Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 One Church: Transcending the Boundaries

Num 11:23-30
V29”I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord will put His Spirit on them.”

With all its statistics, population counts, and figures, the book of Numbers records the long wandering of Israel in the desert. 
In today’s reading, we see Moses gathering 70 elders in a tent and God taking some of the spirit from Moses to bestow on the elders. The elders who were in the tent, prophesied at that time. Eldad and Medad, who were supposed to go to the tent, but remained in the camp, also prophesied along with those who were in the tent.
When it was reported, Joshua, who was in the tent, demanded to stop them. For him, the working of the spirit of the Lord should be confined to the tent. Those who were in the tent obeyed Moses and hence gathered. But, Eldad and Medad, remained in the camp, breaking the norms set by Moses. Joshua could not accept the fact that God gave His spirit to those who were, in a way against Moses; so the response.
Moses’ startling response, displays his quality as a spirited and open minded leader. He doesn’t cater to the undue support offered by Joshua and addresses the tone of insecurity, jealousy and intolerance in his words. Moses is open enough to acknowledge the divine activity, even in those who do not follow his order. Moreover, he proclaims his vision. He expects the whole of Israel to be filled with the spirit and prophecy. He thus displays himself as a leader who wants all his people to rise to his stature.
The Church, as the body of Christ, lives in this world with varied history, traditions and worship patterns. She can remain united only when each tradition is able to acknowledge and accept the working of the spirit outside their traditions and boundaries.

PRAYER
Dear God, help us to be united as your body, accepting the working of the Spirit outside our norms and traditions. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Rigidity, intolerance and feeling of insecurity hinder unity.

Subi Rachel Mathew w/o Rev. Denny Philip Keezhillom Nazreth MTC, Ernakulam.
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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