Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Restoring Christ
Ephesians 2: 1-10

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.V.4&5)

For today’s meditation I want to begin with a brief discussion about zombies!  Zombies are creatures of fiction and legend that are dead but walk among the living as if they are alive, with no will of their own but that of their master.  This seems to be an apt metaphor for today since we all occasionally or perpetually fall under the control of a false master, with no will of our own.  We live, but are under the control of “things” that have no life.

The Blessed Apostle Paul rejoiced in and encouraged the Ephesians’ faith in Christ our Lord.  The Ephesians were former pagan Greeks whose previous lifestyles and values were very different from that which was taught by our Lord and the Apostles.  They were dead in their transgressions, slaves to idols, gratifying the cravings of their sinful nature.  Through their faith in Christ they were brought to life and saved by grace.  The pagan Ephesians however are still present in this day.  It is just that they are now called New Yorkers, Mumbaites, Londoners, and so on.  They are us! 

Like the Ephesians in their former lives, do we not become obsessed by worldly possessions, its trends, and its attachments?  How many among us can only find shortcomings with our current dwelling, or transport, or even spouse because they do not meet all the qualifications of our desires?  How many among us feel the need to speak to our children with the most hurtful tongue because we will accept nothing lees from them than getting admission to that top school that our co-worker’s child has gotten into?  How many among us dismiss a family conversation at the end of the day, spending that time with our smart phones instead?  These attitudes, obsessions, and attachments are merely reflections of the true reality of our condition – that of spiritual emptiness, or death!

Living for the ways and priorities of this world is death, or zombie-like.  There is only one path that is available for us to be reborn into life from death; through the restoration of Christ our Lord into our lives, through faith, through the saving grace and mercy of our Father in Heaven.
 Prayer:  Almighty Father, grant us the wisdom to realize our weakness of spirit and help us come into life through Jesus Christ our Savior… Amen

Thought for the day:  Awake and come alive in Christ.

Jaideep Mathai

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