Word for day by Christian Education Forum
Hosanna= Jesus Christ the Lord of Peace.
Ephesians 2:11-22
Devotion
Devotion
The word "Hosanna" originates from Hebrew, meaning such as "help" or "save, I pray". Throughout history, it has been used as an exclamation of praise and adoration, particularly in religious contexts. The scene of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, while crowds laid palm branches and cloaks before him, is often referred to as the Triumphal Entry. This event, celebrated on Palm Sunday, signifies Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy and his role as the Prince of Peace. The shouts of "Hosanna" reverberated through the streets, proclaiming Jesus as the long-awaited King who would usher in a reign of peace.
Jesus' journey to the cross embodies the ultimate sacrifice for peace. Through his death and resurrection, he reconciled humanity with God, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who
believe. The Apostle Paul describes Jesus as "our peace" who broke down the barriers of hostility between humanity and God, as well as between different groups of people. The Epistle to the Ephesians, particularly Ephesians 2:11-22, serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of Christ's reconciling work. In this passage, the apostle Paul addresses the Gentile believers, emphasizing their inclusion in the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. This portion not only delineates the barriers that Christ has broken down but also celebrates the unity and peace that believers experience in Him.
Paul highlights the Gentiles' former state, reminding them of their alienation from God's covenant and promises. They were once " remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12, NIV). This description underscores the spiritual condition of humanity apart from Christ. However, Paul turns the focus to the transformative work of Christ, who has brought reconciliation and unity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus dismantled the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances. In Christ, both groups are reconciled to God and united into one body, the Church. This reconciliation is not merely a cessation of conflict but a restoration of relationship, a profound act of grace that triumph over the human divisions.
The Gentiles, once estranged from God's people, are now integral members of God's family, co-heirs of His promises. Paul describes believers as "fellow citizens with God’s people and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). Furthermore, Paul portrays Christ as the cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church is built. In Him, the entire structure is joined together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord. In Paul’s letter to Ephesians, he encapsulates the essence of Christian unity and reconciliation through Christ. As members of God's household, may we continue to live out the reality of our unity in Christ, embracing one another in love and extending the message of peace and reconciliation to a broken and divided world.
Jesus' journey to the cross embodies the ultimate sacrifice for peace. Through his death and resurrection, he reconciled humanity with God, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who
believe. The Apostle Paul describes Jesus as "our peace" who broke down the barriers of hostility between humanity and God, as well as between different groups of people. The Epistle to the Ephesians, particularly Ephesians 2:11-22, serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of Christ's reconciling work. In this passage, the apostle Paul addresses the Gentile believers, emphasizing their inclusion in the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. This portion not only delineates the barriers that Christ has broken down but also celebrates the unity and peace that believers experience in Him.
Paul highlights the Gentiles' former state, reminding them of their alienation from God's covenant and promises. They were once " remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12, NIV). This description underscores the spiritual condition of humanity apart from Christ. However, Paul turns the focus to the transformative work of Christ, who has brought reconciliation and unity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus dismantled the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances. In Christ, both groups are reconciled to God and united into one body, the Church. This reconciliation is not merely a cessation of conflict but a restoration of relationship, a profound act of grace that triumph over the human divisions.
The Gentiles, once estranged from God's people, are now integral members of God's family, co-heirs of His promises. Paul describes believers as "fellow citizens with God’s people and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). Furthermore, Paul portrays Christ as the cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church is built. In Him, the entire structure is joined together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord. In Paul’s letter to Ephesians, he encapsulates the essence of Christian unity and reconciliation through Christ. As members of God's household, may we continue to live out the reality of our unity in Christ, embracing one another in love and extending the message of peace and reconciliation to a broken and divided world.
Prayer
"Hosanna" echoes with joy, but Jesus' path led him through hardship. True peace, like His, isn't the absence of storms, but the unwavering trust that brings calm even amidst the chaos. How can we cultivate that peace today?"
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“ A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing , our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing .. “ – Rev. Martin Luther (1483-1546)
George Abraham, LIMTC, New York
"Hosanna" echoes with joy, but Jesus' path led him through hardship. True peace, like His, isn't the absence of storms, but the unwavering trust that brings calm even amidst the chaos. How can we cultivate that peace today?"
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“ A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing , our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing .. “ – Rev. Martin Luther (1483-1546)
George Abraham, LIMTC, New York