Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Women Who Trust God: Fearless and Faithful

Bible Reading:   Romans 16: 1- 15

Key verse 4

They risked their lives for me.  Not only I, but all the Churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. (Romans 16: 4)

DEVOTION

Apostle Paul, with compassion and love, introduces many ardent workers of Jesus Christ in this Bible portion.  He starts with Phebe.  She is a servant of the Church in Cenchrea, of Corinth. Priscilla and Aquila are zealous Christians. The apostle knows them very well.  Then in the following verses many names are mentioned.  St. Paul greets them all, and asks the believing community to welcome all of them warmly and accept them into their midst.  
The role of women in the Church and society is very important.  In the Old Testament, we read about prominent women who trusted God and who were faithful and fearless.  In the Book of Judges, in Chapters 4 and 5, we read about the prophetess and judge namely Deborah.  She prophesied about the death of Sisera by a woman called Jael.  Deborah’s leadership was effective. She brought peace to the land and people for 40 years.  
Esther, the queen, trusted her God.  Without fear this faithful queen moves towards the king and argues for the well being of her people.  She overcomes fear by her faith.  Ruth is another example of trust and fearlessness.  She, after the death of her husband, moves into a faithful legacy.  Hannah, mother of prophet Samuel, is another example of trust and faith.  She tells Eli, the priest, about her predicament.  She is humble and Eli prays for her and later she is blessed by God to have a son born to her.  Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, also excels in her trust in God Almighty.  The songs sung by Deborah(Judges 5), Hannah(1 Samuel 2: 1-10),and Mother Mary(Luke 1: 46-55) reflect these great women’s identity in God and their fearless approach with faithfulness embedded to the Almighty.
In the modern times the name of Mother Teresa remains unique. Her selfless service to humanity is resplendent.  Her compassion to the poor, helpless, sick, and homeless was nonparallel.  The MarThoma Church is proud of the services rendered by Kandamma Varghese who had been the Organizing Secretary of the Sevika Sangham.  Her dedication and selfless service to the Church will be ever remembered.  There are so many other names among women to be remembered and honored. 

PRAYER

O, Lord Jesus, we remember the blessed lives of those great women of the past. We pray for the well being of those women who work in your vineyard tirelessly for the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Touch them and empower them O, Lord. Amen

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“I know God won’t give me anymore than I can handle, I just wish He didn’t trust me so much”- Mother Teresa


Prof. Elias Abraham
Mar Thoma Church of Baltimore

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