Reflections

  From Strangers to one household of peace Bible Reading: Ephesians  2:11-22   Key Verse Vs 14 "For He himself is our peace  who has made us both one and has broken down  in his flesh the dividing  wall of hostility' DEVOTION Glory to Jesus Christ, Glory Forever!  In this passage, Paul reminds believers that they were once far from God, separated and without hope. They were outsiders, not part of God’s promises. However, through Jesus Christ, everything changed. His sacrifice brought those who were far away near to God. On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem as King. While the people welcomed Him with praise, His true mission was to bring peace between God and humanity. He came to remove the barrier of sin and make a way for everyone to be united with God. Jesus breaks down barriers. Sin created a wall between us and God, but Jesus removed that wall through His death. Because of Him, we are no longer separated or rejected. Just as th...

  Entry of the King of Peace Bible Reading:  Mark 11:1–11 Key Verse Vs 9 “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord DEVOTION The triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem reveals Him as the King of Peace. He entered the city humbly, riding on a colt, and the people welcomed Him by spreading their garments and branches on the road and shouting praises. This scene reminds me of a touching experience from my mission field experience. When our Metropolitan Theodosius Mar Thoma was serving as a diocesan Episcopa, he once visited the village of Bijjawara in Karnataka. It was the first time a bishop had visited that village. The believers washed the streets and spread their clothes and tree branches on the path to welcome him. Their humble devotion reflected the spirit of the people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. 1. The Humble King Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a colt, not on a war horse. This act fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah in Book of Zechari...

  Hunger to be the will of God Bible Reading: Numbers 11: 4-15 Key Verse Vs 5  We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost (Numbers 11:5) DEVOTION   The book of Numbers is a chronicle of the Israelites’ journey through the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt. During this journey, the Lord provides for every need of the Israelites; however, the Israelites know only to complain. In the key passage, we come across the Israelites complaining about the good food they used to enjoy in Egypt. While reading the passage, we see how the Israelites conveniently forget the cruelties they faced as slaves in Egypt and crave the meat, fish and vegetables they ate during their time in Egypt. They forget their cries to the Lord to deliver them and choose to complain about the manna that the Lord gives them every morning that sustains and nourishes them in the desert. We also read about how they wail about not having meat to eat. The act of wailing for meat shows how deeply sor...

  Grafted into the peaceful kingdom Bible Reading:   Romans 11 : 16 - 24 Key Verse Vs 21 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.  DEVOTION   In Romans 11:16–24, Paul the Apostle explains God’s plan using the picture of an olive tree. The root represents God’s promises, and the branches represent His people. Some branches were removed because of unbelief, and others were grafted in. This shows that being part of God’s kingdom is not about who we are, but about faith. This teaches us an important lesson—there is no place for pride. We are part of God’s family not because we earned it, but because of His grace. Just as a branch depends on the tree for life, we depend on God for everything. Paul also gives a warning. If God removed some branches because they did not believe, we too must stay strong in faith and not become care...

   Annunciation to Virgin Mary Bible Reading:   Luke 1:26-38 Key Verse Vs 37 “For nothing will be impossible with God” DEVOTION Luke describes the ordinary days when ordinary Jewish men and women were selected  by God to receive His messages  before the incarnation event. Mary was one among the selected group . Others  listed are Zacharias who was serving as a priest , ordinary  shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night.  What an unbelievable news delivered to Mary by angel Gabriel ,Mary would become the mother of a king who would be called “Son of the Most  High “(V32) Mary could not comprehend the news at the outset and she asked as any lay virgin might question. Perhaps Gabriel smiled as he began to explain . He knew that when God makes a promise he brings it to fruition ,He provides Mary with even more confirmation ,her cousin Elizabeth ,who had been barren for all her life ,had also conceived a child...

  When the Peace of Christ Rules Your Heart Bible Reading:  Colossians  3:12-17 Key Verse Vs 15  “Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts” Colossians 3:15  DEVOTION  Many people search for peace in different ways-through success, comfort, or avoiding problems. Yet the Bible teaches that true peace does not come from our circumstances but from allowing Jesus Christ to rule our hearts. Imagine our heart-our inner world of emotions, thoughts and motives-as an arena . It is often filled with competing voices: fear and hope, jealousy and trust, anger and patience. Paul in his letter to Colossians provides a revolutionary strategy for this inner conflict. ”Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart ( 3:15 ) what does it mean to let Peace Rule? When the Peace of Christ rules, it means Jesus is the final authority in our life. It is not a passive, quiet feeling but an active, alert force that decides which thoughts to keep and which to discard. It rules ov...