"But For The Grace of God..."

Prepare: Lord Give me Your grace that I may overcome all temptations.
Read: Exodus 10:7-29

D.L Moody saw once a criminal  handcuffed and led by the guards. With all sincerity the evangelist remarked, "But for the grace of God, there goes D.L. Moody!" How true! We may be tempted to find fault with Pharaoh. Yes, the Egyptian ruler is the reflection of human weakness, so weak to turn back to God in humility. But it can be any one of us that has enabled us to turn to Him in obedience.

1) The failure of the officers: They fail to convince the ruler. He is so adamant and does not listen to their cry. It is so pathetic when good advice is rejected and pride rules over sound reason.

2) The failure of the ruler: Pharaoh is half hearted in his response. He sees the importance of and urgency to obey God. But his human calculations withhold him to obey God whole-heartedly. Pharaoh becomes so disgusted with Moses that he tells him never to see him again. Moses agreed and neither know that the final plague would be so devastating that the Israelites would be thrust out of Egypt.

In verses 20 & 27, it is said that the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh. It is the Hebraic way of saying that the sovereignty of God is the sole reason for all that is happening. But we can see that Pharaoh is held responsible ultimately. To avoid such an end, we need more and more of God's grace to know His mind and obey Him fully at every stage of life.

Respond: Thank God for the grace given to us in and through Jesus Christ to know Him and follow Him everyday.

"...Truth In The Inward Being..."

Prepare: Create in me an awareness of Your awesome presence O Lord, that I may respond correctly to Your Word.
Read: Exodus 9:27-10:6

After World War II, the western colonial powers started losing their colonies one by one. Some of these colonies became independent only after fighting against the colonial powers. The economic exploitation they were enjoying in the colonies stood in the way of the colonisers to grant independence to the colonised.

It is a similar struggle in Egypt. Who will work for them? It is not easy for the ruler to let the people go. Pharaoh struggles to decide aright and in the process his heart gets hardened.

There are three lessons for us in today's passage.
 
Avoid dubious confession: In the words of Pharaoh there is no sincerity (9:27). He displays a shallow understanding of sin. God delights in truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6). Let our moments of confession be acceptable to God.

Adhere to sincere admonition: The Lord directs Moses and Aaron to instruct the younger generations later on to be faithful to Him. He is Almighty God who saves and preserves His people (10:1,2).

Accept every serious warning: Moses and Aaron give the Egyptians a serious warning from the Lord. This time it is going to be invasion by locusts in huge numbers bringing great devastation to their agricultural life. Will Pharaoh remember the famine that ravaged Egypt for seven years and how Joseph saved the nations from total destruction? As a result, will he be sympathetic to the Hebrews? No, he fails again.


Respond: Make me sincere in all my attempts to love and obey You, Lord.

"Who can Stand Against God?"

Prepare: Give light O Lord that I may understand your Word and praise and worship You.
Read: Exodus 9:1-26

We may find it difficult to understand the message God gives in today's passage. Modern scientific findings and technological developments have put man on a voyage to space searching for the evidence for the presence of extra-terrestrial beings. But our minds and hearts are darkened with sin and rebellion against God that we fail to see the presence of the living God amidst us. He is very much active in His creation, especially among humankind whom He loves very much.

Aphis was the bull-god worshiped in Egypt. At the temple in Memphis a sacred bull was kept and worshiped. Hathor was the cow-goddess of fertility greatly adored by the Egyptians. The sacrificial ashes sprinkled into the air was considered by them as a blessing. Now the ashes from the kin bring great suffering to people and animals. As a result, the magicians cannot stand before Moses.

Hail storm is the first of the four plagues against the sky god. Those who obey God in fear of Him are saved. Horus and Month (the bird gods) and Nut (the sky goddess) are all ineffective to save the people in agony.

Are there modern equivalents to those Egyptian gods? In what ways do these try to rob our love and devotion to God? Any person or object or ambition which takes the place of God is an idol drawing us away from the love of God.

Respond: Lord God, You alone are God! There is no one beside You.

God is at Work

Prepare: Help me see the wonders of Your nature, O lord as I meditate on Your word.
Read: Exodus 8:16-32

The perennial rivers start their journey as trickles of water oozing out of the rocks of high mountains. We fail to realize that this small beginning is going to result in mighty rivers as big as the Amazon. When God is at work, sometimes He starts in a very insignificant way and makes it grow bigger and bigger that no one can finally stop it. This is what happened in Egypt.

Gnats and flies! Who cares about them? Yet, they become serious concerns in Egypt as a result of God working to liberate His people from that land.

Mother earth is worshiped in many parts of the world for it is considered as the agent of fertility, productivity and prosperity. To the ancient Egyptians, earth was sacred; it is life-giving and life sustaining. With the swarms of gnats coming from the dust, earth became useless and harmful.

For the first time the Egyptians-magicians realize their limits. Pharaoh is relenting slowly. The division of the Egyptians and the Hebrews becomes vivid with God caring for His people. God is at work.. and no one can stop Him.

When God deals with us, we must learn to respond positively, however small His promptings may be. Hardening of hearts surely leads to failure and suffering. What is the message you get from God today? What is your response?

Respond: Make me sensitive, Lord, to see You at work and to co-operate with You in every way. 

Power-Encounter

Prepare: Help me see Your mighty power O Lord, as I read Your Word today.
Read: Exodus 7:14-8:15

In the tribal belts of our country, Christian workers come face to face with evil forces as the good news of Jesus Christ is presented to the people living in spiritual darkness. God exhibits His power and wisdom to make people know how much more powerful He is than the other gods.

The ancient Egyptians had three clusters of gods: One related to the river Nile (which actually turned the North African desert in Egypt into a fertile land), the other to the earth and the last to the sky with the burning sun. The ten plagues God allows to affect the lives of the Egyptians show how He brings under His control all these three clusters of gods that all people may come to know His power over all of them.

The water of the Nile turns into blood and becomes useless, non-productive and an agent of destruction. Archaeological findings in Egypt show that the ancient Egyptians used amulets carved in the form of frogs.They adored these frogs. The Egyptian magicians too bring out frogs but they are unable to remove them whereas Moses is. God exhibits His mighty powers to Pharaoh and his people but they fail to accept His authority over them.

In these events of Exodus is the shadow of what Jesus Christ ultimately did by His death on the cross and by His glorious resurrection. He stripped off all the powers of the rulers and authorities to bring them all under His feet (Colossians 2:13-15).

Respond: Thank the Almighty God as we are under His care. 

Listen and Live!

Prepare: Thank You Lord for Your Word! Help me understand Your message.
Read: Exodus 6:25-7:13

Communication of one's views and ideas to another is a skill. Even animals and birds are skilled in communicating to one another. When a woodpecker makes a pecking sound on the trunk of a tree, it sends out the message to other woodpeckers that this part of the wood comes under its territory.

How does God communicate to human beings?

Through His involvement in human history: It is God who actually directs the course of our history. He does so with Moses and his contemporary Hebrews. He works out his purposes in the lives of individuals and people-groups.

Through verbal communication: We see God instructing Moses in human terms and words intelligible to them. He teaches Moses what is to be said. The verbal inspiration of God comes to us today through the words of the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12)

Through visual communication: God sends out His message to Pharaoh showing Him that He is greater than the Egyptian gods and warning him to listen to Moses. This He does by making the staff turn into a serpent and this serpent swallowing the other serpents.

"Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.." (Psalm 95:7,8). Today is the Republic Day of our nation. It is good for us as a nation to listen to God that we may live aright.

Respond: Help me Lord to receive Your directions at every stage of my life and obey You in every area of my life. 

We All Need God's Grace!

Prepare: Speak to me Lord that I may be strengthened to face the demands of this day.
Read: Exodus 5:22-6:13

"Frailty, thy name is woman!" exclaims Hamlet about his mother in the play by Shakespeare. Weakness of character is not only confined to womankind. It is common to all humankind. Today's passage clearly brings out this truth.

The people who were once united for the cause of liberation from the Egyptian bondage (4:31) are now disheartened. Moses is also shattered after the stern refusal of Pharaoh to act on his request. He cries to God in despair, "O Lord, why have You done evil to this people? Why did You ever send me? How shall Pharaoh listen to me for I speak with faltering lips?" Facing hardship and not getting quick relief makes them miserable.

The other area where we see human weakness is the Israelites' inability to believe in God. When God reiterates that His promises to Abraham would be surely fulfilled, they are not able to take God at His word. It is not natural and easy for humankind to accept God's word as it is. We need His grace to trust Him.

It is not human strength and united effort that brings victory. It is only God's direct intervention that brings ultimate victory. Also, it is sheer grace of God that helps us trust in Him and His word, and not our intelligence and devotion.

Respond: Lord God, create within me an awareness of how much I need You and Your grace that I may truly lean on You now and forever.  

When Things Get Worse..

Prepare: Lord, let every struggle I face draw me closer to You and Your word.
Read: Exodus 5:1-21

At different stages in human history, there had been outright opposition from the rulers against God's people and God's plan for humankind. Probably it was the powerful. Amenhotep who reigned Egypt during (1447-1421 BC) who oppressed the Israelites at this time.

There are two voices which reverberate in the courts of Pharaoh, opposing one another. One of them is from God-

"Let my people go...": There is no turning back from this stand God has taken after making Abraham's descendants to live in Egypt for four hundred and more years. God is in the forefront leading the struggle, making use of Moses and Aaron as His agents.

The other voice is from Pharaoh -
"You are idle, you are idle": Being a ruler and the head of a superpower of his times, Pharaoh views this phenomenon as a political and social upheavel leading to labour problem and economic stagnation.

What is God doing when things get worse in our daily walk with Him? Perhaps by making us to go through such ordeals, God wants us-
a) To know how aggressively the powers of darkness work against the godly.
b) To understand that only in God we have the answer to every struggle in life.
c) To see how graciously God moulds us as useful vessels through the hostile situations we face in life.

Respond: Lord, there is a purpose behind every struggle I face at home and work-spot. Let me be moulded according to Your will.

Taking The First Steps..

Prepare: Teach me how to follow You step by step in faith. Prepare me to accept Your word.
Read: Exodus 4:18-31

On taking the first few steps, a little child may falter and fall down; yet the delighted parents help the toddler and encourage the child that it may gain confidence to walk. God helps Moses to step out in faith to follow the Lord's commands. How does the Lord help Moses?

God provides a conducive situation: After enjoying Moses' company and service for forty years, his father-in-law Jethro readily sends him with his family to Egypt for a risky task. The Lord informs Moses that all those in Egypt who were against him are no more. How much Moses must have been encouraged!

Makes Moses learn to obey: The covenant God made with Abraham covers only those who have been circumcised. The uncircumcised son of Moses seemed to be a threat to Moses' life. Now it was not just Moses , his whole family came under God's covenant.

Gives Moses a companion: In Aaron, Moses has not only his elder brother but someone who always stands with him in his struggles either in  Pharaoh's court or during the wilderness wandering. It is often mentioned "Moses and Aaron" showing how closely they work for the Lord.

Unites the minds of the people: Now it is no more a one man's show! It is a people's movement. People are willing to stand with him. Moses must have remembered what treatment he got some forty years ago on the same soil.

How does the Lord train us in our walk with Him?

Respond: Thank You Lord for Your loving concern for us as we follow the trails set for us.

God's Answers To Man's Excuses

Prepare: Make me sensitive to receive Your message, O Lord!
Read: Exodus 4:1-17

We all know our limits. When we are faced with some difficult tasks we think of excuses in order to wriggle out of the responsibility . Moses is in such a situation. The last thing he would have wanted must have been to go back to Egypt. Now God invites him to bring His people from the clutches of the mighty Pharaoh. Is it possible?

God is prepared with suitable answers to man's excuses. Here, He gives Moses convincing answers why he must undertake the task of delivering the Hebrews out of Egypt. He does the same with us. Here are some of His answers.

Makes us do the impossible: Moses must have been stunned to see his staff turning into a snake. Again, who will dare to catch a snake turning into his original staff. God is all powerful to make us do anything humanly impossible.

Works wonders for us: Now God touches Moses' body. God can do wonders with us to bring transformation in us. Thereby we are convinced that we truly belong to Him.

Meets our innate needs: God overrules our limitations and every situation that is against us to equip us to do His will. What do we need?

Provides timely help: Suddenly there appears Aaron after forty long years to be Moses' spokesman. God is wonderfully on time to help us.

Respond: Thank You Lord for Your patience with us in moulding us in Your service.

God Means Business..

Prepare: Help me to know more of You and Your concerns for people, Lord!
Read: Exodus 3:13-22

For Moses, it is an unexpected encounter with God; but God gives him directions for actions to be taken in the days to come. Step by step, God spells out the information and directions Moses needs at that time.

God reveals His person: God is everlasting beyond time and the restraints of different periods of time. The God who worked out His plan so freely in the life of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob irrespective of the struggles they encountered within their times, is the same who now meets Moses to work out His plan for His people, irrespective of the obstacles he would face in Egypt and diffidence of Moses. "I am who I am" is the One who meets with Moses.

God spells out His purposes: He has come down to bring out the descendants of Abraham frmo Egyot and to take them to the land He had promised to their forefathers. There is no turning back from this stand. God is clear in His purpose for us. Let us know them and fulfill them with His strength.

God explains his procedure: In detail, God tells Moses how He will work out the deliverance of His people from the Egyptian bondage. It is always good for us to obey God's commands as He guides us step by step.

Respond: Thank You Lord for Your presence with us and Your power that is at work in us carrying out Your purpose. 

The Burning Bush Call To Live!

Prepare: Speak to me Lord, that I may know Your mind and follow You faithfully.
Read: Exodus 3:1-12

At the centre of the logo of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland is a burning bush. In 1560 A.D. John Knox founded this church in the midst of severe persecution. His vision was that no amount of persecution could wipe off the church; instead the church would be alive and growing because of the Lord of the Church.

It is the same with the Hebrews who were suffering under the bondage of Pharaoh in Egypt. The time had come for the God of their forefathers to bring them freedom and dignity. He revealed this to Moses with the strange phenomenon of the burning bush.

God's call to individuals: He meets with people in daily life situations as He did with Moses. He communicates with them when they are responsive to His prompting.

God's commitment to His covenant: God makes reference to Moses' forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is the covenant He made with them that makes Him initiate the process of liberating the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery.

God's concern for the oppressed people: "...seen...heard...know...come down". What do these words tell us of God's character? God sees the pathetic conditions of the oppressed people now as He did in Moses' days.

God's companionship in mission: "...I will be with you...". When God is with us, no amount of suffering for the sake of our faith can destroy our faith in Him. This fact is shown to Moses by the burning bush.

Respond: Lord God, help me to respond positively to Your call to me.

Behind Every Action And Reaction

Prepare: Lord, teach me how I should meet daily-life situations.
Read: Exodus 2:11-25

We are blessed with a variety of emotional expressions. But for these expressions, we may not know the motives behind people's actions and reactions. In today's passage, we see how people act with different emotional expressions.

Rash action out of explosive anger: Moses, later on to be known for his meekness, now acts rashly out of anger. He wrongly assumed that the Hebrews would rally around hum if he killed the Egyptian. Only time would show that his anger and physical strength could not help the Hebrews and that only God's intervention would bring redemption to the Hebrews.

Bold action out of compassionate consideration: Moses with a sense of justice and compassion goes out to help the daughters of the Midianites priest, Reuel (also known as Jethro). This one act paved the wayfor Moses to get favour in an alien land and dwell there for forty long years.

Courteous action out of fore-sight: Ruel invites Moses, an alien, to live with him and provides him means to enjoy a normal married life. Moses learns to appreciate his father-in-laws wisdom. This helps Moses to receive more wise advice from him later on(18:13-27).

In this passage we also see God fulfilling His purposes (23-25) being faithful to the covenant He made with the forefathers of the Hebrews. God is faithful to His word, and is always dependable. He heard the cry of the Hebrews and was concerned about them. The stage is set for God to act on their behalf.

Respond: Lord God, help me to be a person who can be trusted at all times.

Be Aware Of Parents' Role

Prepare: Open our eyes, O Lord, to see our role as parents.
Read: Exodus 2:1-10

God expects every parent to be responsible in playing his or her role in bringing up children. Such parents do deserve to be honoured on the special days: Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May and Father's Day on the third Sunday of June every year. We owe a lot to our parents as they played their roles well in bringing us up.

There is a clarion call from God to parents inviting them to stand with Him in the struggle of saving children from the clutches of the evil one. In today's context, this is most urgent as subtle attacks on the body, mind and spirit of our children are always on the increase to destroy them. Let us be aware of what God expects from us.

Be on God's side: Amram and Jochebed as Moses' parents (6:20) had the insight if the special nature of their child (Hebrews 11:23) although they were poor and illiterate slaves. They took risks in hiding the child for three months. It was possible because of their trust in God. God saved the baby with a wonderful provision of his own home and later a royal household for him to grow up.

Be assured of victory: Read Hebrews 11:24-27 to see how Moses later on exhibited the same insight; and so, he was able to take risks for the sake of God and trust Him to do the humanly impossible. God assures parents such moments of victory to be experienced in future. Let us be willing to accept our role as godly parents.

Respond: Pray that parents may seek God's help to fulfill their role in bringing up children. 

God Is At Work.. Work For God!

Prepare: Lord, help me 'listen' to You as I come to Your Word.
Read: Exodus 1:1-22

Today is a special day for people in Chennai and the surrounding areas. After celebrating Pongal, a few days ago (Makar Sankranthi), they throng picninc spots and places of interest to spend this day with their families and friends. Everywhere there is a sense of joy and belonging.

Today's passage tells us how methodically this family bond was put under great strain among the Hebrews. In many of the Asian countries, female foeti are terminated within the mother's wombs and the practice of frmale infanticide is rampant. The book of Exodus begins with a similar sad story, where male children of the Hebrews were forced to be put to death to wipe off their race.

What do we learn from a passage like this?

1) The dark side of human nature: Prejudice leads to fear, fear to hatred, hatred to cruelty, cruelty of prejudice. The cycle goes on and on. Pharaoh devised a cunning and cruel plan to subdue the Hebrews as slaves.

2) The saving grace of God: Man proposes but God disposes. He did so in Egypt to save the male infants of the Hebrews. His grace is still at work today.

3) The courage of the God-fearing: Just two women who enjoyed no power and authority; but they feared God and were courageous to work along with Him.

God is looking for such people who are willing to work along with Him to do wonders. Are we such people?

Respond: Help me to stand for Your cause O Lord, that I may always love people as You love them. 

How Do You Honour The Lord?

Prepare: Does our spiritual status produce pride and self satisfaction in us?
Read: Luke 7: 36-50

Overflowing love is the natural response for forgiveness. Two different kinds of honour to Jesus are depicted in today's passage, a glaring contrast one from the other.

Dinner with pride: Simon, the Pharisee who invited Jesus for a meal, failed to extend the usual courtesy due his guest. He did not wash the feet of Jesus, neither did he give a welcome kiss or anoint His head as was the Jewish custom. What made Simon fail in his duty towards his guest : pride, lack of proper understanding, failing to recognize authority? What stops us from rendering to Jesus His due?

Anointment with love: The woman shed tears of gratitude and love, kissed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair. To Simon, the woman was a detestable prostitute, fit for burning hell. Jesus wanted Simon to see the woman for who she was on the inside. Simon, who was righteous in his own eyes failed to see God's love in the form of Jesus. The woman, realizing her own sinful life appreciated the forgiveness and love of God, showed her deep love and gratitude. When the public pronouncement of forgiveness was made, the guests began to question the authority of Jesus to forgive sin. While they love their peace in debating the issue, the woman went away filled with the peace of God.

How conscious are we of the mercy and love of God and what are the ways we show Him our gratitude? Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

Respond: Lord, may nothing stop me from giving You the due honour, You're worthy of. 

Purposeful Life

Prepare: How can my lifestyle express the purpose of my call?
Read: Luke 7: 24-35

Man in his own wisdom may try to thwart God's purposes and turn away from God's appeal. John's life was short but had a steadfast purpose. He did what God told him to, fearlessly and courageously. He talked of the impending judgement and baptized people towards repentance.

John was not a weak character or a man swayed by popular opinions. He did not seek comfort, but lived a hard life in the desert. As he was the last of the prophets before the Messianic age and was the forerunner of the Messiah, he had a unique position in the Kingdom.

We, who have a clearer knowledge of the purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection, have a greater spiritual heritage and responsibility. The wicked people heard John's message and repented but the religious leaders and experts of the law rejected his counsel. They chose their own course of life. They could neither accept John who lived in the desert away from the society nor Jesus who lived among them.

Jesus spent time with sinners, spoke and lived the truth, judged people according to their hearts, not their actions. The Pharisees rationalized their inconsistencies. This kept them from changing for good. Jesus likened these people to the children playing in the streets who quarreled and criticized one another.

Do we excuse our wrong actions and inconsistent attitude and find fault with others?

Respond: Give me wisdom O Lord, what I may know more of You.

From Death To Life

Prepare: What acts of compassion could prove that Jesus is Lord to a doubting world?
Read: Luke 7:11-23

In times of sorrow and trials, God draws close to us even when we do not ask for His help. The town of Nain was a day's journey from Capernaum. As Jesus the author of life, approached the town gate, a body was being brought out. Death and Life met and at the touch of the Master, death gave up its victim. Joy and praise replaced mourning and gloom.

Triumph over tragedy: Death is the worst enemy of mankind bringing along with it sorrow and loneliness to the bereaved. The widow was mourning over the death of her only son-her only hope. The act of Jesus showed His concern for the marginalized in society. Risking defilement, He showed compassion for the widow by touching the bier (coffin). His power over death restored the young man to his mother.

Clarity over confusion: The reports John received about Jesus were confusing. Jesus did not rebuke him, but sent words of assurance. The man who preached judgement needed to know that the Messiah had come to soothe pain, turn tragedies into joy and to overcome death.

Jesus did not want people to speak ill of John because of his questioning. He paid a great tribute to John, who in the short span of time allotted to him in this world, accomplished the purpose for which he was sent.

Do our lives and deeds bear testimony to the Lord?

Respond: Lord, make me an instrument of Your Praise and Worship.

Faith In Action

For January 13, 2012

Prepare: When did I last see my faith bringing good to someone in need?
Read: Luke 7:1-10

The Centurion's concern for his servant stands as a striking challenge to today's world, where there are still bonded-labourers, mistreated subordinates and oppressed workers.

Man of Character: Living at a time when servants or slaves were considered as 'living tools', this centurion was different. He valued the servant highly and did not want him to die. He knew that Jesus alone could save him and feeling himself unworthy, he sent some Jewish elders to approach Jesus on his behalf.

The Jews hated the gentiles and this was reciprocated by the gentiles. However, in this instance, the Jewish elders were only too pleased to take the message to Jesus and they pleaded earnestly with Him. The centurion was a friend of the Jewish nation and had a synagogue built for them. Like Cornelius in the Book of Acts, this unnamed man was a God-fearing gentile. What is our attitude towards individuals who work for us and for people of other faiths? What are the ways in which we could bring them to God?

Man of Faith and Humility: His addressing Jesus as 'Lord' indicates that the centurion believed in the divine Lordship of Jesus and His power over disease. The sincerity, sensitivity, humanity, love and faith in the gentile Roman officer amazed Jesus and evoked a great testimony. Indeed the centurion had a much better understanding about Jesus, than the Jewish religious authorities.

Respond: Lord, open the eyes of my understanding that I may exercise my faith in You for the welfare of others.

Be Sure You Follow Jesus!

Prepare: Jesus closes His sermon with a warning. What should we do in order to prove that we have taken His warning seriously?
Read: Luke 6:39-49

In the art of preaching, the conclusion of the sermon is  powerfully presented so that the hearers are moved to respond to the teachings of the sermon. Jesus closes His sermon with the challenge to hearers to put His teachings into practice.

Let us follow the right: We cannot be blind to good and evil. Let us not follow any things or anyone blindly. If we follow well, we may be able to lead others in the path of  right living.

Let us be polite to accept our faults: No human leader is perfect; therefore, let us be willing to accept our faults pointed out by others. Is we do not mend our ways but are always bent on correcting others, we will be hypocrites.

Let us make use of the good within us: For the good of others- a Christian is expected to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22, 23). Let others enjoy the results of our good works.

Let us build life on God's Word: Nowadays, every kind of authority is questioned, including God's ultimate authority. People prefer to go for relative authority that suits their wants and liking. Jesus makes no compromise. (Read 21:33, Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31). If we practice His teachings, we will build a life that will last forever, even if we are faced with trials and hardships.

Respond: Make us more concerned about the way we live, O Father, that others may see that we truly follow Jesus Christ. 

Give

Prepare: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Read: Luke 6:27-38

There is a little frame on my office desk which reads, "Always give people more than they expect." It is particularly difficult to follow that when you are in a position to make decisions on employee salaries, perks and facilities.

Celebrities and common people alike are appreciated and celebrated when they make a contribution to a charity or cause. Books, which encourage people to perform random acts of kindness to complete strangers, have gone on to become best sellers. People attribute the 'other cheek' concept to modern leaders. But all these thoughts and instructions are found here in today's passage. The 'Golden Rule' in verse 31 is the central theme of this passage: "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." And then do a little more. This is the true essence of the exhortation that we have to be like Christ. God loves even the evil ones. Christ demonstrated this on the cross. It is difficult for us as humans, but we are expected to endeavour constantly towards this.

I would want to quickly make a point about v38. I recently saw a Christian's personal website that listed all special offerings and contributions made by the site owner to various organizations. But what really hit me in the face was that next to each of these contributions was a promise/blessing/material possession that he is expecting in return. We do not give a gift so we can ask for a bigger return gift. Let us not bargain with God.

Respond: Father, help me put the Golden Rule to practice. 

Short-Listing, Long-Term Gains

Prepare: I will follow Jesus and wait for my reward in heaven.
Read: Luke 6:12-26

I was standing in line at school for selections to the National Cadet Corps. The selection officer came to me, took a quick look and saying no, passed down the line. I still do not know what the selection criteria were.

We see three sets of people: 1.Those that came to hear, be healed and delivered. 2. Those who were his disciples. 3. Those who were appointed as apostles. Most people from the first group left after their needs were met, while some followed Jesus to be His disciples. Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before short-listing from His disciples, the final twelve who would be the apostles. People who had spent most of their time with Him made it to the final list. Which set would we fit in? Does our relationship with Jesus end with our needs being met?

Instant gratification is more palpable, sought after and available today than ever. Jesus' words in verses 20-26 compare to the narrative in Matthew 5. He is addressing the beatitudes to the ones who are in most need of them: the poor, the hungry and the sorrowful people who are the recipients of God's consolation. If you seek and gain comforts, public attention and acclamation in this world, then you already have received what you desire. The reward for the persecuted will be great in heaven.

Respond: I will strive to spend more time with God than on my worldly desires. 

Holy Understanding Of Holy

Prepare: I need to be practical when it comes to helping someone.
Read: Luke 6:1-11

I am always critical of doctors and paramedical staff who go on strike and refuse to treat patients during that period. These actions go against the letter of the Hippocratic oath that they took and the spirit of their profession.

The holiness of the Sabbath (Gen 2:1-3) was unchallenged in the days of Jesus. And so the Pharisees, who honoured the Sabbath scrupulously, found fault with Jesus' disciples plucking and eating ears of corn. Jesus makes a reference to 1 Samuel 21:1-7 where King David thought himself above the law. The Son of Man is the Lord (kyrios in Greek, meaning controller) of the Sabbath. The man's withered hand was not a life threatening situation, which would have been an exception to Sabbath obligations. But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of the Pharisees, went ahead with the healing on common sense grounds. Why put off for tomorrow, a good act that can be done today?

We probably make excuses, citing them as religious reasons, for not doing what is needed to help someone. We may even take refuge in some twisted or concocted explanation of religious ritual or duty to avoid helping someone. Please read what Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-46 about helping people. There is no way we can please God, while ignoring a fellow human being at the same time. Always remember that there is no wrong time to do the right thing.

Respond: Father, help me to be willing to help and serve others, at all times. 

Future, Present and Past

Prepare: Father, you are the God of the future too.
Read: Luke 5:27-39

Today is yesterday's tomorrow and tomorrow's yesterday. We can only learn from yesterday and apply the learning for a better tomorrow. All this can be done only today. Lets see why the title has the time line going the opposite direction.

Future:  Jesus follows up on what He said about forgiveness in yesterday's portion. He calls out to Levi, a much hater tax collector, to follow. Jesus did not let Levi's past interfere with the future that he could have, Forgiving someone has to follow up with acceptance and the promise of a renewed future and not take the path of avoidance.

Present: We, who have Jesus in our lives today, should rejoice. We cannot mourn about what is gone or what might not come. We should rejoice every moment in Him in the present.

Past: Our commitment to Christ cannot be a patch on our old life style. Else, we will end up messing up our entire lives like the garment. Neither can it be hidden on the inside of our existing present like new wine in an old bottle. As Jesus points out, it is difficult to accept the new when you are habituated to something else. But it would be wise to let go of the old and taste the brand new life that Jesus promises.

Respond: Jesus, knowing You will accept me, I now accept You and ask You to help me start a brand new life in You. 

Forgiveness Cures

For January 7, 2012

Prepare: Teach me to forgive
Read: Luke 5:17-26

My cousin Sheetal's facebook update for today read: "To forgive is to forget." We never truly forget when someone hurts us. I always believe that true forgiveness is letting go of your bitterness and anger in spite of remembering the wrong that was done to you.

This passage is quoted for the enterprising spirit shown us by the paralytic man's friends, but us dwell on the questioning of Jesus' authority to forgive. When the Pharisees question His authority to forgive, Jesus goes ahead and heals the paralytic to make a point. Jesus' question, "Is it easier, to say, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, rise up and walk?" is very practical. If He said the latter, then proof would be required  for the physical healing (which was given in verse 25). But how would Jesus prove that He had indeed forgiven the man of his sins? So, it definitely is easier to say "I forgive you." Not just for Jesus, but for us too.

And so, we say it many times without meaning it, because it cannot be disproved and people who hear us believe that we have indeed forgiven. But we are the ones who know if we have truly forgiven or not. We sometimes say, "How can anyone forgive such a thing?" Take a look at Jesus' words in verse 24. He forgave as - the 'Son of Man' the human part of Him. This means we can forgive too. Forgiveness can be a cure to a lot of things in your life sometimes even physical.

Respond: Father, I will forgive others as You forgive me. 

A Christian's Recharge Coupon

Prepare : Help me see the power in prayer.
Read : Luke 5:1-16

The building being constructed for a proposed casino was destroyed by a hurricane. The management filed a case against the town's church who was praying against the town's church who was praying against the business establishment. The church denied it had anything to do with the incident, The judge, amused, said, "I am now caught between a casino that believes in the power of prayer and a church that does not."

We see another day in the life of Jesus:

Teaching: Some quick thinking made possible a speaker's podium that could better manage the pressing crowds.

Miracle: As a result of simple obedience, a night of failed attempts is followed by a miraculous catch of fish that exceeded all expectations and preparations.

Appointment to ministry: Peter is given a call and promise in Jesus ministry. The fisherman and his friends abandoned all, right after the biggest catch of the lives. They were off to catch men for God.

Healing:The leper's healing is a great lesson of faith in action.

Having accomplished all this in a single day, Jesus goes off by Himself to pray. This was necessary for Him to be able to repeat tomorrow, all of today's work. If the Son of God Himself needed prayer for His ministry and daily life, how much more do we need it?

Prayer is the set of wheels on which the Christian ministry runs. Our ministry to men should be part of our relationship and time with God.

Respond: I will pray without ceasing. 

Spectacular Signs - Supernatural Savior

Prepare : The signs are just pointers to the truth.
Read : Luke 4:31-44

How much of Christian publicity material have we seen, proclaiming great miracles? Sometimes, the miracles, signs and wonders seem to be the end goal of a 'festival' or 'crusade'. And the 'performer' of miracles albeit in the name of Jesus, is the star of the show.

Today's passage is full of miracles-Deliverance from demons and healing of the sick taking place in a synagogue and a house. Many were healed, the demons acknowledged Jesus as the Holy One/Son of God. Seeing and experiencing all this, the people wanted Jesus to stay back, unlike in yesterday's passage where they sought to kill him. This kind of acceptance, demand and attention can be very alluring. But Jesus points to the end that He is working towards Preaching the kingdom of God.

It is very easy for us to be carried away by the attention that we receive when we perform a great miracle or even a simple act of kindness. This could lead to us being rooted and ministering only to the congregation or people, who having accepted us, want us to stay put and perform more. But the end is preaching the Gospel to the whole world, as Jesus said verse 43. This, He passed on to us when He gave us the Great Commission (Matt 28:19).

Respond : My Saviour, let me never forget that the greatest miracle is not physical, but spiritual.

Accepting Rejection

Prepare : There will be varied reactions to my plans. Let me be prepared.
Read : Luke 4:16-30

There is a theory that every new idea goes through three stages - Ridicule, Active Resistance and finally, Acceptance. Remember Ptolemy, Copernicus and Galileo trying to establish Helio-centricism or the theory that it was the Sun, and not Earth, which was the center of the solar system? Acceptance came long after they passed away.

The reaction to Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah was wonder and surprise. These were gracious words from an unexpected source, a carpenter not considered part of the local intelligentsia. Some were probably happy for him. We notice this in our lives too when we have a great new spiritual experience and share our testimony. Everyone is amazed, surprised and happy.

The mood and sentiments changed when Jesus implied that He was the one in whom the prophecy came true (They did not get the hint in verse 21). The congregation mus have deduced a lot of things from what Jesus spoke after. "So are you a prophet? We can't recognize a prophet? God does not think us worthy of receiving prophets?" Enough to make them want to kill Him. The reactions towards us change too when we start to go beyond the testimony and start proclaiming Jesus. "Oh so you are a Holy Joe now?"

Acceptance was neither immediate nor widespread for Jesus, and it is still the same today. It will be no different for us when we proclaim Him. Do not be discouraged.

Respond : Jesus, I pray for those who know about You but have not accepted You.  

Lights, Camera and Action

Reading For January 3, 2012


Prepare : Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Read : Luke 4:1-15

The son said, "But why can't you trust me on a simple drive up the mountain with my girlfriend?" His father, a pastor, replied, "Alone with a girl in a car, on a full moon night, in a lonely place? I would not trust myself." All men are tempted. There is no man that lives that can't be broken down, provided it is the right temptation, put in the right spot. - Henry Beecher.

Preparation : In the last two days we have decided to be resolute Christians who want to please God in everything. Reading our Bible, listening to inspirational messages and testimonies and praying is only the preparation. The real battle begins once we step out.

Practicals : Unfortunately we do not have any practice time. The tempter usually goes for our weakness. Food at the end of 40 days of fasting is a great temptation. But the real temptation was to deviate from the Father's plan. The two other temptations were equally disguised, with the first one aimed at replacing God the Father as the omnipotent ruler of the universe and the second one at testing God. Two of the temptations are provocative. Compare all three temptations with the failures of Israel during their 40 years in the wilderness (Exo. chs. 16,32,17).

And when we do successfully overcome temptation with God's Word let us not relax, for the tempter retreats only for a little while.

Respond : Father let me be rooted in and obedient to Your Word so that I can overcome temptation every time. 

I Am Pleased

Prepare : Father, open my eyes to see what pleases You.
Read : Luke 3:15-22

Last night my cousin, celebrating his birthday, treated his boss to some drinks at a bar. As a Christian, he was not very happy doing it, but said that he complied with his boss' request in order to avoid problems at work. How far do we go to please others?

Displeased : John in his preaching, listed the wrongs that were being committed. That includes Herod taking his brother's wife Herodias. Both Herod and Herodias were very displeased with the public reprimand. Herod imprisoned John to please Herodias (Mk 6:17) though he knew John to be a righteous and holy man (Mk. 6:20). The story is further detailed in Mk 6:22-28 and we read that John paid with his life for choosing to please God rather than men.

Pleased : In verse 22, we see God declaring that He is pleased with Jesus, His Son. This, I am inclined to say, encompasses everything that Jesus had done before His birth on earth, His obedience in coming to earth, His life on earth up to that point in time and His commitment to fulfill the events ahead.

Are you pleased as long as you get what you want, whatever the cost? Are you ignoring God's will and commandments to please someone else? Is God pleased with you? Do you encourage the people around you by telling them that you are pleased with their work? Do you build up your children with words of approval and encouragement?

Respond : Father help me as I strive to please You in everything. 

From New Year Resolutions To Resolute Christians

Prepare : Lord, lead us in the path of righteousness.
Read : Luke 3:1-14

"Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits" - Anonymous. Losing weight features as either #1 or #2 on the list of New Year resolutions every year. It is amusing how enthusiastically people make New Year resolutions only to forget them slowly within a few months. Do you have your resolutions ready? Pray that God should enable you to carry them through this whole year and the years to come.

Entitlement : People in Israel during John's time had become complacent in the belief that they were God's chosen people and that they were entitled to all the blessings God had promised to Abraham and his descendants. Is our belief the same about being Christians and hence entitled for salvation and heaven? Let us obey John's exhortation and repent of our sins from today.

Engagement : We realize that salvation is not by entitlement but is free to all who believe and repent. But how do we show our repentance? We should set right our engagement with God and with our neighbour. According to Matt.22:37, we should love the Lord out God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. And we should love our neighbour as ourselves. It is important that we show our love in practical ways.

Respond : Father help me, everyday, to be a resolute Christian whose life will encourage others to make a resolution to follow You. 

Luke - Introduction

Luke was a physician, probably a Greek (Colossians 4:10-11,14), the companion of Paul on some of his journeys. (Note the pronouns "We" and "Us" in Acts 16:11; 20:5; 21:1; 27:1). He wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3).

Dr. Luke wrote with the Greeks in mind and presented Jesus Christ as the perfect Son of man, the compassionate Savior (Luke 19:10). He mentions women, children and the poor often in his gospel; and joy and rejoicing are repeated many times. There is also an emphasis on prayer and on God's love for the whole world. Luke addressed both books to Theophilus ("lover of God"), a Roman believer, possibly an official, who needed grounding in the faith.

Luke's approach is simple. He records our Lord's birth and early life (chapters 1-2); His baptism and temptation (3:1-4:13); His ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:17); His ministry en-route to Jerusalem (9:18-19:27); and His final week of ministry in Jerusalem (19:28-24:53). As you read the Gospel of Luke, you will come to love the compassionate Son of man who cares for those in need and wants His message of salvation to be taken to the whole world. 

Wish Everyone A Blessed New Year...