Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Remembering the Cross
Isaiah 63:7-19
"In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63:9
As we approach the holy week, let us remember how God has carried us in our past. Even when we were not grateful for the goodness in our lives, He reached out to us. Father’s promise is fulfilled through his Son, Jesus. Passion of Jesus for his creation cost his life on the cross. Let us remember His love for each of us and admit that we are sinners who are lost and clueless. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to turn to the Cross daily. As followers, we should proclaim all that He has done and make a glorious name for Him.
Remember the old days:
We shall never forget how God has lead us in the past. This is one of the greatest mistakes Christians commit. We forget the fact that God was present and alive in our "old days", whether it is in our own faith journey in the past or our parent’s. If we continue to refresh our hearts with how miraculously he has carried us through the most difficult situations in our lives, we will not rebel against him or turn our backs to him. God’s expectation of us is to be good witnesses of His marvelous ways to the world. But, even after we are rescued from our troubles, we complain and depend on ourselves for the next trouble. Let us remember to acknowledge God as our Father and return to him.
Remember the Cross:
Like a shepherd, he comes looking for each of us. From Scripture we see that God is the one who initi-ates a relationship with us. Fulfillment of a promise of redemption and his continuous attempt to reach to us are evident on the Cross. It is the place where justice and mercy met to redeem our lives in flesh. It constantly shows us the kindness, mercy and love that God has for His creation. It also re-minds us of our sin and rejection to an infinitely loving God. Our heavenly Father is waiting for you and me with stretched out arms just as the Son stretched out his hands on the cross. As the thief on the cross realized, let us ask "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom".
2013
Santhosh George, St. John's MTC, NY
Santhosh George, St. Johns Mar Thoma Church, NY
Santhosh George, St. Johns Mar Tho