Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Promise of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 59:20-60:3
 
I love superhero movies.  The common element in any of these movies is that the world is a chaotic and evil place. There are wicked people who use their influence to make the life of people miserable. These people hope and pray that one day someone would come and save them from their misery. The hero who is observing all this and has a high sense of moral value and justice decides to fight against evil and eventually make this world a better place. He comes as a symbol of hope, fights against power, and makes the world a better place. Happy Ending.
            In today’s passage, we see a similar pattern. (I think all these writers find inspiration from the Bible). Israelites, God’s chosen people, are separated away from the Lord. They have chosen to live their life according to their will and live a life of sin. They have fallen victim to the oppressors and face many transgressions. Because of the life that they live, they have fallen deeper into the trap of sin and are unable to come out of it by themselves. There is no human perfect to bring them out of this despair and hopelessness. However, God out of His own goodness and mercy, can’t let them falter away. He promised that “a redeemer will come” (v. 20). That redeemer was the hope for those who repent and turn away from their sinful life. However, God does not just promise the redeemer but He makes a covenant with His children that His Spirit and the Word will never pass away and will remain eternal throughout generations (v. 21).
Fast forward, we see Jesus, the Son of God, came as the kinsman-redeemer and died for our sins paying the ransom. The darkness was vanquished and new life began for people who turned to him. Even though Jesus is not physically present, the Spirit of God ever remains present in our lives. The Spirit equips and enables us to share the Word of God, acts as our moral compass, and provides us with wisdom and discernment to abide in our relationship with God. 
As we reflect on this passage, let’s ponder: Do we listen to the Spirit and are leading a life of faithfulness to God? Do we share this Spirit with others so they can experience the glory of God and turn to Him?

Prayer
Dear God, we are grateful for your Spirit. Even though we are not able to see you physically, but Your word and Spirit remains within us. May we turn away from our transgressions and lead fruitful lives that bring glory to you. In your name we pray, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” - John 14:26


Mr. Sherin Abraham
St. Andrews Mar Thoma Church, NY
       

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