Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Holy Qurbana—Foretaste of the Kingdom of God

 

Today’s Bible text: Genesis 22:10-17

 

Key Verse: “Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.” — Genesis 22:10-11

 

DEVOTION

The story of Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 can be seen as a symbolic expression of the sacrificial love of God revealed in Christ. God asked Abraham to offer his son, a command that echoes through the ages as a picture of ultimate trust, obedience, and sacrifice. Yet at the crucial moment, God intervenes, sparing Isaac and providing a ram for the offering in his place. This pivotal moment foreshadows the greatest act of love, where God Himself would provide the ultimate sacrifice; His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The theme of sacrifice outlines our understanding of God’s plan of salvation. It also connects deeply with the meaning of the Holy Qurbana. In the Qurbana, we are drawn into the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where He offered Himself once and for all for the sins of the world. In every celebration of the Holy Qurbana, we participate in this great act of divine love, as we are invited to partake in the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Holy Qurbana is a sacred invitation to share in the life of the risen Christ. Just as Abraham offered Isaac in obedience, we are called to offer ourselves, our mind, body and spirit, on the altar of God. Its not just a ritual. In the Qurbana, Christ is both the celebrant and the elements, and we are invited to unite our sacrifices with His perfect offering. Every time we partake in Qurbana, we echo Abraham’s words, "Here I am," and we bring ourselves before the Lord with open hearts, ready to receive His grace.

More than a remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection; the Holy Qurbana is a foretaste of the Kingdom of God. The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, and in receiving them, we are nourished not only physically but spiritually. This sacred meal points forward to the heavenly banquet that awaits us in the fullness of God’s Kingdom. In the Qurbana, we experience a glimpse of what is to come; a life fully united with God in eternal joy, peace, and communion. Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He has provided Jesus, the Lamb of God, to take away the sins of the world. The Holy Qurbana reminds us of this provision and invites us to enter into the mystery of God’s love and mercy. It strengthens our faith, deepens our love for God and one another, and prepares us for eternal life.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Qurbana. Just as You spared Isaac and provided a sacrifice, You have given us Your Son, Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God. Help me to approach the Qurbana with faith and reverence, recognizing it as a foretaste of Your Kingdom. May I offer my life in loving obedience, trusting in Your perfect plan. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Do I approach the Qurbana with a heart full of faith, recognizing it as a foretaste of the Kingdom?



Mr. Santhosh Varughese
Dammam Mar Thoma Congregation, KSA

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