Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Annunciation to  Mary

Ephesians 1: 3-10

V 5   He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will...

       This portion explains Paul’s   intricate theology on the purpose of Christ's entry into the world.  He emphasizes the fact that Christians view their citizenship in heaven, where only Jesus could change our bodies to be conformed to the majesty of His glory. He says that relationship with Christ involves justification as a gift, rather than a personal achievement.  According to Paul, our election for salvation is determined before the creation of the world, which is from God, not ours at all.  We are therefore predestined for an adoption to the heavenly family of God.

          Paul speaks about the mystery of God’s will by which Christ became incarnate at the fullness of time. This mystery that has been hidden for ages is now revealed to His saints. (Colossians 1:26) This mystery is a spiritual knowledge that God has been revealed to those who can see through the faith.

        We see God’s mystery at work in the annunciation to virgin Mary. In this revelation to Mary, we could see the Creator asking his creation to fulfill his purpose of salvation through obedience to His will and submitting unconditionally. In the beginning God said, “Let there be…”, and here Mary, in response to the annunciation, says “let it be…”. Thereby she is inviting the Christ to be born in her womb. This is a mystery - where God incarnates and is formed out of Holy spirit in a woman’s womb.  We see that Mary is a chosen vessel because of her holiness, faith and the favor found in the sight of God.

       The more we submit ourselves in faith to God’s will, God will reveal his works in our lives.

PRAYER
Thank you Lord for choosing us to be your own and cleansing us through your blood and forgiving our trespasses according to the riches of your grace. Enhance our faith to submit to your will, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The impossible becomes a reality when we surrender ourselves unconditionally to God's will.

Dr. John Thomas  Tabore MTC  Staten Island NY

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

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