Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

Baptism: Submitting to the Giver

Rev. Dennis Abraham
  Youth Chaplain, South East Region
5 for you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor is to come on his head, for the boy shall be a nazarite to God from birth. It is he who shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”

 
The book of Judges tells us about Israel being in disarray. God’s judgement was upon them as they continued to persist in sin and moral failure. The book reminds us that the assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation, in a broken relationship with God, is given to us.

We have read about the birth of Samson. The angel of the Lord had spoken and assured a child for Manoah and his wife. They were looking forward in faith and hope, as they were childless. The angel of the Lord reminds them that the child born to them is to be a Nazirite, that is, to be set apart for God’s service (Num 6:1-21). The parents received this message with faith. Samson led the people of Israel as a judge for 20 years, in the days of oppression by the Philistines. He served God, but had challenges during his service. He fulfilled his vow, and was committed to God who had called him.

This week we are meditating on the theme of Baptism. It is a time for us to remember the vows taken at the time of our baptism. In the Mar Thoma liturgy of Holy Baptism, the godparent, along with the parents are asked to repeat an oath “Renouncing Satan, I fully believe in Jesus Christ.” This is a vow that is taken in the presence of God. Those who have gathered also are asked to affirm their responsibility in raising the child in faith. This is a communal experience. This is the manner in which we can be a part of the salvific experience. Being submissive and committed to the Lord also means that we bring others into that experience.

Paul in his first letter to Timothy, Chapter 2: 3-4 says, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Although we have committed ourselves to the Lord, the desires of the flesh cause us to sin. Samson was set apart, but also sinned. We come to worship together as a faith community. Being partakers of the Lord’s table, we have a responsibility to encourage each other in our commitment and faith in the Lord. Struggle is a reality of human life, and we need to encourage each other as believers.

PRAYER

Lord God, help us to understand that we have been baptized and set apart as your children. We have made a commitment. Help us to live our lives, fulfilling this commitment. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 
Let us persist in our commitment to the Lord. If we are not committed, how can we bring others into this commitment? 

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 who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
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

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 tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more