Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Sanctification of the Church

Bible Reading:   Isaiah 60 : 1-3

Key verse  1-2

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee ( Isaiah 60:1-2 NLT)

DEVOTION

Isaiah Chapter 60 is chapter focused on the prophecy of Zion , offering us divine illumination of the future. The chapter has theological significance in all of the 22 verses in the chapter.  The chapter offers contrast between light and darkness, hope and despair, freedom and slavery , and ends with divine promise of peace in eternity. 
Our reading focuses on verse 1-3 and verses starts a theme which is underlying tone for the entire chapter. The command to ‘ Arise’ indicates a time of awakening, a call for renewal.  The next command ‘ Shine ‘ indicates a time to be illuminated in our understanding and mind. The next command ‘ Light’ symbolically represents the presence of God in our lives.  Finally , the ‘ Glory of the Lord ‘ that fills Zion signifies God’s blessings manifested in our lives.  
 As we read further , we encounter the aspect  of darkness covering  the Earth and hapless condition of sin’s covering the lives of people who are estranged from God.  We however see hope,  in this darkness, God offers us by means of His Light  that God brings into our lives, an offer of hope and new beginning. We need to be fully cognizant of the fact that God has the power to overcome any forms of darkness and despair , by the transformative power of God’s righteousness and holiness. 

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord , enable us to Arise , Shine and Receive the Light that Jesus offers to dispel the darkness in our lives. This we pray in the name of our Lord and Jesus Christ,  AMEN.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 

“Lord, the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth You now bring us
Shine on me, Shine on me “ - Graham Kendrick   ( 1950- )


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church ,Houston

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