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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.
As the month of December coincides with the Christmas season, in this month I intend to
dwell exclusively on all the topics revolving around Christmas using the visit of the
Wise man described in Matthew 2 as the base.
Let me wish you a happy and an edifying read… oh yes-MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF US!
Suresh Manoharan
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December 21st
A Badge of honour
“ For many are invited, but few are chosen." -
Matt 22:14
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Yesterday, while dwelling on the subject of full-time service as a
part of our study of the visit of the Magi and their gift of Myrrh to
the Christ child (Matt 2:11)
in the context of the larger Christmas story,
we had concluded our meditations by turning the spotlight on the above-captioned scripture portion.
I intend to take-up purposely the study of the same with a view to cheer-up men of my ilk
(I am a full-timer myself) who are often prone to discouragement whilst weathering several storms,
which would come their way, even as they persevere to remain sincere to their call.
First and foremost, in the midst of rough weather of financial or social nature which other
Christians engaged in secular profession may not face, the truth that ought to simply encourage
full-timers is that God had counted them worthy to be entrusted with a responsibility of being his
spokesman (Jer 1:5).
While salvation is a free gift to all Christians, not all of them have been
given this exclusive responsibility of sharing the gospel with the world or nurturing and strengthening
God’s flock in faith (John 21:15-18).
While the laity too have a responsibility of their own
(refer my daily devo dated 17th Dec), their accountability is line with their
call which is not exclusive in the spiritual realm as that of the full-timers.
Often meditations on the above captioned scripture portion have been one-dimensional, with the focus
being only on salvation. While, it is indeed true that God had set all Christians apart for salvation
(Rom 8:29/
Eph 1:4-5)
even before they were born, it is equally true that amongst them, He in His
sovereign wisdom had set apart some for full-time work too. Perceiving this responsibility as a
special badge of honor, the full-timers are desired by Him to go about fulfilling their call with
all the diligence they can muster (II Cor 5:4-10).
A peep into the subject of being pre-destined
or chosen for salvation would lead us to a dicey subject. What about others, who were not chosen,
as we call it, are they condemned to hell? On matters beyond finite human comprehension, let’s
simply trust God for his fairness and wisdom and leave it at that
(Isa 55:9).
Tomorrow, let’s focus on the God ordained dichotomy of clergy (full timers) and laity that
exists in the Church. Why this dichotomy in the first place? What purpose does it serve?
Prayer:
Father, in thy sovereign wisdom, thou hast created not only people but systems in order we
live supporting each other. We praise thee for thy infinite wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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