|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
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 22nd
From weakness to strength…
Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent,
neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.
I am slow of speech and tongue." –
Exodus 4:10
|
| |
| |
Sooner readers of the Bible come to grips with the fact that it is not an oversimplified,
unrealistic Book, the better it is for them, for it is not arranged interview style
with one-line questions on deep issues’ of life directed at God followed by two-paragraph
answers from Him, on the same. The deep paradoxes of life and existence can’t be neatly
wrapped-up like that. Instead, God tells us what we need to know for successful living
through a variety of formats: people-stories (as a case in point, let’s reflect on the
self - perceived weaknesses’ of Moses), direct messages or prophecies & most clearly of all,
the Earth-visit of Jesus. Whatever the style, it has an undeniable ring of truth about it.
|
| |
In our study of the journey of the emancipated Jews from the Egyptian
bondage to the Promised Land, as stated above, hitting the rewind button,
let’s go back and examine the call of Moses’ - one of the crucial moments in the
history of the Jews- for on his call and his response thereafter, hinged their
liberation from oppressive Egyptian slavery. Moses, would hardly fit the description
of ‘a self-starter’ –a genre, so coveted by the corporate world, now-a days, for more
often than not, in this breed are winners- for he had several doubts up his shepherd
sleeve on undertaking the awesome responsibility of being ‘spokesman of God’ before
the cruel Pharaoh. One of the excuses, doled out by Moses to God, to back out of the
responsibities that were awaiting him, was that he was a born stammerer
(slow of speech) & hence hardly adequate for the Job profile laid out before him.
However, God –the great enabler- was in no mood to oblige
(Exodus 4:11-12) &
soon Moses was on the way to Egypt to plead his people’s case before Pharaoh.
|
| |
| |
Now consider the excuse doled out by Moses in the light of this re-assuring scripture portion
which reads thus ‘whose weakness was turned to strength’
(Hebrews 11:34) &
ponder awhile on the fifth Book of the Bible namely Deuteronomy. Why Deuteronomy?
Because, in this Book is recorded the longest ever speech given by a man in all of
the Bible & who gave that speech? Incidentally it was his farewell speech! MOSES!
Yes, that same stammerer MOSES! Who brought about such a change in his ability to speak?
OH WHY, OH WHY, do we doubt the capacity of our GREATEST GOD to make us rise to any occasion?
|
| |
| |
In these days’ when ‘Before and After’ ads abound speaking loftily about the
abilities of certain professionals to bring a turn-around in the physical, emotional
or financial fortunes of individuals, do we with zeal proclaim the abilities of the ONE
AND ONLY ONE, who can bring about a turn-around in the eternal destiny of an individual?
|
| |
| |
Prayer:
Father, through so many examples of the Bible, You keep reminding us of Your faithfulness,
especially when we are weak. Next time, whenever we feel inadequate, enable us to remember
the example of Moses & be encouraged in our faith in order we speak forth boldly for Thee.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
|
| |
| |
Back
Next......
|
|
|
|
|
