Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Discipleship — Call for Mission

Jeremiah 1:1-11
 

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

In the life of a believer, the celebration of faith goes beyond passive acknowledgment; it involves active participation in the sacraments of the church and a continuous practice of God's Word and commandments. As we abide in God and remain connected to the true vine, Jesus Christ, we find strength and purpose in our discipleship journey. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to do everything, whether in word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. By proclaiming our faith and belonging to the faith community, we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead. We eagerly anticipate His return to gather His faithful ones.
In Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation for those who trust in Him. But what is the evidence of our faith, and how can we exhibit it? In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Nothing is impossible for those who truly believe. As we celebrate our faith, God calls us to surrender ourselves completely and trust in Him wholeheartedly. Our faith is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative relationship that impacts every aspect of our lives. 
Today, as we delve into Jeremiah 1:1-11, we witness the extraordinary calling of the prophet Jeremiah. Before he was even formed in his mother's womb, God had set him apart and appointed him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah's life serves as a profound example of discipleship and the mission we are entrusted with. Just as God had a specific purpose for Jeremiah, He has a unique plan for each one of us. We are called to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and truth with the world around us.
Jeremiah's initial response to God's call was filled with insecurity and doubt. However, God reassured him, promising to be with him and equipping him for the task at hand. Similarly, in our journey of discipleship, we may encounter moments of self-doubt and inadequacy. Yet, God's response to Jeremiah serves as a reminder that He is faithful to empower us, regardless of our limitations. He equips us with His Word, the authority and guidance we need to fulfill our mission.
Just as God desires humanity to praise and exalt Him, He also calls us to praise Him in spirit and truth. Our purpose of creation is to worship and honor Him. In Psalm 148, we witness a beautiful depiction of creation joining in praise, from the heavens with its celestial bodies to the earth and all its inhabitants. Nothing and no one are excluded from this call to praise the Lord. The repetition of the word "praise;" in the psalm emphasizes the importance of continuous and heartfelt adoration.
Let us reflect on our worship and praise practices. Are they in accordance with what God desires from His creation? If not, let us adjust and modify our approach, offering genuine and wholehearted praise. God has showered us with countless blessings. In a world where gratitude is expected for simple acts of kindness, how much more should we thank and praise the almighty God who keeps us safe, protects us, guides us, listens to us, answers our prayers, and attends to our every cry? May our lives be a continuous offering of thanks and praise to Him.

 
Prayer

Dear Lord, we recognize that our faith is not a passive endeavor but an active celebration of our relationship with You. Empower us to participate fully in the sacraments of the church and to continuously practice Your Word. Help us abide in You, knowing that apart from You, we can do nothing. Strengthen our trust in Your faithfulness and equip us for the mission You have called us to. We desire to praise and worship You in spirit and truth. May our lives be a continuous sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to You. In Jesus's; name, we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Let our lives be a living testimony of faith, embracing discipleship and the call for mission, as we celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of our God.

 

Jacob Chacko
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York


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