Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Sanctification of the Church

Bible Reading:  St. Mathew 5:13-16

Key verse  15

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Mathew 5:16

DEVOTION

In the Holy Bible, the Greek word “ekklesia” refers to Christendom, and it means “called-out community.” The Church, therefore, is not simply a building where people gather, nor is it merely an institution, in the secular sense. The Church is a community of people who have been called out to fulfill God’s Mission (Missio Dei). We are called out not to segregate ourselves from the world (St. John 17:13-19), but to be witnesses of God’s love to all of its inhabitants (St. Matthew 28:19-20).
The word “sanctified” means to be made holy or set apart for something special. Hence, the Church is called to be sanctified, so that we may invite others into the streams of mercy and the rivers of grace; to invite others to be humble sheep in the flock of the Chief Shepherd. 
The Church Universal has received the light of Christ, and that light must be reflected into the darkness of the world. We are called to shine, not for our glory, but so that others may see our good deeds and give glory to God. 
In the book Faith Seeking Understanding, Dr. Daniel Migliore states that “we live in a world today that is in bondage to sin, death, and destruction, where strangers are feared, violence is a way of life, and the poor & vulnerable are forgotten.” This is the state of our world, and so naturally, many people are victims of loneliness, poverty, rejection, violence, and hopelessness. But it is in such a tumultuous world that the sanctified Church has a responsibility to shine the light of Christ.
Therefore, may our churches become places where the lonely find community, the sick find healing, the forgotten are remembered, and those who are searching find the hope of Christ. May our lives become living testimonies of God's grace. And may everything we do ultimately lead others to the Cornerstone of the Church, Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

 Heavenly Father, we come before Your holy presence. We confess that many times we have failed to live out our calling as a sanctified community. Lord, enable us to shine our light in this dark world, and thereby be ambassadors of Your divine will. Enable us to be Your hands and feet on this earth so that You may be glorified in all that we do. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” - Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi”
 

Rev. Sunil Chacko
sunilchackoachen@gmail.com
Jerusalem Marthoma Church, Kuttapuzha, Kerala, India.

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