Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Spiritual Temple


“Coming to Him as to a Living Stone,
Rejected indeed by men, but 
Chosen by God and precious,
 
You also, as Living Stones, 
Are being built up a Spiritual House, 

A Holy Priesthood, 
To offer up Spiritual Sacrifices 
Acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2:4-5‬ 

Simon was an ordinary fisherman by profession but after he was called to follow Jesus, became His disciple and joined Him in His early gospel ministry. One day when Jesus asked His disciples who He was, Simon said He was the, "Messiah, the Son of the Living God." Based on this revelation, Jesus changed the name of Simon to Peter. Jesus said, "On this rock I will build my church." Matthew 16:13-29 In an environment where everyone was looking at Jesus as a great prophet of the likes of Jeremiah, Peter called him the Messiah. If Jesus were to ask you that question in a similar situation, what would your answer have been? However it is interesting that the next story recorded by Matthew is Jesus speaking of His impending death. To which Peter said that he would never let anything deadly happen to Jesus. Jesus replies to Peter, "get behind me Satan". Why would Jesus name Peter the rock and still later call him Satan? 

How often do you think Peter thought of the time of Christ's reference to the rock? Peter had said that Jesus was the son of the living God. Thus in all likelihood Jesus referred to Peter's confession as the Messiah, as the rock on which Jesus would build the community of believers. To enshrine that moment of God's revelation to Simon on Jesus's true identity, Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter. However the meaning of the verse has been in dispute where many view St.Peter being the rock on which the early church will be built. 


In his epistle, Peter portrays Christ as the corner stone of God's Spiritual temple and each one of us are living stones (1Peter 2:4-8) . Which ties in well with the concept of Christ is the foundation of the church and we are the blocks. Thus we are described as living stones because in Christ we have a life that lasts forever (1Peter 1:23-25). It is through the enduring and unchanging Word of God that we come to hear and believe in the words of God. As Christians we are a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Each one of us are priests because we have Christ who is our mediator and chief priest through whom we have special access to God. As Christians we lay down our lives as living sacrifices to God to lead lives that glorify God. We glorify God when we sincerely love God and one another.


Peter wrote to encourage the struggling Christians to rejoice greatly whenever they faced trials of any kind. We have all been born again into a living hope of eternal life because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This hope is living because it is an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-6). Peter wanted them to see the vision of a Spiritual Building, where we are living bricks that is in the process of being built. By ourselves we are just bricks, but when we find our niche in the temple we see the larger picture. We are all being built up brick by brick into something beautiful for God. Do we see the hands of a builder at work? If you were to watch a mason at work sometimes he chips and cracks the bricks at certain places, to make it fit appropriately into the spot that it best fits. So it is with God the master builder as he shapes and builds and forms us into the perfect position where we will fit in this Spiritual building where God himself dwells and shall be glorified. Do you see the Master Builder at work? 


Peter wrote this letter to cheer up (1 Peter 5:12) the early Christians by reminding them of the grace and presence of God that is always with them. It was a time when Doors of Faith (Acts 14:27) were being opened to people all over the world. People of different ethnicities were being drawn in. However along with this growth in the church, they were suffering through frightful persecution from the Romans. According to some historians, Emperor Nero watched Rome burn while he played his fiddle. They say he hoped to get rid of 2/3rd of Rome so he could build a larger palace. We don't know this for a fact but it was a  time of decadence. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire and he would indiscriminately crucify them and feed them to the lions. 


Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it costly grace where one is called to follow Jesus Christ at the cost of ones own life. “Grace is costly because God gave his son for us” he said. Bonhoeffer himself was executed by Hitler for his faith and has been a beacon of light to the persecuted church with his life and witness from prison. The living sacrifices made by Peter and the early Christians for their faith are amazing. Many people were killed and tortured under the Roman rule. During this period in history Peter was also executed. Peter in his letter refers to, "The end being very near." (1 Peter 4:7) The Christians during that period under went intense persecution and were fervently looking forward to the second coming of Christ. This thought continues to be on the mind of many even today. My inclination is that we not be so consumed by this thought that we are unable to do our daily tasks with equal fervor. The truth is that all of us one day will pass through the valley of the shadow of death. It is not very far away, maybe soon or after a few decades. Are we prepared? 


 Peter says that our faith is being tested to make us pure and strong. Just as fire tests and purifies gold, so do persecution and suffering's fiery trials test our faith (1 Peter 1:7). It is this faith that is more precious than pure gold to God. Peter in the midst of mass persecution was encouraging fellow believers to hold fast to the words of Jesus. He was making them see what blessings they had in store if they continued to hold fast to their faith in God. He wanted them to see themselves as part of God's great plan of being part of a Spiritual temple which is made of living stones that cannot be seen by human eyes, but spiritual eyes. Peter like Paul, is asking us to look at Christ who is the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). It is through the life and suffering of Christ we have the strength to endure. We are convinced that if Christ suffered, so should we as His disciples learn from His life to endure patiently. 


 He further warns us to beware of slipping back into our old ways (1Peter 1:14). He refers to that period in our life when we had not heard the gospel message as one lived in ignorance. He encourages us to stay humble and obedient children of God. As living testimonies to His message of hope. He points out some of the areas where we trip - malice, deceit, pretence to be good, hypocrisy, jealousy and backstabbing (1 Peter 2:1). Then he goes on to describe our role in the church (1 Peter 2:9, 17). He describes our raison d'etre as God's own people, a chosen people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. He says we should love and respect everyone. He further says we should revere God and our leaders. He exemplifies a Christian life as one lived in Christian unity, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds (1Peter 3:8-9.) What does Peter mean when he says we clothe ourselves with humility toward others (1 Peter 5:5)? He emphasizes that if we have a clear mind and self control we will be able to know exactly how to pray (1 Peter 4:7-8) . He goes on to speak of the potency of love. If our zeal for our fellowbeings is ardent and sincere their faults will be drowned in our genuine love for them. 


How do you picture the church today ? Is it a fallible organization? If so why? Have you ever been hurt by the church and rejected it? How do forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration and healing affect our daily Christian lives? Who are those who are the weakest in the church today? Christ is calling us to serve the poor, homeless, mentally unstable, sick, suffering and the lost. They are the weakest in the church and the least in the world today. How much of our time do we spend with those in need? From Peter's letter we begin to see the church as a community of feeble people struggling to stay together by the power of love of Christ that is the center and dwells in us all. It is Christ the Son of the Living God who is our firm foundation, the rock on which we build our faith. 


Peter asks who can really harm us if we do good? He says even if we suffer we are blessed. Jesus said, God will bless us greatly if we were to suffer unjustly (Matthew 5:10-12). Nothing can destroy our Souls, this is what Jesus said is most dear to God (Matthew 10:28). We humble ourselves before God by casting all our cares and concerns in our life upon him. We learn to trust in him to be our Shepherd. Paul says that even if we get into squabbles with others let us do so with gentleness and respect. If we are to suffer let it be for doing good and not evil. The greatest endorsement that anyone can give to Christian living is if we can live lives worthy of our calling.(1 Peter 2:12). If we set a special place for the Living Christ in our hearts we will always be prepared to explain to people who ask us our reason for hope for the world (1 Peter 3:13-15). Peter is asking us to be shepherds of the flock not because of certain human conditions or money, but because we are willing to eagerly serve our Savior. Let us always cherish in our hearts the consciousness of the earthly life of our Chief Shepherd. The best testimony that we as Christians can give the world is lives lived according to the will of God (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Spiritual Blindness

Jesus healed a simple and ordinary blind beggar at the synagogue on Sabbath day. The Pharisees who heard of this miracle were enraged. They called him and his parents and questioned them. They wanted them to admit that Jesus was a sinner, especially since he healed on the Sabbath. This ordinary probably illiterate beggar could see beyond their intellectual reasoning. He said all I can say is I was blind but now I see. He said he believes in a God who listens to the prayers of them who worship Him and do His will. When Christ confronted Him with who He was, the blind man fell to his knees and worshipped Christ.

It was this spiritual blindness that Jesus talked about. The Pharisee who had studied the law were unable to see the hand of God working on the life of the blind man but the blind man who was healed saw Christ as the prophet/son of God. The one who had performed a miracle that no one in his life time could have offered him before. Jesus had given him a new life where he could enjoy God's creation and beauty.


The blind man was ostracize and thrown out of the synagogue for his faith in Christ. His own parents were forced to disown him in the presence of the religious fanatics. As Christians, Jesus has called us to bear one another's burdens. We are to reach out to those who have lost all hope. To those who are weary and tired we offer comfort. To those who are abused and persecuted we offer our protection. Today family violence still continues to be a problem. Despite all the awareness being created against it, individuals still continue attack women and children. How much can organizations do unless we as individuals also are willing to speak out against it. What are the chances that if we see a woman or child being subject to acts of violence that we will step out to help? Do we know what to say to them? Could Jesus have healed the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees? Was Jesus's ministry to give sight to those spirtually blind or physically blind?


Are we spiritually blind sometimes? Let us turn our backs to outward acts of piety and respectability and express our love with a heart that loves through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The only way to reach these people who suffer is to tell them about the love of Christ and through acts of kindness instill in them hope that can redeem them from this cycle of hatred and abuse. We as the body of Christ have to be the source of hope and love. Is our home an oasis of love where those who are poor and needy can come and find refuge ?

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
John 9:39

Jesus said, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Matthew 23:25-26

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:3-4

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Tried-and-True

Have you been in the company of people whose lives reflect an intense faith in God. They do not display the usual want to be types of the world. If you spend time with them, you come to experience a deep devotion for God. Their deeds towards others, their speech in just the ordinary every day things of life reflect love and compassion for fellow men. As you continue your relationship, over the years you begin to know you can trust them. You are sure they will not fail you or desert you at a time of crisis. Their enthusiasm for life radiates from within them. They display a certain peace and joy in their live despite external circumstances. Their disposition brings a sense of longing within us to experience the same.
In the case of Ruth she continued to be meek and lowly until Boaz agreed to marry her. She remained loyal and obedient to her mother in law. As Boaz and Ruth bond in their new relationship of love, they always had the laws of God keeping within the boundaries of their walk of faith.

What a wonderful way to end the story of Naomi. The poor widow who lost her sons and called herself Mara (Bitter), finds through the birth of a son to Ruth , a child she can clutch to her heart and claim as her own. Is she not reborn as Naomi (Pleasant)? Is this not abundant living even in tough time? The women blessed Naomi saying, “And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.. (Ruth 4:15,16)”

The words of Isaiah come to my mind, “ When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: (Isaiah 43:2-5)”

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Boaz

The Book of Ruth reminds us that it was a time of wars and rumors of wars, decay in moral values, idol worship, disorder, rebellion, chaos and confusion. Boaz sparks a fire into the lives of Naomi and Ruth after a gloomy life of famine, death and transition. It is here we get a peek into the lives of the remnant of Israel that continued to "walk the walk and talk the talk" of the faithful. The story of Ruth begins to take the charectestic of an oral tale that was treasured by the faithful because of Gods divine intervention and saving grace. The two poor widows see a window of opportunity through which Gods rays of hope come streaming through their spiritual darkness. Boaz was a wealthy and influential business man in Bethlehem. He shows himself to be a caring and understanding man who respects his workers. His workers show a loyalty and good judgment when they gave an opinion on Ruth and her background.

Boaz had a keen sense of business ethics and moral values. He allowed Ruth to glean off his fields. Later under the counsel of Naomi, Ruth approaches Boaz with a wedding proposal. The circumstances could have easily led to Boaz taking advantage of the situation. Boaz could have looked down on her as a poor widow. He could have seen Ruth as a burden for him. However Boaz sincerely went about trying to get things right from the start. He agreed to marry her if the legal issues regarding their marriage were sorted out. Ruth was truly blessed, as she was already getting her reward for her labor of love toward Naomi and her family. To those embroiled in the controversies of a inter-racial marriage, the union of Ruth with Boaz stands as a paragon of stories to support the same. Their chesed (faithful) lives reflect what is expected of them as children of God.

Is it not amazing that we see the godly lives that St. Paul told the Colossians to live, so well expressed in the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, garments of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:12,14).

Friday, May 13, 2005

Ruth

When Naomi returns to Canaan, it was the time of the Barley harvest. So she sends Ruth to glean of the harvest of Boaz an influential and wealthy business man. It was a custom where the poor who did not have the means to support, would do to get food for themselves. Here Ruth showed that she was not only willing to be faithful and kind to Naomi but also was hardworking and caring by going out into the fields. She continued to be a loving daughter-in-law.

When Boaz sees Ruth, he immediately takes tremendous interest in her. I wonder if she was a very beautiful lady? What was it that drew Boaz to her? The foreman said that Ruth was the young lady who came back with Naomi. It must have dawned on Boaz that she was the faithful daughter-in-law. Did Boaz see in her a woman he could trust? The foreman said she had been working hard at the field. Did Boaz see an energetic, sincere and hardworking girl who would make any man a good wife?

Boaz immediately goes to Ruth and tells her to stay in his fields and that she would get all the food she wanted. She falls at his feet and thanks him for his kindness and says that she is not worthy to be one of his workers. Does the humility and grace of this poor widow tug hard at the heart of Boaz? Does he see her wisdom and understanding of the situation she is in? Boaz praises her by saying, “The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. (Ruth2:12)”

Ruth’s humility before Boaz makes him bless her even more. Ruth humbled herself before her mother-in-law by accepting her God, now it was God’s turn to bless and lift her out of her misery. The two poor widows cast all that they had into the mighty hands of God.

St Peter says. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.. 1Peter 5:6-7”

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Mother-in-laws

Mother-in-laws are world wide painted in a bad light. Whether it is in China , India or America they are a source of much tension and unhappiness. Was it Voltaire who said “Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother in law!!.”

When one is burdened with a lot of problems and does not have any realistic support to lean on, then how does one stay encouraged? What can give us the strength to go on? Our mind is so fragile it can easily be swayed by even the small things in life. There are some who vent over small issues because they have no solution for there larger problems at hand.

The words of Ruth to Naomi continues to give strength to many who read them over and over again. "And Ruth said, In treat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goes, I will go; and where thou lodges, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou dies, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. (Ruth 1: 16-18)”

Do you see the grace of God, working through Ruth as she vows to stay by the side of Naomi until death parts them? Do you see the grace of God working through the support of an alien? Do you see the promise of God for a Messiah being fulfilled through one of the descendents of Ruth?

In their sense of hopelessness they find comfort in one another’s companionship. It is a beautiful story where in their complete loss, they continue to stand firm in their love for God and their intense desire to be in a loving and faithful relationship. As they return to the promised land, they return with the only hope that God will continue to be by their side as support and strength.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Widows Might

Have you been through a devastating experience in your life? Are there moments you feel that life is not worth living at all? Do you know someone who went through a similar experience? Have you ever wished death on yourself? You are not alone. Some of the greatest prophets have felt the same way for various reasons. Both these mighty prophets went through bouts of self pity and hatred for living itself. Yet in time they stood firm and were strengthened through God speaking to them words of comfort. Yet in the case of Naomi in the Book of Ruth, we don’t see any direct words of comfort. She seems to endure through her hardships. Persevere with no dreams or visions or revelations.

Jonah the reluctant prophet who went to spread the message of God, to the people of Nineveh, found that when God showed mercy to them when they repented, he was filled with remorse. He wanted to die. Was he more keen on their extermination than on their reformation? A very difficult prophet to understand. Another Prophet undoubtedly a major prophet was Elijah. God worked mightily through him in casting a period of draught for 3 ½ years following his prophesy for no rain. He could stand up against the whole kingdom of idol worshippers yet after causing fire to consume a water logged sacrificial mound he ran for his life and wished he were dead when the Queen issued a death warrant on him (1 Kings 19:4) .

Suppression of discouragement is a major problem. We need to express it to someone who is willing to understand and guide us wisely. The greatest source of comfort and strength is God. Through the Holy Spirit he comes to us with comfort and strength. He helps us to think through our crisis. Even Jesus on the night before He was crucified went through intense despair, and found comfort in prayer. He did did not hesitate to reveal his feelings to his disciples and ask for prayers.

Discouragement is the greatest tool that the Devil has that works on all men, rich or poor, old or young, man or woman. It is very subtle and we don’t realize it is working inside of us, until it rears its ugly head in the form of a major depression, hatred, anger…etc. We cannot really pin it down to any particular reason. It can come from following tremendous success or even after great loss.

Just like Naomi we need to have the confidence that God is there even in times of Crisis.
The greatest strength during these times is to find a good church that will help us through this crisis of hopelessness and helplessness. We need to realize the extent of the love of Christ for us and His concern to provide for all our needs. We need to reach out to those who will be able to provide us with the help we need. We need to always hope that God will provide for our needs. There may be times we fall, but through the help of the Holy Spirit we will find our way back again.

Jesus loves me this I know
For a preacher told me so
Even when I have no hope
Jesus loves me so

Jesus loves me this I know
For my teacher told me so
Even when I fall away
Jesus loves me so

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Naomi


The story of Naomi in the Book of Ruth, happens when the Judges were ruling over Israel. There was a lot of unrest in the land. People had forgotten the living God and strayed away to worship idols. As the book describes, it was a time when they did whatever they felt like doing. 

 Naomi’s family left Canaan with the hope to find a better life in Moab. From one angle it was an act of abandonment of God and His people. They were driven by their need to find food and shelter because of a famine. They had heard that Moab was a rich nation. Moving away from Canaan shows a lack of faith in God’s promise to His people that was their land flowing with milk and honey. Their sons marriage to Moabite women shows a dilution of the faith of the family with other idol worshippers. 

Naomi suffered with sores in her heart and mind. She went through similar sufferings as Job went through. In the middle of her tragic life she allowed the emptiness to fester into a bitterness that was slowly destroying her. She said she left Canaan with her whole family. But when her husband and two sons died in Moab, she is bitter, empty and hopeless. Why has this catastrophe happened to her? 

Naomi’s turning point comes when she humbles herself before God and her two daughter-in-laws Ruth and Orpah. She begs them to leave her and return to their homes in Moab. But one of them, Ruth stays on with her and is a source of great strength for her through out her life. 

“But Ruth replied, 
“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. 
Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. 
Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

Her return to Canaan was an act of returning home to her promised land and her people. In a way can it be viewed as the return of a prodigal daughter, relying on the grace of God and her people to provide for her needs? Here was Naomi so discouraged with life yet she comes to a point in her life where she decides to endure through and remains faithful to God. Would she have ever envisioned Ruth’s descendent would be King David and then even further down to our Savior of the world, Jesus?


 When we go through experiences that leaves us hopeless and helpless how do we react? Are we confident that God will work it out for us if we pray? Do we find peace with God? Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper (John 16:23), “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." We realize that even when Christ was on earth He went through many trials but overcame them by the power of God the Father who was within Him. When confronted with the most difficult of circumstances I find confidence through reading the Word and the love of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. I find strength in the Holy Spirit who helps me to pray and find fellowship with other believers. 


Jesus loves me this I know 
For the Bible tells me so 
Where ever I may go 
Jesus loves me so 

 Jesus loves me this I know 
For the Christians tell me so 
Even when I am poor and low 
Jesus loves me so

Monday, May 09, 2005

Homeless

Today I was listening to Phil Collins’ song “Another day in paradise.” It is an eye opener for how many times I have ignored a needy person on the street. (In a country like India, we have so many beggars roaming the streets, we really don’t know who is a genuine or not.) It is a song about a poor lady who has been crying with blisters on her feet and can barely walk. She looks like a person who has been moved from place to place because she doesn’t fit anywhere. She cries out to the man walking on the street. She says, “Sir, can you help me? It’s cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep.” The song goes on to say that he ignores her cry and walks on. He even pretends to be deaf. He starts to whistle and crosses the street; it almost seems like he was embarrassed to have been there. Phil Collins says in his refrain, “for you and me it’s another day in paradise!”

It is amazing how callous and indifferent I sometimes become to the needs of the poor. I find myself looking at a magazine with the most heartrending pictures of poverty and starvation and just turn the page as if I have a mind block!! There are times when I look at it and then sigh with sympathy and say a prayer for God’s continued support and strength. What have I done after the sighs and prayers?? Today the media reports about even controversies on how money are used by some NGO’s to support the fancy lifestyles of their owners. How do we hold them accountable? We need to pray for the continued work and ministry of all God’s people. When we are unable to help the greatest service we can do is to become a powerhouse of prayer for those who are out there in the mission field who are the hands and feet of the Body of Christ today. They are the ones who are out there are under great stress and even take their lives at risk.

The other day my cousin sent me a picture of an African child and a vulture. The shocking picture depicted the vulture waiting for the starving child to die. This picture supposedly won a Pulitzers award, for depicting the 1994 Sudan Famine. The photographer Kevin Carter, who took the picture was so depressed he committed suicide 3 months later. In real life aren’t some of us like vultures, waiting for the fall of some innocent person so that we can glean off or laugh at or mock at their broken life? When was the last time I spoke to a homeless person? Is there somebody out there I can reach who cries their heart out and feels that no one is listening? It is when we come to God in prayer that the Holy Spirit guides us to do God’s will. 2Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord roam through out the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are loyal to Him.” The Lord strengthens us when we pray to Him. We rest assured in the confidence that God is working and will lead us to those who are in need of our assistance.

We lead such happy and comfortable lives without realizing how fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads. To be able to read this posting, we have to have access to the internet and other luxuries. We should thank God for His blessings – God has been so good to us. When we are discouraged we find our confidence in Jesus Christ. As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. "Therefore I will look confidently to the LORD; I will wait for God to save me: my God will hear me( Micah 7:7)." We begin to pray for God to save and protect all who are in need. It is through prayer, praise and thanksgiving that we find comfort in the knowledge that God will hear and provide us with all our needs.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Miracles

I came across the other day a blog where a missionary in Africa was trying to understand when one can say that God has brought about a miracle.

From my understanding of the word, If there is complete disappearance of all the symptoms of the disease; then what would have otherwise resulted in certain death or prolonged illness could be termed as a miracle. However if the symptoms persist one will have to continue to do all that is within ones resources to care for the patient and leave that which cannot be provided for in God’s hands to care for. We can humbly be comforted by the words of encouragement that came to St.Paul from our awesome Lord and Savior, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)”

“Physician heal thyself!” Is it really possible to heal ourselves? Only one thing I am certain of, is the new life of a physical, mental, and spiritual reawakening that has come to me in the presence of God, and so shall it be whether in life or in death. Through the eyes of faith we see divine healing and through the eyes of a wise physician we see the patient's medical condition; it is in the intertwining of the two, we find faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Does that mean we are being of double mind? Certainly not! We come to God with all our fears of our limited understanding , to be submerged with that of God’s mind, so that in the end we may be of a single mind that hopes for God’s will to prevail. Jesus’s concluding prayer before the crucifixion to God was, “Not my will but thine be done.”

We need to believe that He is a miracle working God. By being humble and meek we do not try to supersede God’s will. With the help of the Holy Spirit we plead for their lives with prayers and petitions that helps to ease the pressure of our worries and clear our minds of our anxieties of the situation. We need to believe that if it is God’s will, He can do the impossible. We should never forget that Jesus loves them more than we do.

I remember after a major operation, my cousin brother went into a four organ failure. We all wanted him to live. We believed that God could heal him. We all prayed for strength and courage, especially for his wife and two school going daughters. The physicians had reduced his survival to lower than 5%. But we continued to pray that God will give my cousin the will to endure and come out of this crisis. He lived and it slowly dawned on us that what we see through the eyes of a physician is reality, but what we see through the eyes of faith is God’s omnipotent power to heal. Jesus said to his disciples and the crowd that had gathered with the boy who needed healing, "Canst thou believe, all things are possible to him that believeth? And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."( Mark 9:23-24).”

In times of doubt let us make this our prayer, “Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.”

Broken Spirit

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17) 

 Today there are millions of people who have no healthcare and are living in abject poverty. They don’t know where their next meal will come from. They are abused and live in lands torn by famine, war, disease, disasters, and debt. More than 100 million children go without primary education and are still subject to child labor. Let us pray that world organizations such as UN, UNICEF, World Vision, World Relief, Tear Fund, and others may carry out their mission for the downtrodden. Let us pray for the downtrodden that they might find the right people, resources, and above all meet Christ who makes us whole. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

1. Forgive us when we forget your people 
Wander in wicked ways 
Lord teach us to be charitable 
Pray for the downtrodden every day 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today 

 2.Those with minds double 
And the proud you cast away 
You give grace to the humble 
So your scriptures say 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today 

 3.There are many who tremble 
When they encounter disease, disaster and debt on their way 
Make them strong and gentle 
As their hearts yearn for you always 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today 

 4. Our passions and pleasures make us stumble 
Malice, envy, and hatred draw us away 
Renew us to be faithful and peaceful 
Fill our hearts with compassion we pray 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today 

 5. Laws make us quarrel 
Foolish controversies hold us in sway 
Devote our hearts to the poor and feeble 
Renew us with your Holy Spirit each day 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today 

 6. Lord have mercy on us as we struggle 
It is our broken spirit we display 
We come to you like cripples 
Make us whole we pray 

 Jesu it is your face we seek 
Heal your children today

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Sometimes of Spiritual Darkness

(Inspired by the works of St. John of the Cross) 

 1.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 
         Our thoughts are filled with remorse 
         Lose all pleasure 
         In all those things we treasure 

         Beloved on simple things dote 
         Our hearts fill with divine hope 

 2.     Sometimes in our walk 
         Burdened with guilt of impure heart 
         Fear of evil temptations 
         We begin our spiritual oscillations 

         Make us pure from all that’s wicked 
         White as snow and uncorrupted 

 3.      Sometimes in our walk 
         Overcome with spiritual wrath 
         Like a little child 
         Whose toy has been denied 

         Instill in us spiritual tolerance 
         Grant us divine patience 

 4.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 
         We forget what we have been taught 
        Look down with spiritual pride 
         On all those people we deride 

         To be gentle and humble 
         Faithful to God and all His people 

 5.      Sometimes in our walk 
         Lost in written works 
        Loss of all feelings 
         In all of our dealings 

         Not on written works and bitter discord 
         Our minds enlighten with understanding dear Lord 

 6.     Sometimes in our walk 
         We ignore all our faults 
        Indulge in spiritual gluttony 
         Prayers, penance and acts of chastity 

         Your strong words employ 
         Fill our hearts with peace and joy 

 7.     Sometimes in our walk 
         We are overcome with spiritual sloth 
        Feed off others praise 
         Our egos on a pedestal raise 

         Wash our hearts so full of dross 
         Our spiritual eye see sacrificial love on the cross 

 8.     Sometimes in our spiritual walk 
         The path is pitch dark 
        Away from the path we wander 
         We cry out loud “Heavenly Father” 

         On His chest are we comforted 
         As He leads us home our loving Shepherd

Friday, May 06, 2005

Breaking the Cycle

I remember as a child walking home after playing on the floodlit basketball court all evening. There were times when the sun had set and I had to find my way back through the darkness. The path back home was narrow and had thorn bushes on the sides. The times I found easy to pass through that path was when the moon was shinning brightly in the sky. On a moonless night I usually would be poked by one or two thorn bushes even though I knew every bush on my path back home. So it is in our lives, if we walk through our paths when everything is sunny and bright we will encounter no problems. On a moonlit night we can feed off the light from another and find our way home. But are we ready for the periods when it is pitch dark and there is no guiding light? 

 Jesus says in Mathew 12:43-45 “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” This is what Jesus said would happen to people or a generation who tried to only clean up house for a particular phase in their lives. The same evil spirit that dwelt in them would come back with more evil spirits so that they would end up in a worse state than they were before. 

 God assures us that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. As God is light, if we live in God’s presence, our lives will be filled with light. St. John the apostle says in 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

 Just removing bad company and our idols are not enough; they have to be replaced by the Spirit of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that will break this cycle in our lives. The Holy Spirit will help us to control our lives, instill in us love for God and help us find His purpose for our lives. St. Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23,25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law….If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The fruits of the spirit will fill our lives with light and there will be no room for darkness. 

 We need to look to Jesus who is our guiding light. It is He who will lead us to our heavenly home. He has set the path before us and the map has been clearly drawn. We need look to the Word of God daily for directions through reading, reflection, and prayer. It is here that we will encounter the Holy Spirit, the helper who will speak to us and strengthen us for the day. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Cycle of Spiritual Darkness

During the period of the Judges the people went through cycles in their spiritual lives. The Israelites would stay faithful to God during the period that they had a strong leader. Once the leader died they would fall away. They would rebel and disobey the laws of God. The angel of God rebuked the children of Israel saying that since they did not completely capture Canaan, the people living in their land would be like thorns in their sides and their gods would be a constant temptation for them (Judges 2:3). The same enemies they were supposed to have driven out when they conquered Canaan, became like disciplinarians for them. When they rebelled, since they had abandoned God, they would be defeated in battles and oppressed by their enemies.

The children of Israel would go through periods of prolonged darkness. When they began to suffer, they would repent of their sins. When they repented, the ever gracious and compassionate God would send them a deliverer or a raise a leader from amongst them who would free them from their oppression. During the time of the Crisis Leader they would continue to obey God and follow in the ways that were set for them. After a while they would again rebel and fall away. This cycle continued for many centuries even during the times of the Kings (Judges 3:16-19).

1. Obedience
2. Disobedience
3. Oppression and Suffering
4. Repentance
5. Deliverance

The Israelites went through phases of darkness when they completely blocked God out of their lives, when they wandered away worshipping other Gods and living lives that were not pleasing to God. Just like the Israelites do we as Christians continue to go through these cycles in our lives? Isn’t this cycle true in churches today? When a strong pastor leaves and is replaced by another, sometimes the congregation starts to back slide or starts looking elsewhere for fellowship. We as people are so dependent on the able leadership and guidance of our pastors or spiritual guides. Have you experienced temptations from old friends and places when you wander away? Why do we disobey God’s laws and end up in a state of enslavement to our sins? When do we realize the need to free us from this enslavement? How do we find deliverance? How do we free ourselves from going through this cycle all our lives?

The challenge for us as Christians is to strengthen our faith so that we can be a support to our pastors who are there to shepherd us. When there is a void in leadership it becomes incumbent on this support structure to be so strong that people continue to be nourished during the transition.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

False Teachings

The book of Judges records how the people fell away from obedience to God. Once they had settled into the good life of Canaan they quickly forgot all that God had done for them. They forgot how God had delivered them from Egypt. They forgot how they had been protected and well provided for in the wilderness. They forgot how, with the help of Joshua, they had conquered Canaan. They started to lead lives of rebellion against the living God.

With the release of the book Da Vinci Code and its phenomenal sales in over 150 countries has kept people absorbed by the holy fiction and suspense of the story line. It reduced the Christian faith to a mystic cult with a secret society and where Christ and Mary Magdalene were married and had a child. It has put the Catholic Church in a bad light. As if the Catholic Church did not have its own skeletons to contend with already, with all the abuse scandals sweeping the nation, here was another to shake the faith of the people. The book even questions whether Jesus was God. Through carefully woven fiction it tries to prove with fictitious dates and incidents that the gospel message was a fabrication of the early church fathers. For one ignorant of Christ and His gospel message this is a message cloaked in sheepskins, but inside is a very vicious wolf that is tearing the truth to shreds.

When we compare these claims and what actually happened, our strong faith can so easily brush it away as bamboozlement. In 2 Peter 1:16 St Peter says “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” This verse clearly indicates that even as early as the beginnings of the church they were under constant attack about their faith. We become disillusioned if we see our faith portrayed in a bad light as seen through the eyes of an author like Dan Brown of Da Vinci Code. Jesus said in Matthew 6:23, “But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Christ clearly said to beware of looking at faith through the eyes of an evil eye - an evil eye will plunge you into darkness.

Today the church is faced with all kinds of teaching. People are confused about what is the right thing to do. Preachers want to live alternate sexual lifestyles that are in defiance to teachings and the laws laid out clearly in the Bible. Yet they claim to be the ones being persecuted and draw lines of comparison to oppression of slaves and women. We have more than enough quotes in the Bible to infer that oppression of women and slaves is wrong. Do we see anything in the Bible that supports alternate lifestyles? Today some churches seem to be losing this battle. St. Peter in 2 Peter 2 clearly warns us of people who, ensnared by their own evil lusts and desires, wander away and draw those who are weak down along with them. They will try to twist the words of the Bible to mean something else. This will result in disaster for them and all who follow them.

When Christ died on the cross for our sins, his disciples ran away and lived in fear for their lives. But suddenly when they met the risen Lord, they left their homes and went out as witnesses all over the world. They were all martyred except for one, and throughout their lives were persecuted for their faith.

St Peter says 2 Peter 1:12 “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” It is very important for us as believers to constantly remind ourselves of what Christ did for us and encourage one another to grow in our understanding of the Word of God. We have to remember who we are. We have to remember the saving grace and mercy that was given to us as a gift. We have to remember to serve the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. St. Peter (2Peter 2:5-7) exhorts us to live with a character that emulates faith, righteousness, knowledge of God, self control, patience, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. It is when we work toward living a pure and blameless life that we are at peace with God.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

False Gods and Goddesses


The children of Israel started to serve the goddess Asherah and the god Baal and worshipped them along with their neighbors. These ceremonies often had sacred prostitution and from time to time child sacrifice. They even started to marry outside the Nation of Israel and this further diluted their faithfulness to God. Slowly but surely they began to wander away and loose faith in God. This desire to worship idols continued even during the period of 'Kings' until they went into captivity in Babylon. By the time they returned from exile they had been more or less weaned from Baal and Asherah. 

Today, do we have idols of our own that we worship? Are there any visible objects that we hold closer to us than we do God? Is there someone or something we adore excessively? How do we ensure that we stay away from worship of the powerful people who are idolized for their achievement and success today? We need to be careful that nothing, no idol, draws us away from our worship and service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 When St. Paul was in Ephesus, he confronted the businessmen who made idols for the Greek goddess Artemis. This goddess worship started in 1000 BC and was a mixture of Roman, Anatolian, and Greek values. The businessmen started a riot in the city when they found that the sales of idols were dropping. Was not the courage of St. Paul amazing? He displayed No Fear? Do we have the courage to defy the system when we see that it is heading in the wrong direction? Many people’s feelings were affected by St. Paul’s stance on the gospel message and the true and only God. Even today for some religion is run like a regular business. The priests that serve in the temples and churches to raise funds step down and compromise on their principles. 

 Corruption is often rampant in some churches where the leaders’ lifestyles are like those of the rich and famous. They lead lives that are contrary to the life that Christ led and advocated to his disciples. God today is portrayed as a God of prosperity and wealth. A God who is worshipped to heap gold in their coffers. A God who will bless them with more talents to make more wealth. Christ said emphatically in Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

 Are you so proud of your own achievements and unwilling to give God credit? Where does one draw the line and say 'this is enough for me'? When does one look at his hurting neighbor and say 'let me give you a part of my life to make yours a better one'? When does one say 'it is time I spent more time to know and understand the ways of God'? Do we hear the gospel message being praised? Or do we hear that God will save all? Has the grace of God been a means for many to continue their libertine lifestyles? Do you hear the voice of Christ calling you to come and serve him? 


 Christ talks about Spiritual Vision when he says in Matthew 6:22, The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Christ really lays out a question here – when we look at our goals are they focused on God and what He wants us to do or on what we want and what the world has as reward? Christ said that He is the Light of the World and that we should be focused on Him to guide and lead us. If we are focused on Him, the single eye (single mind) will allow the light of the world (Jesus) to flood into our hearts & minds. 

Monday, May 02, 2005

Canaan after Joshua

The last verse in Judges sums up the entire book in a nutshell, on what went on during the period after the death of Joshua. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. This is a chilling verse in the Bible when people do whatever is right in their eyes. The lack of a strong leader who the Israelites could rely on, caused the loss in the vision, mission and values of the nation. Christ is the head of our community, family and finally us. Unless we obey Him and His commandments, we start to drift, or may even start our race of evil. We are all made in the image of God. We should be led by the Holy Spirit to be known by God and to know and understand His ways. Unless we acknowledge Him as our head we will loose our spiritual direction.

Moses and Joshua were both leaders who were filled with the Spirit of God. When they were alive they had a vision of striving to be a people committed to God. Their Divine Vision came through prayer and staying in touch with God. They could lead the children of Israel through the right paths, with the help of the Holy Spirit. While they were faithful to God, He blessed them, worked miracles, and kept them under his wings. But after their time the children of Israel lost this vision for a couple of centuries. Joshua was a military genius but after taking over Canaan he did not anoint anyone to be a competent leader after his time. This lead to a rapid decline in the Israelites' spiritual lives that was later reflected in their daily lives as well. Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

While the children of Israel were with Joshua the whole nation had one common mission which was to conquer Canaan. However when they abandoned this mission, they lost the opportunity to take over Canaan completely. Once they got to Canaan, the children of Israel were so excited to finally find a whole country they could occupy they were overwhelmed. They had been deprived for so long in the wilderness, but now they found they could enjoy all the pleasures of life. Their loyalty to God and nation were divided with their own selfish goals and ambitions, and the neighboring cultures, religions, values, and traditions.

It is natural human tendency to get involved with whatever fascinates us so that we neglect God. We find that as we build up momentum with work, personal goals, and daily activities, we have no time for God. For some, after a while the virtuous life becomes a grind. St. Paul says that trying to up-hold the law only leads to death. It is very important that people grasp the Spirit of the law. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. We as Christians should pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire us to understand and to do God’s Will just as the Spirit inspired our Spiritual fathers. We as children of God should have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit who will help us in our daily lives.

Gregory of Nyssa was one of the spiritual giants of the church who lived in the fourth century. He advocated in his book “The Life of Moses”, that the word of God rather than be used for historical reflection, should be used for growth in a virtuous spiritual life. He used the lives of the people in the Bible to foster spiritual growth. He was convinced by the teachings of Paul that we are in a divine race, competing along the course of virtue, straining toward the prize of the heavenly calling. He believed in seeking the divine guidance of God, through the confines of the laws laid down in the Bible. He urged us to increase our speed in our spiritual race. He said that if we stop the race of virtue we begin the race of evil. St. Paul said we must forget what lies behind, press on to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13). Let us leave our evil past behind, and hold on to our gifts and employ them to press on to our calling to live a virtuous life.

Christ stressed on the importance of love for God and fellowbeings. It is necessary for our spiritual journeys to be focused on Christ’s teachings. When we start to love ourselves and our own selfish goals we become, separated from God and our fellow Christians. It is our calling to be known by God and to work toward emulating His image in our lives. When the children of Israel lost their love for God and his laws, the whole dynamic of their relationship with Him began to fall away. Moses' song to the children of Israel echoes in the Book of Proverbs "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.." Proverbs 7: 1,2

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Amazing Grace

Rahab a prostitute in Jericho had heard of the many miracles that God did for the children of Israel. So had all the people of the city of Jericho. Their hearts were melting with fear. Her inn was built right into the impregnable wall of the city.She provided a place to stay and certain special favors to those who lodged with her. It was the grace of God that led the Israelites to Rahab and protected them from the wrath of the King of Jericho. Rahab had taken a considerable risk by protecting the Israelite spies. She had faith in the God of the children of Israel and expressed it by hiding them in her inn. God gave her the faith to live through that pressure. There is much to be understood in the faith of Rahab.

Rahab displayed courage to house the enemies of her nation in her home. She may have got killed for her crime if she had been found out. A prostitute that ran a brothel or an inn for travelers, a totally weak and unlikely person was the one that God used to protect the Israelites. It goes to prove that God can use anybody He wills to accomplish His plans. Isn’t this a sign of great hope to the whole world? God will use anyone who is willing to trust in Him.

The Israelites led a procession around the city of Jericho hoping to bring the walls down and attack. Interesting enough the house of Rahab was on the walls of Jericho and she was unharmed. When the walls came down was it only Rahab’s wall that did not come down? The same scarlet rope that was used to let the spies escape was hung from her window to protect her from the wrath of God and the Israelites. Does the scarlet rope over her window remind us of the sacrificial blood over the doorpost of the children of Israel in Egypt? Does the blood on the door post remind us of Christ’s sacrificial blood shed for us?

Rahab displayed great faith in the living God (Hebrews 11:31). James also commends her along with Abraham as one who believed in the living God with a life that reflected it in deeds of faith (James 2:25). She had a faith that expressed “No Fear.” Thus we see that "belief and deeds" are two different sides of the same coin of faith. They have to be together for us to know, experience, or understand God. Further it was the grace of God that spared the life of Rahab and her relatives. Out of the ruins of the wall of Jericho emerged the House of Rahab unharmed. She was not one of the Israelites but was grafted in. Was this not an experience of rebirth for Rahab? To be born again into the household of God. Here was Rahab a reject in Jericho, being given the royal treatment by the children of Israel and the living God. Do you see many centuries’ later history repeats, where one of her own descendents is rejected by the world? From Rahab’s line will be born the Savior of the world. Isn’t this a sure sign of the grace of God at work?

She is later named in the “Who begat who” in the Bible. She is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ. Have you wondered why they felt it important that her name was listed? Was it to clear any doubts that might question the genealogy of Christ? She becomes the mother of Boaz, who, with Ruth another alien, links King David. Who would have imagined a reformed prostitute to be the great grandmother of King David? Who would have imagined that a woman of her reputation would ever go through such a transformation? Do you think the children of Israel would have accepted her and treated her like royalty if she had not changed her ways? Do you know how they treat women with such tendencies? How would you treat a prostitute who comes to church and wants to know more about Christ? Would you be repulsed or compassionate? Do you see members in church today who lead and advocate libertine lives?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
, so goes one of the classic hymns of the last three centuries. John Newton a godless slave trader, when he was lost in a storm and feared for his life, he cried out, “Lord have mercy upon us.” This cry had a major impact on him. Later on reflection, he wrote this hymn. He began to treat his slaves more humanly after his conversion. The day of his rebirth when he converted from an infidel and libertine to a servant of the living God was always remembered by him. He said that was the day he humbled himself and submitted his life into the hands of his lord and savior Jesus Christ. Later he became a pastor of a congregation and wrote more than 200 hymns. When I was confirmed at “The Kirk” which was built 200 years ago to serve the Scottish Community in Chennai, my parents wrote these words in my Bible that was presented to me at the ceremony, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).”

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Tearing down walls

The people of Jericho had built this impregnable wall around them yet were shivering with fright as they watched the Israelites advance on the sands crossing Jordan. The Israelites must have been filled with confidence as they advanced through the sands of Jordan. They believed in a God that made all things possible to those who believed in Him. If God could part the Jordan River, He will tear that wall down. They had heard reports of the disheartened enemy. It was really a watershed moment for the children of Israel. Joshua’s devotion to God does not stop there, after crossing Jordan all the men of Israel who had not been circumcised, were circumcised. This ceremony must have left the soldiers completely paralyzed for a few days.

Was this not a defiant act toward the enemies to come before them and to willfully make themselves weak? A painful reminder of who was in control. A suffering that they persevered through, yet which filled them with hope that God was going to win this war for them. This was the fulfillment of a promise to Abraham 600 years ago, that one day they would possess the land of Canaan. They renewed this covenant by circumcision. A ceremony that sanctified them in the eyes of God.

As I was surfing the web the other day, I came across an innovative prayer strategy that the Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of Wisconsin employed. One of their staff members challenged them to form a group that walked around their campus to bring down the spiritual walls that prevented the students from coming to Christ. It was well received and their procession attracted much attention. They were able to draw some more students to their fold. I wonder what will happen to if people of God did silent processions of prayer around strongholds of evil and corruption?

As we look into our own lives and those in our community of faith, are there walls we are building about us, willingly or unwillingly? If we do build walls, do we find ourselves walling certain people out of our lives? Do we build walls that will be broken down only after our goals are achieved? Do these walls really manage to block people out of our lives? Can we hope for a day when the entire world will be without walls?

Today I find more and more people who have built walls that keep the love of God out of their lives. They make sure that they live lives that shut God completely out. I turn the television on with fear and trembling, that something will be shown that my son shouldn't hear or see. In the news often the people who get attention is the criminal. A sexual molester or serial killer is glorified by the media as they recount his string of crimes. The madness that we are living in is invited willingly or unwillingly into the heart of our homes. We live in fear that one of these madmen is going to confront us. A runaway prisoner, runaway bride, runaway car….why are we running away from God?

God longs for us to tear down all the walls that separate man from Him. When Christ died on the cross he tore down the wall of sin that separated man from God.He opened the gates of grace for us to approach the throne of mercy. It is time to tear down the walls that separate us from Christ and let him into every area of our lives. It is time that families came together on their knees in prayer for the community and for their own families. Build walls that will keep evil out and open gates of grace that will let broken hearts and lives in to be loved and cared for.

Today we as Christians should circumcise our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:29).
John Wesley elaborated on this when he preached at St. Mary's, Oxford,
before the University, on January 1, 1733. Circumcision of heart implies humility, faith, hope, and charity. Humility, a right judgment of ourselves, cleanses our minds from those high conceits of our own perfection, from that undue opinion of our own abilities and attainments, which are the genuine fruit of a corrupted nature. This entirely cuts off that vain thought, "I am rich, and wise, and have need of nothing;" and convinces us that we are by nature wretched, and poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. That "circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter;" -- that the distinguishing mark of a true follower of Christ, of one who is in a state of acceptance with God, is not either outward circumcision, or baptism, or any other outward form, but a right state of soul, a mind and spirit renewed after the image of Him that created it.


Let us pray with St Paul for out of the glorious riches Christ Jesus may strengthen our spirits with power through his Holy Spirit in our inner being. May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith. By the grace of God may we be filled with love, peace, humility, and hope. May we grasp how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ for us and all generations forever and ever(Ephesians3:14-21).

Friday, April 29, 2005

Memorial Rock

Growing up on a campus which is nestled in a kind of a valley surrounded by hills, we have a large number of rocks strewn all over the campus. Some of these are boulders. They have probably been there for centuries. Rock solid and strong, they have been there through storms and floods, through generations. At my elementary school there is a small natural rock formation in our small play area. Out of the boulders has grown a large tree. A symbol of perseverance and courage on rocky soil. We used to call it the base. When we played catch, if we could some how make it to base, we could still stay alive until we caught our breath and were ready to run to be chased by the one who was “it.”

Memories always come back, when I walk past that rock, I think of all my friends I used play with. Such a wonderful group of guys. I met my best friend there; we continue to be very close even today. There were times even many years after we grew up, I used to like to sit on the Base and just rest for a while. I thank God for my happy childhood. It’s been more than 10 years since I saw that rock. My sister’s daughters went to that school, they played on the rock. Recently I sent an email to my sister and she says the rock is still there.

When Joshua crossed the Jordan with the children of Israel, he told one member of each tribe to take a stone from the middle of the river Jordan and make a rock formation where they camp after crossing the Jordan. He also had them place 12 stones in the middle of the river where the priests who carried the ark stood as a memorial. It was going to be memorials of them crossing the Jordan which stopped flowing for them. Even though it was a season when normally the Jordan is overflowing, by divine intervention the waters ceased to flow to let the children of Israel through. A memorial on the sands of time that could be remembered even after much water has flowed over it. It was the divine intervention of their God of Grace that the waters of Jordan stopped flowing.

There are times we have also experienced the hand of God show us the path out of an impossible situation; we have to remember and be thankful. Do you find yourself too busy with things of this world that you have no time for God? This was a moment when the children of Israel were acknowledging God when there was the fear of an impending battle on the outside and the fears of inner doubts and conflicts that manifest themselves in forces from within. It was Joshua’s way of showing the people that it was God, who could stop the flooding waters of Jordan that was going to win the victory. Their hearts needed to be filled with the same spirit that brought them strength and courage that was in Joshua and Caleb.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Shepherd

Moses when he prayed for a leader, he asked God for a shepherd for the sheep and military commander who will lead the battle. God told him to appoint Joshua. God assured Moses that Joshua had the Holy Spirit in Him (Numbers 27: 15-18). Joshua had distinguished himself as a humble servant of God, serving Moses with strength and honor in battle against Amalek and in faith when he reported that Canaan could be overcome against the report of the cowardly spies. Joshua had proved beyond a doubt that he believed in a God of grace who inspires us by the working of his Spirit in our hearts and minds to express ourselves through works of faith. Why was the role of a Shepherd critical for the children of Israel?

Canaan was a hostile nation whose culture and values were totally alien to the Israelites. If they entered, their faith would be embroiled in differences and would have found themselves in a similar predicament as they did with the Egyptians with conflicting religious values. When two different religions merge, the natural course of action is to find those values that the two have in common. This leads to the dilution of the faith of both religions. Christ said if the salt looses its saltiness, it is only good to be discarded. Thus they needed the watchful eyes of a strong spiritual leader who could guide them through the transition. God promised Joshua the land flowing with milk and honey was going to be theirs. He promised them of his presence, that he would never fail or abandon them. God encouraged them to be strong and courageous. God told them to follow the path set for them through obedience to the laws given through Moses, and to read the scriptures day and night. He assured them that they would succeed (Joshua 1:6-9). Here God was revealing to Joshua the strength and power that came from reading, listening and obeying the word of God.

Psalm 23 is the model Psalm for the role of a Good Shepherd. This is probably one of the psalms many Christians today know by heart. It has a ring of the voice of our Lord Jesus to it. We can almost sense Him softly whispering these words to our heart, except when we get a hard knock with the rod and staff. This is one of the psalms of David. It is a psalm of abundant living in green pastures. We can sense the watchful eyes of the good shepherd upon us as he leads us through the paths of righteousness. The Good Shepherd anoints our heads with His Holy Spirit and our cup salvation is overflowing. The Good Shepherd assures us of His presence in the shadow of death.

Christ said that He was the good shepherd who lay down his life for his sheep. He was the good shepherd who was the role model for all those who wanted to be shepherds for his flock. The role of a shepherd (John 10:9-15) is critical, as it is the shepherd that protects the sheep from thieves who kill and destroy. St. Paul warns us to watch out for savage wolves who will come to distort the truth and entice people away from the flock (Acts 20:17-38). They are ones that cause divisions in the church. It is this gift of discernment that must be always active in the role of a shepherd. Without this discernment it is very difficult to shepherd the flock.

Do you hear the voice of Jesus asking you if you love Him? Do you hear the voice of the Jesus asking you nourish the needs of someone you know? Have you ever denied or felt ashamed to acknowledge your faith in a loving saviour? Jesus after his resurrection met Peter by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15-19). He asked Peter three times, “do you love me?” Each time Peter said he did. Jesus told Peter feed (tend) his lambs. It was as if Jesus was going through Peter’s repentance for having denied him three times. This spiritual exercise had a major impact on Peter. Peter who retraced his steps to fishing returned to the ministry of fishing for men and feeding his sheep.Let us affirm our faith with these simple words, "Lord I love you, empower me with the Holy Spirit to strive to be a good shepherd."

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Passing the Torch

My son’s choir in church sang the song, “The Lord is my strength and my song….Sing with Moses and the people”. How many of these songs of strength continue to inspire the young and old even today? “Alleluia, Alleluia. Oh give thanks to the Lord, and praise his name forever”. He has been promised a special yellow bead at the end of the year, which he will string to his choir chain he wears around his neck if he learns this song by heart.

Moses was inspired by the Holy Spirit as he faithfully wrote the holy scriptures of the Israelites in the Pentateuch. The Pentateuch gave the Israelite’s faith definition, form and structure. In the wilderness we witnessed the birth of a nation, the start of a community of faith. The children of Israel were a people that loved and worshipped God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41). What has been the contribution of the children of Israel to the world because of their holy scriptures? It was through Moses that the Ten Commandments came into existence. The Pentateuch and Ten Commandments lay the foundation stones for the Old Testament. The Israelites had been suppressed by the Egyptians and had wandered through the wilderness for 40 years. They were ready to occupy the Land of Canaan.

Moses had been a dominating figure in the lives of Israelites and now the time had come to pass on the leadership to someone who was younger. Joshua himself must have been well into his eighties. God told Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, and to present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community and publicly to commission Joshua with the responsibility of leading the people. He told him to transfer all his authority to him so that all the people will obey Joshua. Here was Moses setting a trend for the smooth transition of effective leaders. Moses was a leader who was humble enough to set another in his place, to be led henceforth under his directions.

What does being an assistant to one of the biggest leaders and major contributor baring St. Paul in the history of the Bible for 40 years mean? How does one slip into the shoes of such a dominating figure as Moses? It is only human to compare. These are problems many new leaders face. The book of Joshua is similar to the Acts of the Apostles. Here Moses laid down the laws. Now Joshua moves on to uphold the law and keep the message alive in the future community of Israelites in Canaan.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Faithful Footprints

You cannot see faith, but you can see the footprints of the faithful. We must leave behind "faithful footprints" for others to follow. Dr. Dennis Anderson

The children of Israel really struggled with their faith. The times they found they were rewarded were when they faithfully followed the divine will of God. Looking at the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and later Moses and Joshua a common thread that links them to God is their belief in God and their trust in his divine intervention when they were in need. Joshua had spent many years under the shadow of Moses. Joshua had been extremely faithful and close aid of Moses through out the 40 years in the wilderness. He had come to know and understand the ways of God through the leadership of Moses. Moses had been able to effectively groom Joshua to succeed him.

St. Paul says that everything was written for us so that through the experiences that our spiritual fathers went through , it may encourage us to have perseverance, that leads to endurance, that leads to Hope (Romans 15:4).


Joshua had been faithful to God all his life. He was one of the two living eye witnesses of the plagues in Egypt. When 12 scouts had initially been sent to see Jericho, only Joshua and Caleb returned to say that they could conquer the land. As Joshua stood over the flowing banks of the river Jordan and saw the city of Jericho, he must have wondered what now Lord?? There were no bridges, boats, airplanes or hovercrafts to take them across. But Joshua knew that if he remained faithful to God, that He would show a way. Lois the mother of a good friend of mine laid these encouraging words in my heart,Where there is no way, God has promised to show a way.

Climbing the Ladder of Life

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