Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Baptism of Jesus- Solidarity with God’s creation
Isaiah 43:1-7
Vs 1 "O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine".
Charles Spurgeon says in his testimony about a public gospel meeting he did during a winter month. It was planned for a gathering of 8000 people and a big wooden structure was erected outdoors to accommodate people. Unfortunately, there was a big snowstorm and they had to resort to an uncomely indoor building nearby. The place was used for 2 sermons one in the morning and another at evening and everything went well. After all had dispersed a big beam of the building gave way and collapsed, injuring only two men and everyone else escaped unhurt. Spurgeon says it was God’s provision that nothing happened when the two meetings were in session; or else the causalities would have been great. God’s providence and assurance is evident in verses 43:2.” O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passeth through the water I will be with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee.” Our Lord is an omnipotent Lord and He has plans for each one of us.
God is our refuge and our fortress and a very present help in trouble. Even before we were formed in the womb of our mother, He knew us, and he has plans for our lives. It may not be the one we are planning. In this passage, God calls Israel as his own and He has a plan for its rescue and guidance. That plan of redemption for the whole creation can also be seen during the baptism of Jesus.  Man has sinned beyond imagination and there was no other way other for redemption than God himself coming into the world as a human being, taking flesh and living as one of us and finally giving himself on the cross voluntarily. John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for Jesus said, “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie ” (Matthew 3:11).  But Jesus is seen pleading to John to baptize Him in order to fulfill the prophecy. Through Jesus life and death on the cross we are redeemed, and we are assured a new hope and place in eternity. Let us surrender and trust this God who is our Creator, Redeemer and Savior.
 
PRAYER
Lord, we know that you created us, and you have plan for our lives. We are like clay at the hand of the potter. Mould us and use us for your glory, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is our refuge and fortress and a great help in times of trouble.

Dr. Thomas Jose, Staten Island MTC, New York
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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