Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Glorious Appearance of Christ & the vigilant Disciples
Acts of the Apostles 1:6-11
Key Verse: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NRSV)
Devotion:
In litigation trials, witnesses are very important, and can affect the outcome of a case. What is the role of the witness? The main responsibility of the witness is to enumerate based on his or her experiences, knowledge, and/or what was seen or heard. Much trust is given to the power of memory, keeping in mind the perspective(s) of the witness, through the medium of storytelling. Hence, the role of the witness is vital for the smooth conduct of the trial.
Christ assures the disciples of His presence by promising them the Holy
spirit (St.John 20:22), and reminding them that He is with them unto the end of ages (St. Matthew 28:20). In the post-resurrection time, we observe several asking Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (V.6b) In response, Jesus reminds them that it is the Father who decides, and that the time is unknown. Until that time, the faithful are called to live in faith, hope, and to remain vigilant. At the same time, it is a call to go above and beyond the comfort zone (beyond one’s locality) (V.8), as the gospel is meant to the shared beyond geographic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries, and we are called to be His witnesses by proclamation and living a holy and sacramental life.
In our Holy Qurbana liturgy, we pray: “O Lord, we remember Your death.
We celebrate Your resurrection and we await Your second coming. May Your blessing rest upon us all.” As we meditate upon the ascension of our Lord, we are reminded that He will come again. This faith and hope in the Lord are what inspire us to be vigilant and to get ready. Practicing patience and discernment are virtues of Christian spirituality. When Christ comes, where will we find ourselves? Will we be in communion with Him, or will we be distant from Him? What will be the outcome of our labor for His
Kingdom ? Many Christians today don’t witness in accordance with Christ’s command. Sometimes it may be due to fear, not being equipped, or even a lack of interest or a sense of urgency. Christianity thrives on authentic and tangible Christian witness. Can we rise to the occasion, remember how our Triune God worked throughout history, and lives in us today? Let us remember God’s salvation history and immerse ourselves in scripture and in the presence of our Triune God, which will allow us to move forward in faith, hope, and witness. The promise of the Holy Spirit is a reminder that we are able to engage in Christian witness wherever we are. We have received the gospel. What’s our response? Let our response be out of our love and devotion to the Lord.
Christ assures the disciples of His presence by promising them the Holy
spirit (St.John 20:22), and reminding them that He is with them unto the end of ages (St. Matthew 28:20). In the post-resurrection time, we observe several asking Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (V.6b) In response, Jesus reminds them that it is the Father who decides, and that the time is unknown. Until that time, the faithful are called to live in faith, hope, and to remain vigilant. At the same time, it is a call to go above and beyond the comfort zone (beyond one’s locality) (V.8), as the gospel is meant to the shared beyond geographic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries, and we are called to be His witnesses by proclamation and living a holy and sacramental life.
In our Holy Qurbana liturgy, we pray: “O Lord, we remember Your death.
We celebrate Your resurrection and we await Your second coming. May Your blessing rest upon us all.” As we meditate upon the ascension of our Lord, we are reminded that He will come again. This faith and hope in the Lord are what inspire us to be vigilant and to get ready. Practicing patience and discernment are virtues of Christian spirituality. When Christ comes, where will we find ourselves? Will we be in communion with Him, or will we be distant from Him? What will be the outcome of our labor for His
Kingdom ? Many Christians today don’t witness in accordance with Christ’s command. Sometimes it may be due to fear, not being equipped, or even a lack of interest or a sense of urgency. Christianity thrives on authentic and tangible Christian witness. Can we rise to the occasion, remember how our Triune God worked throughout history, and lives in us today? Let us remember God’s salvation history and immerse ourselves in scripture and in the presence of our Triune God, which will allow us to move forward in faith, hope, and witness. The promise of the Holy Spirit is a reminder that we are able to engage in Christian witness wherever we are. We have received the gospel. What’s our response? Let our response be out of our love and devotion to the Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand that we have set apart as your witnesses. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that comforts us, and also reminds us that You are with us. Help us to listen to Your voice, and to be your faithful witnesses in this world, and to confess that you are Lord and God. Help us to pursue holiness and to shine Your light in a world of darkness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Living in the true faith is paramount. There is no place for hypocrisy in our faith. Can we live out the truth and witness His name through our words and deeds? Let our life be the answer.
Rev. Dennis Abraham
Vicar, Austin Mar Thoma Church, Texas
Thought for the Day
Living in the true faith is paramount. There is no place for hypocrisy in our faith. Can we live out the truth and witness His name through our words and deeds? Let our life be the answer.
Rev. Dennis Abraham
Vicar, Austin Mar Thoma Church, Texas