Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Community Formation Around the Resurrection Experience
Isaiah 25:1-9
Vs. 9 It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Lord Jesus Christ, at the fullness of time, came into the world in order to complete God’s purpose for the human race. He fulfilled all the prophecies about Him foretold by men of God. He promised His disciples that He will be with them even to the end of the world. (Matthew 28:20) The disciples held on to His promise during their lifetime.
We also have the same promise given by our Lord. The resurrection of the Lord is not just historical, it is also the connecting link between the present world as we experience it and the far more glorious heavenly kingdom, yet to be revealed.
Mary Magdalene was the first among many to witness the risen Lord. However it took her a moment to realize that she was standing before the risen Christ Jesus himself. Even though it took a moment only for the electrifying revelation, it was enough to last a lifetime, even an eternity. She was so overwhelmed with pure joy that only one word ‘Rabooni’ escaped her lips. Lord Jesus calmed her with His words and told her to spread the news to the disciples.
The disciples had a different kind of resurrection experience. The two disciples who ran to the tomb understood that the Lord has risen but did not have the fortune to see Him there. Later, the Lord revealed himself to them when they had assembled together in a room. He made His risen presence to Thomas in a compelling fashion. The two disciples who travelled to Emmaus witnessed the risen Lord and communed with Him. However, they failed to recognize Him at first hand even though their hearts were burning within them as they walked and talked with the Lord.  
We are the witnesses of the Lord in the present world. Can we honestly evaluate our resurrection experience? Are we failing to recognize Him even though He is standing close to us? It is time to “Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:14-15.
The verses from Isaiah are resounding proclamation of the risen Lord. The common factor of all those who went through the resurrection experience is their overwhelming joy and their complete surrender to the Lord. They could not wait to share their joyful experience with others. They were ecstatic for two reasons:
 (1) They saw with their own eyes that Jesus has conquered the grave
(2) They have the assurance of their own salvation and eternal life with Him.
Today also, the building blocks of community formation remain the same. Let us surrender ourselves and willingly share the reason of our joy with others.
 PRAYER
Lord, enable us by the Holy Spirit to translate the resurrection experience through our words and deeds to those around us so that we can build a community as a forerunner to our heavenly abode. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let us make way for the Prince of Peace to enter the hearts of multitudes and establish His reign of peace and joy.
Abraham Mammen, Epiphany MTC, NY

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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