Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Imprint of God
Isaiah 42
v5-7 This is what God the Lord says – the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Isaiah 42
v5-7 This is what God the Lord says – the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Praise God! This week as we have just celebrated Environmental Sunday – we look at how creation describes the glory of God. We see God’s imprint all around us. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He has weaved intricately our very being and the earth around us. He has breathed His breath into our nostrils and has given us stewardship over the land. He has called us out to preach the good news to the lost. We are to be a light in our community and enable the captives to be set free.
The words in Isaiah 42 ring clear – sometimes we forget that we as Christians are meant to be a called-out community. We are placed on this earth for a purpose and are meant to rise from our self-centered ways and to be other-centered. Our very lives need to express the glory of the One who has made us, our Creator.
Part of our responsibility is to challenge injustice. Injustice to people and to the land. Isaiah 42 v. 10 says for us to “Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth”. As followers of Christ, we have a new song in our hearts, that allows us to sing and praise Him whether times be good or bad. We are sometimes challenged in our faith when rough times pass, but the Bible tells us to be strong and courageous – He has overcome the world. As trials pass, let us continue to reflect on His goodness and grace. Let us be the called-out community that is strengthened by God’s hand to be a light and a blessing – so that we may be the ones that enable the healing of our land, to mend the broken, to share in the pain of others, and to show forth the love of God in Christ Jesus.
The words in Isaiah 42 ring clear – sometimes we forget that we as Christians are meant to be a called-out community. We are placed on this earth for a purpose and are meant to rise from our self-centered ways and to be other-centered. Our very lives need to express the glory of the One who has made us, our Creator.
Part of our responsibility is to challenge injustice. Injustice to people and to the land. Isaiah 42 v. 10 says for us to “Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth”. As followers of Christ, we have a new song in our hearts, that allows us to sing and praise Him whether times be good or bad. We are sometimes challenged in our faith when rough times pass, but the Bible tells us to be strong and courageous – He has overcome the world. As trials pass, let us continue to reflect on His goodness and grace. Let us be the called-out community that is strengthened by God’s hand to be a light and a blessing – so that we may be the ones that enable the healing of our land, to mend the broken, to share in the pain of others, and to show forth the love of God in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, we are grateful that You have called us out. Creation glorifies Your holy name. Let us not be silent, oh Lord. Strengthen us to be agents of change and your light-bearers. As you have placed your imprint in us – help us Lord to continue to trust and be strengthened in You to be a blessing. In Christ Jesus, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Our lives are meant for more in Christ – Be the Light
Anil V. Abraham, Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church