Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Redemption through the wisdom of the cross
Bible Reading: 1 Cor 1:18-25

Key Verse “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor 1:18).
DEVOTION

As we are in the Great Lent for fasting and praying, it is a time of spiritual preparation and reflections leading up to the events of ‘Good Friday’ and  the ‘Easter Sunday.’ St. Paul  in his 1st letter to Corinthians describes the wisdom and the power of God in events leading up to the crucifixion of  Jesus and His resurrection. Therefore, the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection  reveal the wisdom, and the power of God. 
The cross of Christ  is not two planks of wood and three nails. At the centre of the  cross  we find a loving and caring Son of God. On the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” ( Lk 23: 34). It happened this way because “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,. . . ” (Jn 3:16). It is this profound spiritual reality that has shaped Christian faith and practice through centuries. The cross of Christ represents self-giving sacrificial  love of Jesus for the redemption of mankind. It embodies the theme of atonement, redemption and reconciliation with God. 
The wisdom of the cross is its victory over death. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. Paul wrote: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death , is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:55). The cross of Christ challenges us to live a life marked by self-sacrifice, love and service to others. Jesus told his disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24)

   PRAYER

Almighty Father,  who has given Thine only Son to die for our sins and to rise. Help us  to serve Thee through the grace and blessing of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen!.

Thought for the day

“Faith defines our way of life. Religious understanding is the foundation on which everything is based. Therefore, it is the beginning of all knowledge” (Tolstoy).

Dr. Zac Varghese, Sinai MTC, North London

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more