Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Proclamation and Acts of the Kingdom of God
Bible portion: Isaiah 6:1-8

V5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.
V8”And I said, "Here am I. Sent me!"

Devotion

This scripture is an experience of the Kingdom of God seen by the prophet Isaiah and the events that followed are described. This passage shows us what our worship should be like. From here two thoughts are singled out for our meditation.
1) Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Here we can see a state where the human heart is humbled before the Divine Splendor and man realizes his insignificance when he sees the sublime, indescribable and delightful sight of the divine glory filling the entire earth. Isaiah realizes his impurity in God's presence, when the seraphim praise God's holiness as 'Holy Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty'. Throughout the book of Revelation, the glory of God is revealed as seen by Saint John. As all creation is filled with God's glory, we are part of this worship in every moment of our daily lives. When our inner eyes are opened then this vision is possible, Where does the holy God stand? Where do I stand, the chief of sinners? This question should be piercing our hearts.
"The time has come, "he said. "The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark1:15)
The need of repentance is revealed here. Consciousness of sin leads us to repentance. In the fifth verse, the prophet confessed that he was a sinner and by confessing, the iniquity was removed and sin was atoned for.
'For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in Holy Spirit.'(Romans14:17)
When our impurities are removed and our sins are atoned for, we too can be a part of God's kingdom of righteousness peace and joy. We will be qualified to worship God in spirit and strength close to divine holiness.
2) Acts of God's kingdom
 After receiving the atonement what is before us is the path of action. That path is to become strong in action as ambassadors of the Lord for the establishment of the kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus has described the value of the kingdom of God through many parables in the gospel of Saint Matthew chapter 13. In verse 8 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom Shall I send? And who will go for us? Here am I, send me', by this answer, the prophet steps forward for the work of God's kingdom through complete submission. Jesus Christ called his disciples to spread the gospel of kingdom of God all over the world and make everyone a part of it. We are each called to this great ministry. It is a holy ministry that equips others to live in divine holiness. The Lord invites everyone to be dedicated to it. There are many devotees in front of us who have realized the greatness of the Lord and given themselves to spread this Joy to others. In response to this call of the Lord, we can humbly and submissively say" I will go".
 
PRAYER
 
O God, Creator of the world, forgive us for having fallen short of the glory of God, created in your image and likeness while your glory is full of all your creations. Cleanse us with your blood and help us to work faithfully in building your kingdom of God. Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 
 
 
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us"?
 
Ansa Ann Thankachan 
St. Thomas MTC, NY

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