Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 We believe in the Lord who will come again

Exodus 3: 1-15
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” – Exodus 3:15 NIV

The account of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt in the Bible places Moses, a seemingly ordinary person, at the forefront of God’s escape plan for His people. At the beginning of Exodus 3, we find Moses busy tending to the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro. While this may sound rather uneventful, little did he know that the scene was set for his life’s true mission and purpose to unfold.

In the midst of a burning bush, God appeared to Moses. He appointed Moses, an 80-year-old at this point, to lead the oppressed Israelites out of hand of the Egyptians. Moses, mired in uncertainty, expressed his uncertainty with respect to his new task. God quickly reassured Moses that he will not be going alone. This is a story that we are all too familiar with. However, what we may fail to recognize is that God’s people are called to an experience of exodus today. We, as God’s people, are merely travelers passing by in this world. Just as Moses and the Israelites were bound to their captors in Egypt, we are bound to the yoke of this world. 

This point is illustrated throughout the pages of Scripture. There is an ever present yoke of sin which looms over us, and it will continue to be present while we are on this side of eternity. However, just as He did with the Isrealites, God presents us with an escape strategy. The Lord God asks us to cast off the yoke of bondage and trust in Him alone. The true, born-again believer sets his or her eyes on the destination – the Promised Land. The exact place where Christ said He has gone to prepare a place for His faithful. A mansion where there are “many rooms” (John 14:2 NIV). Jesus Christ is the only viable escape plan from this life of troubles. In His own words, “take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). 

The same way God appointed Moses, He has a plan and purpose for each one of us. The responsibility of trusting Him and living by faith falls squarely on our shoulders. How do we respond to the call? Are we making the path straight for Christ’s arrival? Whether or not we decide to play an active role in making God’s Kingdom a tangible reality in this world, the fact remains that Christ is coming back. Thus, the time has come to leave behind the land of slavery.

Prayer
Father God, as we meditate on the second coming of Your Son, move us according to Your holy, perfect will. Strengthen us to be Your hands and feet where You have placed us. Let us put our faith and trust in Christ alone. May we not be found lacking in any area when you arrive. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the day:
Ready or not, Jesus is coming.

 Christin Mathew
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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