Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Running from God’s Call 
Repentance
Bible Reading: Jonah 1

Key Verse:
"But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." — Jonah 1:3  
DEVOTION

My parents always told me I was a rebellious child when I was younger. But in some ways, it reminds me of Jonah. His story begins with an act of rebellion against his father. God calls him to preach in Nineveh, but instead, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. He boards a ship to Tarshish, trying to escape God’s presence. But little does Jonah know, God pursues him—not to punish, but to restore. A great storm arises, and Jonah realizes that his disobedience has placed everyone on the ship in danger. In an act of reluctant surrender, he tells the sailors to throw him into the sea.  
This chapter reminds us that running from God always leads to trouble, but His mercy calls us back. Jonah being thrown into the raging sea shows us the depths of repentance—acknowledging sin, turning away from it, and surrendering to God’s will. Though Jonah’s repentance is not yet complete, his willingness to face the consequences sets the stage for God's grace to work in his life.  
The hymn "Ennudayone Nee Enne" beautifully talks about this theme of repentance. The lyrics describe crying out to God in humble repentance, acknowledging how weak and sinful we are as humans and seeking divine mercy. Like Jonah, we may sometimes often resist God’s call, but through confession and surrender, we find restoration. Just as God prepared a great fish to save Jonah from drowning, He extends us a great fish when we turn back to him: His grace. 
If you feel far from God, don't be! His mercy is greater than yours and my failures. Repentance is not about punishment—it is about restoration. He is always ready to receive you when you return to Him. As the Psalmist says “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."

   PRAYER

Lord, forgive me for the times I have run from You. Teach me to surrender, to trust Your plan, and to walk in obedience. Thank You for Your endless mercy. Amen 

Thought for the day
(To the tune of Ennudayone Nee Enne) 
Oh Lord Kindly Conserve Me 
As the Apple of Your Eyes 
Hide me in Your wings of care

 Roshan Varughese
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church
New York

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