study His word, and be a witness to the good news? We must strive to make Jesus first in our lives and hearts, and spend time in His presence – denying our own selfishness. He wants all of us, not half-hearted giving. There is no way we can ever repay what God has done for us – yet we honor Him by having a Christ-centered mindset and giving the best of ourselves. Actively pursing God in our every day and being light-bearers in our actions.


PRAYER


Thank you Jesus for paying the ultimate sacrifice for me a sinner. Lord, Help me to devote my life to your calling and live unto you – never forgetting your sacrifice for me. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
As the great missionary to India William Carrey said, let us “Expect great things from God; attempt Great things for God.”

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