Word for the day by Christian Education Board

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Stewardship of the Relationship


Subi Rachel Mathew
W/O of Rev. Denny Philip
Diocesan Secretary

"..the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."

Psalms 147 is a beautiful invitation to praise God for His care for Jerusalem. The psalm beautifully portrays the depth of relationship between God and His people, Israel. Every verse is an expression of the quality of the divine love and care extended to Israel. The phrase ‘builds up’ shows the parental care and nurture through which Israel evolves to be a community of God.  The gathering of the outcast reminds us of the liberation and restoration of Israel from the bondage of Babylonian captivity. (v.2). God touches the broken hearted and leads them carefully to healing (v. 3). Naming of the stars (v.4) shows the personal touch in the divine relationship. God is so open that His understanding, which is an essential factor in maintaining relationship, is immeasurable (v.5) After narrating the protective providence of God (v. 8 & 9) the Psalmist affirms that in a relationship, God delights not in the quality of the other person but the quality of relationship. The quality in relationship is denoted by two words, fear and hope. Fear is something that destroys a relationship. But fear needs to be understood as complementary with the hope in steadfast love. So, fear is not undue submission, but a reverence without losing respect for the self.


A healthy relationship is always mutual. Whatever we expect from God, we are bound to extend them to those we come in contact with. Let’s pray that we will be able to create a relationship that is caring, liberative, healing, understanding and protective.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to praise You from the bottom of our hearts, enjoying the warmth of the stewardship entrusted in us. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God delights to hear from us through praise and prayer.

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