Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Easter: Celebration of Resurrection 

Luke. 24:1-12
 
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: vs.. 6-7

Easter or the feast of resurrection is the unparalleled and pivotal event in the historical narrative of the Christian Church. It commemorates and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The text talks about a few disappointed, frightened and perplexed followers approaching the tomb of Jesus to do one last service of love for their Lord. They came to finish anointing His body for burial as was customary among many people of the ancient near east. They wanted to serve Him one last time and express their devotion.
The arrest, trial and the violent death of Jesus on the Cross had effected a terrible blow on the confidence of His followers as manifested in their fearful flight. Fear is natural with human beings; even though, it was never God’s will for us to be afraid. Fear can lead to instability, unhappiness, and a lack of contentment and hinders us from becoming the people God wants us to be. It takes the life sap of our spiritual consciousness and immobilizes us. In Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan writes about two ferocious lions ready to tear anyone and blocking the path to the heavenly City. ‘Christian’, who is travelling on that path toward the City grows increasingly fearful, but gradually presses on. Similarly, some among the followers of Jesus gather the residual courage to do a final tribute for their loving Lord. Still, they were so engrossed in fear and confusion that they were not able to make out the divine messengers. 
The angelic messengers understand their fear and suggest the antidote, “Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee.” The recollection of the Word of God is the panacea to the infirmity of human fear. The perplexity and fear in our lives find its expiry in the memory of the Word of God. Jesus had already told his people of his impending death and rising again and it is His Word that is the only factor that can keep them courageous in spite of the overarching hopelessness and gloom. The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). The memorization of God’s Word is of primary importance in quickening an enduring faith devoid of fear.

Prayer

Living God enable us, with the aid of the anchor of faith in your Word, to be unmoved in the midst of fear inducing circumstances, Amen. 

 

Thought for the day

Fear. It is the enemy of faith. It saps spiritual vitality and it can paralyze the soul.


Rev Sujith Sam Mammen
Vicar, Carmel MTC Boston.

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