Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

EVERLASTING PRESENCE 

Bible Reading:  Psalms 121

Key Verse:  4

 “Behold He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”


DEVOTION

God called Abraham from the land or Ur and promised to bless him and his descendants. Thus God designed His plan of salvation for humankind at the right time through Jesus Christ in the earthly line of Abraham. Israel’s journey through the centuries was not a pleasing tale to God. However, because of His abounding love and His promise to Abraham, He did not allow Israel to be consumed. A remnant always survived the catastrophes of war, famine, pestilences and slavery.
King David marks a pivotal point in Israel’s history. In addition to being the most successful King of Israel, he is also known as the “Sweet Psalmist of Israel.” He was able to bring Israel closer to God through his psalms. The history of Israel also presents psalms written by other musicians at various times. Psalm 121 is one such song written by an unknown author. It is part of a collection of fifteen (15) songs (Psalm 121 to 134) written by various authors including King David and his son, King Solomon. These psalms, also known as ‘Songs of Degrees’ or ‘Pilgrimage Songs’, deal with the pilgrimage of Israelites to Jerusalem Temple. In that era, journeying to distant places was very arduous. These travellers faced a number of perils on the way. Wild animals, robbers and unfriendly tribal people constituted a source of continuous stress for these travellers. In order to overcome their fear and anxiety, they resorted to reciting the psalms. These songs reflected their hope in distress, joy in survival and welcoming blessings from God throughout the journey.
In Psalm 121, God is promising His everlasting care and protection to those who seek Him. Originally, this Psalm was used as a song of journey to distant places. In recent times, we use it also as a prayer song indicating God’s assurance in the face of trials, loss and ailments. It encourages the believer to put his/her trust in God of the Universe and believe that he/she is secure in His Everlasting Arms.
The Psalmist is listing all the heavenly protection and care by the Sovereign Lord. He provides His help, establishes our stand, extends His shade over us, promises protection from all harm, preserves us from all evil, preserves our souls and preserves us in our earthly pilgrimage. Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us” becomes relevant in this context. No external power or principalities can threaten us when we are in the abiding presence of our Lord. Essentially, this is the faith that overcomes our earthly trials and tribulations. The Psalmist also implies that the believer should seek the Lord. “God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Romans 11:16). It must be understood that “without faith, it is impossible to please Him.”
Lord Jesus, several times during His earthly mission, reiterated these principles to His disciples. Regarding God’s care and protection, He offered the illustration of ‘birds of the air’ and ‘lilies of the field’ (Matthew 6:26,28). The human heart usually is in a state of turmoil and confusion. It cannot by itself achieve a level of faith that God requires of us. Therefore, we need to pray constantly that the Holy Spirit nurture and nourish our faith.
Lord Jesus has promised us that He will not forsake us. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). If we trust Him completely, there is no room for fear or anxiety. There is no circumstance in life beyond His reach or control. Listen to His words: “And I am with you always, to the very end of age (Matthew 28:20). Therefore, let us put our trust in Him alone and continue our earthly pilgrimage until we reach our heavenly abode which our Lord has graciously prepared for us.
 

PRAYER

Lord, our Heavenly Father, give us the understanding of your everlasting presence in our lives. Enable us to put our trust in you and continue our pilgrimage filled with the Holy Spirit fulfilling your desires in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen. 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.- C.S. Lewis. 



Abraham Mammen
Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Dallas

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 wh...
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 tel...
Read more