Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Visit of Mary to Elizabeth- Sharing the good news

 Romans 10:9-17

   Vs:13   For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

As we are celebrating thanksgiving this weekend let our thoughts, prayers and devotions may all be filled with thanksgiving and count His numerous blessings in each one’s life. Let us thank God for His abundant mercy that we have experienced as a country, as a diocese, as a church, and as individuals in the past year, and let us march on to the new year with new vigor and enthusiasm to share the gospel and testifying Him wherever possible. Sharing the good news is the title of our devotion. Human beings are good at sharing new discoveries or new experiences with others as soon as it is available. Ironically the best news in the world that will benefit everyone is the one that most of us are hesitant to share with others. It is nothing but the good news of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. When Mary found out from the angel that she is going to be the mother of the messiah she was filled with extreme joy, surrendered completely to God’s will, and ran to the hill country of Judea to meet her cousin Elizabeth and share the good news. Similarly, the shepherds who were watching the flock saw the star, followed and saw baby Jesus and were eager to share the good news. They were the first visitors to Bethlehem. We are all entrusted with a commission, a responsibility by our Lord before His ascension to heaven to spread the good news of salvation to the ends of the world.
In today’s portion for devotion in Romans Paul explains the need for salvation and the way to acquire it. Salvation is free and the scripture says anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. God became man, lived among us, died for us on the cross, and resurrected and He is coming back to take his faithful ones and as a judge. We are called to proclaim this good news which is the gospel and share the joy that we enjoy with the less fortunate. Paul raises three relevant questions regarding the sharing of good news. He says everyone who calls on His name will be saved. Then he asks how can one call without believing. How can one believe without being heard? and how can one hear without being told or preached?  Finally, how can one preach without being sent? Faith comes from hearing the message of Christ and it comes through the word.
So it is our duty, our God-given responsibility to share this good news and it is our only calling in this world. We are called to be partakers of this salvific act of Christ. May the almighty God enable each one of us to be carriers of this wonderful life-saving gospel to the ends of the world. Amen.

Prayer

Lord strengthen us to proclaim the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth. As Mary surrendered completely allow us to surrender at the foot of the cross. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Thought of the Day

I tell you, he replied, “ if they keep quiet the stones will cry out “.

Dr. Thomas K Jose – The Mar Thoma Church Staten island.

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