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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.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey in the previous month, now in the month
of Febraury, I intend to focus on a monumental piece of Jewish history….the
Conquest of Canaan, with its particular relevance to modern day breed of
Christian spiritual warriors.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
February 2nd
Not our ability but our availability
However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp.
They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit
also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses,
"Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."
Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said,
"Moses, my lord, stop them!"
But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's
people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" –
Numbers 11:26-29
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In our meditation as a part of the wider study
of the Conquest of Canaan, we had focused yesterday on the calm disposition
of Joshua when a staggering challenge of leading the Conquest unexpectedly came his way.
While, some laudable traits of Joshua had come to the fore
(Exodus 17:8-13/
Numbers 14:5-9)
even before his elevation as Moses’ successor, it would also be worthwhile to ponder on
the question - was Joshua perfect all the way before the D-day
(Numbers 27:15-20) actually
came in his life –in order we arrive at an answer to the bigger question…Does God use
imperfect people also for His works?
The answers for two questions-smaller and bigger one- are NO and YES, respectively!
Joshua was not a perfect individual as the above captioned scripture bears out,
losing a battle, as it were, to an inner enemy (jealousy), which had been instrumental
in a certain Cain being eventually bestowed with the dubious distinction…the first
murderer in the history of mankind
(Genesis 4:2-8). To his credit, it must be said
like all of God’s great servants, after a temporary fall to a strong inner enemy, Joshua recovered,
displaying outstanding faith in the face of adversity, later
(Numbers 14:5-9).
God’ realm of service, more than the ability, it is the availability which counts.
Except Jesus, no one who has been born of a woman has been perfect but God has
historically used all those mightily, who have humbly submitted themselves into God’s hands.
If the sight of a Wheelchair Marathoner inspires us, then what about those who are
completely paralysed neck-down, like the indomitable Christian Joni Eareckson Tada,
who became a quadriplegic in her teens, following a swimming accident. Following a
period of depression, when she wallowed in self-pity, she humbly submitted herself
in God’s hands, who subsequently has used her powerfully all over the world to bring
cheer and encouragement to people suffering in the same condition, like her.
And wonder of wonders, she supports herself financially by drawing exquisite pictures
holding the paintbrush with her mouth!
Oh, how true, ‘Christianity is not our responsibility but rather it is our
response to His ability’
(John 15:5).
Prayer:
Father, despite of the many rough edges in our character, You still so graciously use us for the
furtherance of Thy Kingdom in this world. We praise and thank thee for that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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