Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Holy Baptism: Identifying with the death and resurrection of Christ

Psalms 16
Vs.1. Protect me O God for in you I take refuge.
 
2 Corinthians 12:9 reads “My Grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made in weakness. Therefore, I will boast more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me “. 

It is the authentic and vulnerable sharing of our inner hearts, our human quirks. flaws and troubles that open the door for God’s grace to shine through. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again: How do we get this born-again experience in our lives? We must die with our sins at the foot of the cross and resurrect as a new being trusting our Lord who has defeated death and rose from the grave. By identifying with his death and burial we are becoming partakers of the salvation that is extended to all humanity that believes in His Lordship. He has torn away our debt cards and nailed them at the cross forever. We who put trust in Jesus are free now from the bondage of Satan and are shareholders of eternity.

Jesus is the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. What a great assurance that He is giving to His children. He has also promised to be with us till the end of the world. The new life Jesus emphasizes is one that focuses on the person of Jesus. It is a life that is void of all correctional malice and unmarred by the stains of the world. William Barclay points out that the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives of individuals. It must and will bring about a conversion that turns people’s lives around.

Here in today’s portion for meditation we see David pleading for the Lord’s protection against the threat of death. David expresses his trust and confidence in God. Those who trust in other Gods and offer blood sacrifices will miss the joy and assurance of salvation that those who trust in the Lord will enjoy. The Lord in whom David takes refuge will protect him and will never abandon him to the grave. David has this assurance, and he says nothing can rob him of his love and trust in the God whom he finds refuge. This must be our born-again experience and assurance in life.
 
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of knowing you and trusting you. Let you be our refuge and fortress. Renew us with your holy spirit to make us lead a life that is worthy and re-created.

Thought of the day
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. We can be a new person in Christ Jesus.
 
Dr. Thomas K. Jose
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island

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

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