Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Glorious Coming of our Lord

Scripture  2nd Samuel 18: 24-33

 Key Bible Verse Text
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2nd Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭33.  

Devotional Text
Absalom had developed bitterness towards his father King David, as he did not take action against his step brother Amnon, when he violated his sister Tamar. Absalom murdered him, and as a result, his father sent him away from his homeland. When he returned, David had not forgiven and restored him. So he schemed against his father. He gained the support of the people through his smooth talk. Then, Absalom rebelled against his father King David and tried to dethrone him. Even Ahithophel, the counselor of King David, supported Absalom in his rebellion. King David had to flee from Jerusalem on bare foot to escape his son. This brought great embarrassment to David.
To make a long story short, as Absalom was chasing his father through a forest on his mule, his long hair got tangled on the branch of an oak tree. The mule moved on and left him hanging on the branch by his hair. Joab took advantage of this opportune time and killed him with a spear. This was judgment day for young, handsome Absalom. When King David heard about the death of Absalom, he was grieved. He wished to die in place of his rebellious son. This shows his love for his son despite his son’s wickedness and rebellion.
There is a day coming when we will have to give account of our actions. We all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Father God loves us unconditionally, in spite of our sins. In His grace, He has provided us with a way back to Him. It is through the vicarious death of His begotten Son on the rugged cross. Those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ will be forgiven and will have eternal life. Those who do not believe in the finished work of the Son of God at Calvary will face judgment. "There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). 

Payday is coming, judgment day is commencing! Are we ready, are we prepared for the glorious coming of our Lord?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Enable us to prepare ourselves for the glorious coming of our Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thought for the Day
:“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬.

Saramma Chacko
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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