Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Gospel for all People
Isaiah 55:1-5

Leena A. Mathew
 Long Island MTC, NY

"Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God,    the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

The full portion of this Scripture is from the time when God’s people were under Babylonian exile. During the beginning of the chapter, the prophet addresses the thirstiness and hunger of his people. He is referring to a spiritual hunger and emotional thirst, even though the people were also needy for food, drink and material items. The prophet is alluding to feasting on God’s Word for free and receiving salvation. He also mentions the everlasting covenant between God and David which is still relevant to His people. It demonstrates how His steadfast love endures forever.

According to our covenant with God, it is our responsibility as Christians to witness the good news that God loves us. We should be sharing God’s love with our neighbors and those around us. This includes non-believers and those outside our faith. The role of the Church is to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every believer and member of the Church is given the light so they can lighten others, hence our Mar Thoma motto, “Lighted to Lighten”.

Using the metaphor of serving food and drink for free, we are called to proclaim God’s Word to nourish those who are feeling empty by the challenges of our modern world such as increased technology, social media, materialism and politics. Not only can we pray for our neighbors, but we can also help those in our community who are not part of our Church. We can share the Gospel and teachings with others through our actions and words. In order to do this, we need to be familiar with God’s Word, feel compassion, overcome personal shyness or fear and have a genuine desire to take action.

Acts 19:20 “So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” 

We have been endowed with an important responsibility to share our love for God and knowledge of the Gospel with all people, regardless of nation. We can be missionaries in our own local communities and neighborhoods. Our God is an all-inclusive God and will save the entire human race. His love is free and it will satisfy all hunger and thirst.


PRAYER

Dear Lord, please help us to learn and live by Your word. Give us the courage and tenacity to share Your Word with others. Remove our apathy and inflame our hearts to incite action to do Your will and inspire others to follow You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen


HOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Enter into a covenant with God to share His Love. Love your neighbor as God loves you and obey the laws of the Lord.




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