Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Invitation to Christ’s Hospitality

 

Jude 1:17-25

“And have mercy on some who are wavering”. vs 22

 It is believed that this letter was written by Jude, the brother of Christ.  False teachers were such a concern, that Jude exhorts the readers to remain steadfast in faith and live righteously while rejecting the false teachings of those who prey upon the community of believers.  

Jude points out that the readers should strengthen their faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God (v 20-21).  As a community, they are to support those who are wavering due to the doubt that is caused by false teachers (v22).  Often, we look down at those who stumble and rationalize in our minds that they got what they deserve.  If we were to look at the mirror, we should be incredibly grateful that God does not give us what we truly deserve.  It is by God’s grace and mercy that we stand here today.

When we understand how blessed we are because of God’s love, we as the body of Christ cannot stand still.  We as the church are called to provide encouragement, not criticism.  We are called to build up, not tear down.  We are called to empathize, not judge.  We are called to be a community where the values of the Kingdom of God are present, where healing takes place and people are made whole,where forgiveness is evident, and people are restored, where love is lived and not just spoken about.

When we have mercy on those who are wavering, we will come to know that it will require us to go beyond the four walls of the church.  It will take us to the workplace, marketplace, and school yard.  It calls the Church to go out and minister to those who might feel uncomfortable coming through the doors.  We see this so clear in the Ministry of Christ, who extended His hospitality in the everyday encounters outside of the temple and synagogue.  Rather than waiting for people to come to our Church to experience God’s love, let us take God’s love to them.  In that way, we can truly increase the footprint of where God’s love can be felt.  In that way, we can begin to bring to life the words “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.

PRAYER

Father God, we pray that we may show mercy and love to those around us, especially to those who are wavering or in doubt by reflecting the kingdom values that were clearly demonstrated through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world. Billy Graham

 

Tom Philip
Redeemer MTC, New Jersey

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more