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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature.
Not only those Devos' which have a different theme everyday but also the ones
which revolve around a certain theme over a period of time, say a fortnight have
richly edified me. In fact, both styles have their own inherent advantages.
If the former style caters to the varying spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day,
the latter aims 'to ground' a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full
benefits of the deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the styles'
whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different facets of it which admittedly
is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style than the 'Varying topics' one.
For starters in the first month of January I would be dwelling on the theme of the
"Christian Journey", with the material being arranged in a Book-like format under which the pages
would be opened ( i,e..displayed on-line) on each succeeding day.
So here's wishing you a happy & an edifying read....
Suresh Manoharan
January 13th
The Shepherd's responsibility
" But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me
out of the book you have written." -Exodus 32:32
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Whilst dwelling on the similarities betwixt the emancipated Jews (from slavery in Egypt) & the Christians,
we pondered yesterday on the importance of submissive spirit especially amongst the laity. Then
what about the clergy, what is the kind of disposition, they ought to have?
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If we were to toe the line of Moses, the God-ordained Shepherd of the people of Israel, then it would
follow that the clergy, ought to love their flock more than even their own salvation. Just reflect on
the passionate plea of Moses in the captioned scripture portion above & ponder on its ramifications.
When the emancipated Jews had gone astray
(Exodus 32:1-10) & the wrath of God was about to catch-up
on them, there stood Moses, as it were, like a wall between God's judgment & the sinful Israelites,
interceding for them fervently, putting in the process, his own salvation... yes even his own
salvation, at stake for the remission of their sins.
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Honestly, can the clergy (I am one of them) in the church today, identify themselves with Moses
& show their love for God by taking fervent care of His flock. Here, it is also worthwhile to
note Jesus' commission to Peter in
John 21:16, who was required to demonstrate all his love
for his Master, by taking loving care of his Master's flock. Is it not our
(the modern-day clergy) commission, too?
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Prayer:
Father, put that strong self-sacrificing 'Agape' love in my heart for Thy flock, whereby
I would go to any extent in order to provide for its needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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