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"...you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1 : 20) Peter, in an effort to separate the prophets of God from the false prophets emphasises that Scriptural prophecy originates from God and comes to us through the prophet. True prophecy can never originate from man. It must be rooted from God and be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Most of the false prophets were and are still encouraged by the commercial and economical aspect of their prophecy. It originates from them and for their use. As they peddle their prophecies, and compromise with the truth, their condemnation and downfall will slowly catch up with them. No true prophecy can have a human origin. True prophecy is always the result of God's work and a prophet does the relaying of that prophecy to humanity. Further, the human was not just a recorder of that prophecy but an active speaker also, but the Holy Spirit inspired this speaking. A true prophet, therefore, does not say or interpret any thing to his advantage. He faithfully reproduces what he has to say, many times making his life the example of his message. Jeremiah, Isaiah adapted their lives to the content of God's message. Hosea was asked to marry a prostitute to reflect Israel's unfaithfulness. Today we are creating new doctrines, churches, teachings and creeds to suit our demanding lifestyle. Let us not become peddlers of the Scripture!
"When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement." (John 16 : 8) Jesus is preparing his disciples for his going away (death) and the fact that they will no longer see him after some time. The disciples cannot understand why Jesus is speaking to them in this manner. In their rustic lifestyle, they are searching for literal meanings in his speech and they fail to realise what he is saying. He continues to prepare them for the Holy Spirit and teaches them of his role in this world, what he would do, how he would work in the lives of the people, and how he would guide them. Notice that the Holy Spirit is actually referred to as a 'he'. Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit as the Counsellor-(vs. 7) the Parakletos -an intercessor, counselor, advocate, and comforter. In verse 13 he is referred to as the Spirit of truth who would guide others into truth. As we read this passage, specially the verse for today, is there any difference in what our understanding of the Holy Spirit is and what Jesus says of the Holy Spirit? Have we moulded the Holy Spirit into what is convenient to us and our life style? Today, it is so common to hear sermons about how the Holy Spirit heals people, that he has undergone a major change of job description! The Holy Spirit as God certainly has the right to heal, but to what extent can we forget his main values of guiding others into truth and convicting the world of guilt with regard to sin, righteousness and judgement.
"...since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3 : 17-18) As Peter ends his letter, he reminds his readers of the threat of heresy they are under. He knew that the only way to combat wrong and faulty teachings was to be on guard and wary of these teachings, grow in the knowledge of Christ, and not be misled by any one. Peter believed that both grace and knowledge were a gift from God, and were therefore to be used in safeguarding the doctrines and the right teachings. Peter experienced grace as 'the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in ones life'. In this passage he writes that it is the ignorant and the unstable (verse 16) who distort the Scriptures and mislead others. While they are doomed to destruction, Peter tells the readers to be on guard so that they also are not seduced or carried away into these wrong teachings and be doomed. Instead they are to rely on the grace and knowledge which they have received from the Christ and use it as a tool to battle these wrong teachers. In our lives, how much do we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? The word grow can also be translated as 'to enlarge'. Ever since we transferred our faith on Jesus, has our grace and knowledge increased?
"To
him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has
made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to
him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen." The Apostle John in today's passage while greeting the readers is also reminding them of their calling in Christ. His love for us is not a one time love. It is a constant love, which never diminishes the proof of which is in the fact that he 'freed us' (once and for all) from our bondage of sin by cleaning or washing us by his blood - i.e. by dying for us. Moreover the One who died for us has made us a 'kingdom' and 'priests' so that we may serve his God and Father. At the time of their persecution, John is making his readers remember that Christ still loves them, Christ is the Messiah who saved them, as Christ's chosen people (a kingdom) there is still a future and a plan for them, finally, and they are to fulfil their responsibility of being God's servants (priests). This reminder of the past, present and future of them who have placed their trust and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ applies to us even today! It is easy for us to associate ourselves to the first three aspects as given in the previous passage, but do we see ourselves fulfilling our responsibility of being the servants of God?
"…if you are the King of the Jews, save yourself."(Luke 23 : 37) Today
as we meditate on the crucifixion of Christ, let us focus on the
statement which is directed at Jesus in verse 37 - "…if you
are the King of the Jews…". The same statement was echoed by
the devil in Luke 4:1-13. Of the three 'if's' used by the devil,
two are directed at Jesus being the Son of God. In today's passage
also, we see the three final temptations being hurled at the crucified
Christ. The first - vs.35 - "… let him save himself if he
is the Christ of God": the second - vs. 37 - "…if
you are the King of the Jews, save yourself" and finally vs. 39 - "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself." Maybe Luke
wanted to impress on his readers the fact that While we know that Jesus did not succumb to any of the temptations, let us focus on the centurion's response - vs. 47- "…truly, this was a righteous man." Today, as we see Jesus resisting the final and the greatest temptation of doing the right thing for the wrong reason, what is our reaction to the drama unfolding here? Like the centurion, are we awe struck at the way the events are unfolding. Or like the crowds, who were once shouting 'crucify him', choosing him over Barabbas, do we go away beating our breasts, appalled at the intensity of our incapacity to do anything else? Or do we keep and maintain a 'decent' distance from him, in spite of what he means to us? Today, from the foot of the cross let us see where we stand?
"Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds." (Rev. 2 : 23b) I am quite amazed by a certain 21st century innovation called the 'Search Engine'. They are a blessing when you want to find out anything about anything. Even the vaguest of queries will get you the maximum information you don't really need to or would want to know! All information is merely a click away. In the same way in today's reading, we see God as a massive search engine, who knows exactly what we are thinking or doing and he will repay us accordingly. A cursory glance at the letters sent to the churches, shows a line repeated constantly -"I know your deeds". In today's reading, the Lord explicitly states that he is the one "who searches hearts and minds, and he will repay each of us according to our deeds." The Lord not only searches our hearts- (emotions), but also our minds- (thoughts). It is a wake up call for us to know that the Lord knows what our deepest thoughts are, and more importantly, we will be repaid according to what we do or think. Most of the times we take God for granted and we forget his ability to know exactly what we are thinking or doing. Our over familiarization of God leads us to take him for granted, and consequently, we begin to compromise with 'god-values' in our lives. As we begin to do this we slowly but surely begin a down hill journey in our relation with God. Can we leave our hearts and minds open to God's searching?
" So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3 : 16) The Church in Laodicea was a very well to do city in Roman times. Laodicea took great pride in its flourishing textile industry, its banking industry , medical facilities and even a medical school. There is a reference to all three in verse 18. further, the church here seems to have lost all focus and calling of being a church. It is now being accused of being 'lukewarm' - neither hot nor cold. This lukewarmness may be the result of the prosperity of the city and the church might have compromised on certain matters, hence the accusation. Anything that is lukewarm is not fit for consumption or for any further use. It either has to be reheated or thrown away. Many times as individuals, it becomes very easy for us to be lukewarm - to sit on the fence. As it favours us, we move along with the flow. In the process, we fail to voice out what should be said. We are happy because we are in a safe place. But in doing so, we begin to compromise the right for the wrong. When we look up to Jesus and to his disciples, we realise that none of them were fence sitters or lukewarm. What they had to say they said it aloud, even when it went against them.
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!"(Rev. 5 : 12) If we try to visualize the proceedings in Chapter 5, we will no doubt end up with a very picturesque account of the proceedings. John, in this vision is anguished because there is no one to open the scroll. One of the elders tells him to stop weeping because the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David is going to open the seven seals of the scroll. John looks and instead of seeing the lion he sees a Lamb which was slain. At what point does the lion turn into the Lamb we do not know, but the change does take place. It is also interesting to note that the slain Lamb is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom strength, honour, glory and praise. The whole reading praises the slain Lamb. Verses 9 - 10 explicitly state that the Lamb is worthy of all this because it was slain! In our lives, the lion has always stood for power, might, authority, ferociousness, hunting abilities and so on, whereas the Lamb is always seen as a weak, fickle, lost, quiet, needing protection and guidance and meek! But here, the Lamb becomes the victorious one. What role models do we choose? Who doesn't want to be like a lion successful, roaring, proud, strong and mighty? But here it is the lion who gives way to the slain lamb. The world teaches us that self preservation and the power of might ultimately conquers the world, but the Lamb shows us that it is in the humble qualities that we actually win over the world!
"I in them and thou in me that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me" (John 17:23) (RSV). As Jesus prays, his mind rushing through the many things he would like to include, he chooses to focus on the unity of the followers he would be leaving behind. Maybe Jesus knew that there would be a dire need for unity to exist within his followers, and that's why he prays. Jesus prays that 'they may become perfectly one'. Other versions translate this as 'complete unity' (NIV), 'completely one' (Good News), 'perfected into one' (ASV). Even the unity is to be perfect, just as God is perfect. Jesus is not praying for a half baked unity, but one which is perfect in every way. Jesus is concerned about the unity his followers would show to others. Jesus is insistent about a 'complete' 'perfect' and a total unity, because based on this unity would hang the Father's relationship with the Son and the Son's relationship with his followers. Transcending all barriers of time and space, Jesus prays not only for his followers but also for them that are yet to believe in him - verse 20. Today as we look around our "Christendom" we see so many different churches, sects, fellowships, groups. Most of these bodies work independently, oblivious of the presence of the other. As we reflect on verse 23, was Jesus' prayer too idealistic or have we gone wrong somewhere along the way?
"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me."(John 12:26) In this passage, some Greeks come to worship at the temple. It was a normal practice for some who be attracted to the idea of worshipping One God as opposed to worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They came to Philip and Andrew (probably attracted by their Greek names - Philippos and Andreas) with a request to meet Jesus. While the content of their talk is not recorded, it is however important that these Greeks came to meet Jesus, because as Jesus is approaching his time of death, it is symbolic of the fact that Jesus will at the time of his death 'draw all people to him' In verse 26, Jesus lays down the rule which his followers are to follow. Servanthood is always characterised by obedience. Jesus might have addressed the Greeks that they too may hope to gain the larger life only by losing the smaller. The life of worldly satisfaction and advantage must give way to the life of self-sacrifice, by following him. Those who want to follow Jesus must also become his servant and follow him. Finally, the Father will honour the Son's servant. Andrew, the patron of the churches of the East was called the Protokletos- the first called. He was eventually crucified upside down on an X shaped cross. Prayer : Lord and Master, make me obedient so that I may serve you better. Amen.
"Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God with the seal on their foreheads." (Rev. 7:3) Before any thing comes to an end God always gives signs in order to protect His people. God through His angels has promised to protect His children by putting a seal on their forehead. It's like hard work done by the missionaries in the past enable us to serve the Lord more faithfully today and for the generations to come. Today we are reminded of John Wilson, a Scottish missionary (1804-1875) who made a significant contribution in the study of Indian languages and literature, and preaching of the gospel. He was Vice-Chancellor of Bombay University and also President of the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. But there are times when we fail to discipline our moral and ethical standard of our life. Such as the dreaded disease HIV/AIDS which has killed more than 25 million people. In 1988, on 1st December the first case of HIV/AID case was identified. Since then Red Ribbon has become a global sign of solidarity which enables us to fight the battle till the whole mankind is liberated from this dreaded disease. Therefore
today's passage reminds us when ever signs are given to
us by God we should take heed. Never take God's promises for
"Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25 : 13). Yesterday we were reminded not to take God's promises for granted. But today's passage reminds us that even after showing signs some people do not take heed to God's promises. A bridegroom wants to take back His bride at an unknown time. Many are not prepared, yet want to be with the Lord. But the Lord has closed the door for them. Many today are willing to give their time, talent, energy. However, their personal lives are full of carnal sins. Some one has said, Because of sin man has taken out the deity out of a religion, the supernatural out of Christianity, ethics out of business, God out of education, and fidelity out of marriage." Philip Bailey, 19th century poet said, "The first and worst of all fraud is to cheat one self. All sin is easy after that." So let's be prepared by spending time with the Lord, reading the scriptures daily, praying, and casting our sins daily on Him. Let us focus on our lives afresh today through Jesus, as a reminder has come to us "Keep awake" vs.13.
"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thess. 1: 9). Paul in his second missionary journey wrote this epistle to the Jews and gentiles. He encourages them to persevere despite persecution. Paul identified three characteristic of these Christians. Firstly, they have turned to Christ in faith. Secondly, they had served Christ with Love. Thirdly, they bore patiently persecution by keeping hope in Christ Jesus. The people received the gospel message even if it cost them persecution and suffering. It was a joy for Paul as hard labor yielded spiritual growth of the people. So also, today when we remember the life of Francis Xavier, who like Paul preached the gospel with tireless energy and with great power. He visited the prisons and the hospitals, conducted worship services among the lepers, and walked the streets ringing the bell to call the children for religious instruction. This shows his hard labor is not in vain. On his return journey from China, he was stricken with fever and died on 3rd December, 1552. We also consider today the International Day of Disabled People where more than half a billion persons are disabled as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment and no matter which part of the world they are in, their lives are often limited by physical or social barriers. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." A strong moral and spiritual commitment and participation needed by the churches to equalize the opportunities of disabled persons in our community. Do the best you can. Be the best you can. "Well done, good and faithful servant" is all that matter (Matt. 25:21).
"On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel" (1 Thess. 2:4). Paul reminds us today through this passage how the gospel has come to people and how they received it, no matter how great persecution people faced in receiving Christ. Paul presented the Gospel an intelligent manner, i.e. reasoned with people out of the scripture. He spoke very boldly, thought Paul faced conflict internally but spoke the Gospel freely. He taught the truth, with no deceit, no fraudulent. Paul was not a man pleaser, but wanted to please God. He had no selfish motives or used flattery words nor a cloak of covetousness. Paul did not serve the Lord to gain financial help or become a burden on people for financial help during his ministry. One wonders how much gospel is being hindered today by those who for financial gains serve the Lord and are unwilling to follow Paul's example. Paul set an example of gentleness like a nurse. That is why when Paul preached for three Sabbath in Thessalonica Church came into being. Therefore let's set an example in thought, word and deed to present the gospel of God out of the scriptures. Let no guile be found in our mouth when we share the gospel to others.
"We send Timothy who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ" (1 Thess. 3:2). Today
the passage shows that Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica to help
his new found believers who are suffering due to persecution. By the
time Paul, Silas and Timothy reached Athens, they decided to send
Timothy to Thessalonica to encourage their faith in Jesus Christ and
not to get discouraged due to persecution. It is a normal experience
as a believer in Christ Jesus. As Matt 5: 11-12 reminds us of Jesus'
words that people will hate them, even try to put to death. But
rejoice because they did this to Him first. Timothy immediately
informed Paul that in the midst of persecution the Church in
Thessalonica remained faithful to Lord Jesus Christ. When Timothy
joined Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:1) he reported that the Church in
Thessalonica long to see Paul again. All sharing between Timothy and
Paul shows their net work was voluntarily with sincerity and
obedience. Today we celebrate International Day of Volunteers (IDV) to
appreciate the power of volunteerism in its many forms and the ways to
support. We are called voluntarily to serve the Lord like Timothy and
Paul to proclaim the Gospel in the midst of persecution and suffering
of people due to poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental
degradation and discrimination against women. Like Paul we have this hope that one day all obstacles our way will be removed Prayer: Lord, help us as we serve you voluntarily that we remain faithful, responsible stewards and accountable to you. Amen.
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