Sunday Sermonettes | God Will Guide You
Google Maps help us navigate to our desired destination. Likewise life is a bigger journey. And there are moments when we feel the need for a guide. And God is interested in guiding you, his child.
You, Your Personal Relationship with God and Guidance
God guides you because of your personal relationship with him. You are no stranger, but his child. And like a loving father or a caring mother, he loves to help you move forward in life. The key to know his guidance is to stay connected with him through faith in the blood of Jesus. Then God will guide you personally like a shepherd takes care of his sheep calling you by name.
Ask God to Guide You
God guides you because you seek his help to make decisions. See, God has the bigger picture in mind. He sees what you cannot see. And he does have a plan and purpose for your life. So it is best to ask God for wisdom to live a life that pleases him. And when you are willing to obey God he is glad to guide you.
The Bible Is Your Primary Source of God’s Guidance
God guides you through his Word, the Bible in a general sense. When you spend time reading God’s Word with a willingness to obey what it says, you travel the journey of life within safety guidelines.
For example, the Bible teaches that we have to put God first in our life and love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. But when you substitute the first place in your heart with someone else, or money, or fame, or power, or any other thing it prevents God’s guidance to reach you.
So the more you are willing to think on and meditate on God’s Word and delight in it, you will have success in understanding God’s guidance.
God Guides You Through Those Who Walk with Him
God guides you through collective wisdom. Often people who have walked with God many years can see what you fail to see. Their relationship to God is often filled with experiences of his faithfulness, compassion, wisdom, and mercy which helped them in their difficult situations. God can therefore guide you through such people. But you should always find out whether what they counsel does not contradict what the Bible says.
God the Holy Spirit Guides You
God also gives you his Holy Spirit. He is God himself who knows the will of God and what is best in our lives. As we allow the Holy Spirit to take more and more control of our lives he will guide us with wisdom. He will be a guide and cousellor to you. He will never contradict what the Bible affirms as truth.
God Can Guide You Through Circumstances
God also guides you through circumstances. Often he puts us in situations where we get a sense of peace that defies logic. The peace of God that fills our heart is a sure indicator that God is guiding us. Know that it is God who opens doors and closes them for those who rely on his guidance.
God Guides You Even in the Dark
God is interested in guiding you continually. Though there are times we do not sense his guidance and we feel perplexed like a lost child not knowing what to do, God is still in control of everything. He guides you even when it is dark like the PAPI lights that guide airplanes to land safely.
He never hides from his child longer than needed. Such hiding might be to teach valuable lessons to you like trusting more in him and increasing your faith which can be taught by no other way. .
Guidance One Step at a Time
So ask God to guide you continually. Let him light up the path ahead for you one step at a time. Yes, that is important. He won’t show the the blueprint of your life in full in one look. Instead, it will be a guidance step by step so that your reliance and trust and dependence will be on God all the time.
God’s Sure Guidance in the Midst of Voices
There are lot of voices in the world today. Starting with what you see and hear on the social media, the news, the marketplace, your family and friends, neigbours and enemies, politicians and marketing agencies, false prophets and teachers; the list is almost endless. It is most important to discern the voice of God in the midst of all this mix of sounds of voices in the world.
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Featured image: Photo by Nguyen Hung on Pexels
Sunday Sermonettes: “Why Are You Crying?”
Sunday Sermonettes #035
God Cares for You
The risen Jesus asked Mary Magdalene: “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are seeking?” It shows that the Risen Lord Jesus has the same compassion as he had when he walked on earth as a human being. He is still even now concerned about you. He sees your tears. Yes, there is someone who sees your tears.
Jesus is asking you today, “Why are you crying?” God sees your pain. He promises his presence and strength. You situation might be looking hopeless and beyond repair. Yet Jesus will not leave you alone. He will walk with you through those lonely roads.
God says, “I am concerned for you and will look on you with favour.” The problem of pain is that each one of us feels that there is no one who cares, no one who understands, no one to stand with us. See, even our best friends and closest family members cannot fully carry our burden. But God can and will. The starting point is the question, “Why are you crying?”
Mary thinks that Jesus is the gardener and asks him to tell where he has taken the body of Jesus. In reply, Jesus called her, “Mary.” It was a moment of recognition. The same voice. The same tenderness. The same compassion. She cried out, “Rabboni,” which means Teacher.
Your Love for God Will Be Rewarded
The second question to Mary was: “Who is it you are seeking?” She had come to anoint the dead body of Jesus with spices and perfumes as the cultural custom of those days. But she failed to realize that Jesus is risen and was standing right before her.
Let us remember that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a living ever-present reality with us. He can walk in even when we have locked ourselves behind closed doors and hiding in fear. You can enjoy his presence and peace through the Spirit of God whom he has poured out into our hearts.
Mary was at the tomb early in the morning because of her love and devotion to Jesus. Therefore Jesus met with her and gave her the ever-gladdening news that he is alive forever. God in human flesh who bled and died; now risen from the dead. What good news! You too can have the joy of the resurrection in your hearts if you know the answer to “Who is it you are seeking?”
Then like Mary, you too can share the good news, “I have seen the Lord.” She came crying. She saw an empty tomb. And the risen Jesus.
So also for you. God has heard your prayers and seen your tears. He will meet you in a very personal way as he called Mary’s name with great compassion.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV Bible
Sunday Sermonettes: When the Last Chapter Ends Life Begins
Sunday Sermonettes #034
The End
Have you ever watched a thrilling movie and missed to see the climax at the end? Have you ever read a touching novel only to discover that the author had left the last chapter of the story unwritten?
Beginnings are good but it is the end what matters most. For each one of us the end will come. Death is that reality each one of us will face.
But if death be the end of all, then surely life has not much meaning. We are then just pawns on the chess board someone is moving at his will and pleasure.
The Gift
See, the last chapter in the life of each one of us is death. It is this reality that should make us think. We cannot worry about it and keep it away. It will come at a time none of us can foresee.
The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 ESV Bible).
Wages is what is deserved. And death is what we earn because we sin against God. There is no goodness in any one of us that can earn us an exemption from death.
Then there is the gift. That gift is given free of cost. That gift is a sacrifice of love paid in the blood of Jesus on the cross. Nothing more is needed for your salvation. But the simple faith in him who died to take away your punishment.
The Hope
If Good Friday was the end then we would have no hope. But Easter came on Sunday morning. Jesus rose from the dead.
Look at the reactions of his disciples: They found it difficult to believe. They were filled with fear. But joy also. Some worshipped him while others doubted. It took some time for them to really believe that Jesus is indeed alive.
Like Jesus, your last chapter can be different too. If you believe in him, the risen life of Jesus will flow into your life as well.
God who raised Jesus from the dead with extraordinary display of his mighty strength and power will give life to your dead bodies and raise you up to be with him for ever.
The blood of the cross of Jesus is sufficient to wipe your past clean and his risen life is the sure hope for your future with him. May the Spirit of God make your heart overflow with this hope with his great might and power.
Sunday Sermonettes | Jesus the King: Is He Yours?
Sunday Sermonettes #033
Jesus is king.
When he was born, wise men saw his star and came from the east to worship him and present him with gifts. They knew that he was born king.
After he had performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two small fish, the people tried to make him king by force. He withdrew from them.
For his kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. And his rule was not to be established by armies and show of power.
Instead at the appointed time and prophetic hour he chose to ride to Jerusalem on a donkey signifying a peaceful conquest of hearts. We call that Palm Sunday.
The people hailed him as king with joyful shouts of “Hosanna.” But he knew that in a few days’ time the same crowds would cry out, “Crucify him.”
Yet he rode to Jerusalem with people waving palm branches and children shouting accepting the truth that he is king the expected Messiah or Saviour or Deliverer or the Anointed One.
Even Pilate the Roman Governor while he was questioning Jesus during the trial exclaimed, “You are a king, then!” The answer was Yes. But Pilate did not understand that Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world.
And when Jesus died on the cross Pilate had an inscription above him which said Jesus was king.
The simple question is will you accept him as king who was crowned with thorns and bled to die on the cross for you?
This king is asking in all humilty, “Do you truly love me?” If the answer is”Yes,” you have crowned him king in your heart. And love for him enables you to obey his commands.
And he will reign. Lord God Almighty. Forever. Hallelujah. For he is King of kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
–Featured image courtesy: Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pexels
Have Mercy on Me O God According to Your Unfailing Love
Sunday Sermonettes #032
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” This is how the well-known prayer of King David starts in Psalm 51. He is confessing and repenting of his sins in this prayer.
Three Players
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” There are three players here.
One, is me. Someone who is a sinner. Someone who is in need of God’s mercy.
Second, there is God. He alone can show mercy.
Three, there is “hesed,” the Hebrew word which is translated variously as unfailing love, steadfast love and lovingkindness. This word cannot be fully translated as it talks about the richness of God’s love which talks about God’s loyalty towards his people even when they have failed. He keeps his side of his promise to love his people and you as an individual. And he is faithful.
2 Unchanging and 1 Changing
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” Again, in this prayer there are 2 that doesn’t change and 1 that changes always. You and I change. But God and his unfailing love (hesed) does not change.
There is no need to guess. You and I know how quickly we keep changing. And we keep falling. Therefore mercy is needed.
There is no need to look at our goodness. It won’t ever measure up to God’s standards of holiness. So we are in need of God’s mercy.
Come to God
“Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.” Yes, come to God with the burden of your sins; the shame of them and feelings of guilt. He is willing to forgive and cleanse you from all your sins. The blood of Jesus on the cross will do that for you. What a joy it is to be forgiven.
If this is your prayer from.a broken heart, God will listen and answer.
Mercy is something none of us deserve or can claim. And only God can show mercy. We cannot earn it in any way.
Only a realization of our sinfulness in God’s sight will move us to pray like this.
If our hearts are hardened like clay in the sun we will turn a deaf ear to the Spirit of God showing us our sins.
But if our hearts are sensitive, it can melt like wax and yield to the Spirit of God’s penetrative light revealing our hidden motives and actions based on pride.
Pray
So let us pray: “Have mercy on me O God according to your unfailing love.”
Like David, let us hold to God’s steadfast love, unfailing love or lovingkindness. It won’t let go of you even when you have sinned and rebelled against God. It won’t let you go even when you have failed.
God’s hesed or unfailing love will give you yet another chance to repent, turn away from evil, be forgiven, and have a brand new beginning in life once again.
David is pinning his hope for forgiveness entirely and fully and completely on God’s hesed towards him. It is God’s mercy alone not our goodness. So let us put our hope entirely on God’s unfailing love. He will show you mercy today and now.
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Johannes Plenio
Sunday Sermonettes | 7 Secrets of How To Be Friends with God
Sunday Sermonettes #031
Who is your best friend? Surely good moments you had together and memories might flood your mind even as you think of him or her. What if Jesus is your best friend. It is possible. For Jesus told his disciples, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15).
#1. Love
The first thing about friendship is love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). When he bled on the cross he showed the full extent of his love for all he called friends. And those stretched out hands on the cross is welcoming you to be friends with him.
#2. No Secrets
The second thing about friendship is that there are no secrets between friends. Jesus said, “I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:15). Jesus took time to be with his disciples telling them about the kingdom of heaven and what the future is going to be. You too can have intimate friendship with Jesus. Tell him everything—your good and shameful thoughts, your worries and anxieties, and your desires, both good and bad. This habit will bring you closer to Jesus.
#3. No Barriers
The third thing about friendship is that there are no barriers separating friends. When it comes to friendship with God; the separation comes only because of sin. God forgives all your sins through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. You need to turn away from what is not pleasing to God and ask him to cleanse you through his blood. Then the dividing wall will come down and there can be continual friendship with God.
#4. Quality Time Together
The fourth thing about friendship is that friends invest time to build the relationship. Friendship grows over time. It happens through a lot of conversations, sharing, and caring for each other. Sometimes we neglect this principle when it comes to God. Do you give him quality time? The kind of time you spend with God and the time you spend on social media: Which is more important to you?
#5. Desiring the Best
The fifth thing about friendship is that it is desiring the best for the other. Surely, God desires the best for you. Our friendship with God is often strained when life doesn’t go as we hoped. When our plans don’t work out, we might miss this truth: God could be redirecting us. He might be trying to get our attention to lead us toward something better that he has lovingly kept in store for us.
#6. Access
Now think about this. What if you were friends with the President or Prime Minister of your country? How privileged you might feel? What if you had the freedom to speak to them over phone any time of the day or night 24 x 7? That might not be practically possible. But when Jesus says, “I call you my friend,” you have absolutely continual and unrestrained access to God through the blood of his cross.
#7. Guard Your Friendship
Finally, good friendships are about jealousy too. You guard your friendships; don’t you? Likewise, the Bible also warns against things that destroy friendship with God.
James, a brother of Jesus wrote: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4 NIV)
John, another friend of Jesus, wrote, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15, 16 Berean Standard Bible).
Yes, to safeguard friendship with God, you must say NO, jealously, to every distraction.
Featured image courtesy: Image by kp yamu Jayanath from Pixabay | Fotor
Sunday Sermonettes | A Hard Night’s Toil and an Empty Boat
Sunday Sermonettes #030
When Experience and Expertise Failed
Simon was an experienced fisherman of the Sea of Galilee. But this time his boat was empty. He had toiled hard all night. But he and his friends caught nothing.
At this point in time Jesus, because people were crowding around him, stepped into Simon’s boat. He asked him to put out a little from shore and talked to the crowds.
The Call to Launch Out into the Deep
At the end of it he asked Simon to cast the nets into the deep for a catch.
Simon told Jesus of their hard work all night and they had caught nothing. But still he added that because Jesus said so he will put down his nets once more.
Two Things to Remember: Who Is Commanding and Obey
There might be nothing to show for all your hard work. You might be discouraged because your boat is empty. But there are two things you can remember.
One, who is the One stepping into your empty boat. He is not just the Carpenter of Nazareth but God himself.
Two, listen to what he is asking you to do. It might not make sense at first look. But as Simon obeyed, why not choose to obey what he is asking you to do.
The Miracle: Huge Catch and Self-Awareness
The miracle that followed was amazing. There was a huge catch of fish. But the greater miracle was that Simon called Peter knelt before Jesus and said: “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man.”
Jesus tells him not to be afraid and tells him that he has a greater calling in life. To win the hearts of people for Jesus. He was called to fish for men.
Empty Boat Becomes Full Only to Make Way for a Greater Calling
An empty boat after all your toil and hard work is discouraging. But it might be the right condition for Jesus to step in to your empty boat and do a miracle.
Who knows, he might show you what your true calling in life is!
Featured image: Photo by picsbyphoenix | Fotor
Based on Luke 5:1 to 11
Sunday Sermonettes | The Glorious Hope of Seeing You in Jesus’ Likeness
Sunday Sermonettes #029
What Is this Glorious Hope
If you ask me, what is the glorious hope ahead, without doubt I can answer that it is the hope of seeing you and me in the likeness of Jesus. It is the most awaited and anticipated event in God’s timeline for the end of human history.
It will also be the beginning of the glorious and never-ending companionship of Jesus with his brothers and sisters; for Jesus shared in our humanity having flesh and blood.
For then we shall see God face to face and he will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
When and How Is this Glorious Hope Going to Happen
Resurrection of the dead is what happens in the twinkling of an eye sometime soon. It will happen when God makes a trumpet call and those who are dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, Jesus. Instantly they will live and be changed.
This mortal body will be clothed with immortality, what is perishable will be transformed to what is imperishable, what has no honour now will be crowned with glory and honour.
For Whom Is this Glorious Hope
This promise and certainty of faith is for those who have put their trust and hope in Jesus and his shed blood on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins.
This promise reassures us that we who have borne the likeness of the first man, Adam , who was of the dust of the earth, will one day soon bear the likeness of the man from heaven, Jesus.
Each one of us will bear our own individuality and personality; but at the same time when God looks at each one of us, he will see Jesus in us.
Your body will be released from all its earthly limitations; its weakness changed to power; and it will be glorified like the resurrected body of Jesus.
Why this Glorious Hope of Jesus’ Likeness
The truth is God created men and women in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27). But that likeness was marred and smudged and blurred by sin, disobedience and rebellion against God.
And there came an immediate separation that prevented God from having friendship with us anymore.
But Jesus restored that friendship through satisfying God’s demand for an appropriate sacrifice through his blood on the cross. It was innocent blood shed for the sins of the whole world.
Where this Glorious Hope of Jesus’ Likeness Becomes Reality
This resurrection of the dead will be sudden and universal. Out of tombs and graves, out of ashes, out of the depths of the earth and the oceans; God will bring back to life all those who have put their hope in him.
And they all will be caught up in the air to be with God forever.
All those who are alive and have put their trust in Jesus will also be caught up to God in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye.
What a glorious and joyful gathering it shall be. Hope to see each one of you then. Changed. Transformed. Made brand new in his likeness.
“And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven .” (1 Corinthians 15:49 Bible)
But What About Those Who Say No to this Glorious Hope
Then what about those who say No to Jesus now? Hope is lost for them for ever.
For even God cannot offer any hope to those who deliberately walk away from his love that sacrificed his Son Jesus on the cross.
But they too will rise from the dead. This is called the second resurrection at a later time and date.
It is for judgement and hell and unquenchable fire, where there will be darkness and weeping, gnashing of teeth and worms which never die and agony and never-ending torment. Jesus while on earth had warned people of this sad reality.
Those who go there are separated from God for ever. There is absolutely no second chance.
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).
What About You Who Have This Glorious Hope
Know that God never created hell for man. It was originally meant for the devil and his angels (see Matthew 25:41). It is only because men and women reject God’s love that they go there.
For this is the heart of God:
“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, ‘declares the Sovereign LORD.’ Repent and live (Ezekiel 18:30)!”
For the Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).”
So, do not reject this hope and promise given to you.
Who Is Present and What Is Absent in this Glorious Hope
The glorious hope is that you will see God face to face and you will be in the likeness of Jesus.
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2 Bible).
The Spirit of God will complete this transforming work. And we will live with God for ever in a place where there will be no more sin, no evil, no disobedience or rebellion, no sorrow, no suffering, no sickness; no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Heaven!
What a glorious hope of being in Jesus’ likeness for ever and ever!
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Joëlle Moreau on Pixabay | Pixir Fotor
Sunday Sermonettes | Women Standing Near the Cross and Empowerment
Sunday Sermonettes #028
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25). The nearness of these women to the cross speaks volumes about women empowerment—about their courage, loyalty, and love.
Women Empowered by Their Courage
All the men, except John, who were the closest disciples of Jesus had fled. Only these women stood near the cross. It is sheer courage. Mary the mother of Jesus might have remembered the prophecy made by Simeon as he took the infant Jesus in his hands and had said: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35).
In spite of the brutal and public humiliation and suffering Jesus was going through, these women stood near the cross. They were empowered by their courage.
Women Empowered by Their Loyalty
Looking at these women, we need to ask ourselves an important question, “Where am I staning? Near the cross or far away from it?” See the cross is a sign of shame. Jesus bore the shame of our sins as he hung naked on public display bleeding and dying on the cross.
Standing near the cross needs courage and a willingness to share the shame. In today’s context, it can mean friends rejecting you and saying that you are weird because you stand near the cross. These women were empowered by their loyalty to Jesus. By standing near the cross, they were, in a way, sharing in his suffering and shame.
Women Empowered by Their Love for Jesus
When you stand near the cross, it gives Jesus a chance to intervene in your lives positively. Jesus seeing his mother standing near entrusts her to the care of John. Beyond this, they all got to know that the cross is not the end but the road to glory, to hope, to life eternal.
Therefore,these women were the first news bearers of the resurrection of Jesus. It was out of love for Jesus that these women went early, just after sunrise, (the men were hiding in a room out of fear beneath locked doors) to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body as the custom of the day was.
They were talking with themselves as to who will roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb as it early morning and no one might be around to help them. Still they went. And they found the stone already moved away, for Jesus had risen from the dead.
Mary Magdalene gets the honour of running with the news, the good news of Jesus’ rising from the dead: “I have seen the Lord.” It was a time and culture where a woman’s testimony was not valid in court. Yet it is astounding to note that the whole world is still listening to her proclamation of the truth that Jesus is risen indeed.
Yes, these women were empowered by their love for Jesus as they stood near the cross. They were richly rewarded in three days’ time to be the first witnesses of his resurrection, the greatest breaking news the world has ever heard.
The Challenge to Stand Near the Cross and Be Empowered
Standing near the cross is about empowered women. Women who were empowered by their courage, loyalty, and love for Jesus. In a world that talks much about women empowerment, this moment in history should be a challenge to both women and men. To stand near the cross and be empowered.
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels | Canva Pixir
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത
ഒരു ഫോട്ടോയുടെ നഷ്ടബോധം: ഒരു അനുഭവകഥ
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനം (2010 February 14) പ്രാർത്ഥനാപൂർവ്വം കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങളോടൊത്ത് ആചരിക്കാൻ ആലോചിച്ച സമയം. അന്ന് എനിക്ക് ഒരു ആഗ്രഹം തോന്നി. തിരുമേനിയുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെയും ശുശ്രൂഷയിലെയും മികച്ച നിമിഷങ്ങൾ ഫോട്ടോകൾ ചേർത്തുവച്ച ഒരു കോഫി ടേബിൾ ബുക്ക് പുസ്തകമായി (Coffee Table Book) പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിക്കണം. അത് ഇനിയുള്ള തലമുറകൾക്ക് ഒരു പ്രചോദനമാകും എന്ന് വിചാരിച്ചു. പല ദിവസങ്ങളും തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഭവനത്തിൽ ചെന്ന്, തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ജീവിതത്തിലെ നിർണായക നിമിഷങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് ചോദിച്ച് മനസ്സിലാക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചു.
അങ്ങനെ ഒരു സംഭാഷണത്തിനിടയിലാണ്, LMS (London Missionary Society | Later name changed to Council for World Mission) ദ്വിശതാബ്ദി “സ്വപ്നം കാണാൻ തുനിയുക” (Dare to Dream) എന്ന ആശയത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി ലണ്ടനിൽ 1995-ൽ ആഘോഷിച്ച അവസരത്തിൽ, ഒരു പ്രത്യേക യോഗത്തിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ മൂന്ന് പേർക്ക് മാത്രമേ അവസരം ലഭിച്ചുള്ളൂ എന്ന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞത്. അതിൽ ഒരാൾ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലെ എലിസബത്ത് രാജ്ഞി. മറ്റൊരാൾ ആഫ്രിക്കൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് ബിഷപ്പ് ഡെസ്മണ്ട് ടുട്ടു. പിന്നെ, ഏഷ്യൻ ഭൂഖണ്ഡത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിച്ച് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
വളരെ ആവേശത്തോടെ ഞാൻ തിരുമേനിയോട് ചോദിച്ചു: “അതിന്റെ ഫോട്ടോ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഉണ്ടോ?” അതിന് തിരുമേനി പറഞ്ഞ മറുപടി എന്നെ വല്ലാതെ നിരാശപ്പെടുത്തിക്കളഞ്ഞു: “എടാ, ഫോട്ടോ എടുക്കണം എന്ന് ചിന്തിച്ചുകൊണ്ടല്ലലോ നമ്മൾ പ്രസംഗിക്കാൻ അങ്ങോട്ട് പോകുന്നത്.”
ഒരു ഫോട്ടോ പോലും തന്റെ മഹിമ കാണിക്കുന്നതിന് വേണ്ടി സൂക്ഷിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിക്കാത്ത ഒരു മനുഷ്യൻ. അതാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
This article is a translation of: Excellence in Leadership in the Ministry of Bishop Jesudasan published in the Sunday Sermonettes series. For pdf version, see end of article.
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എന്നാണ് യേശുവിൽ മറഞ്ഞ മോസ്റ്റ് റവ. ഡോ. ഐ. യേശുദാസൻ ബിഷപ്പിനെ ഏവരും സ്നേഹത്തോടെ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്. അഖിലലോക സഭാ കൗൺസിലിന്റെ (WCC) കേന്ദ്ര കമ്മിറ്റി അംഗമായും (1983–1991), ആദ്യം ഡെപ്യൂട്ടി മോഡറേറ്റർ (1980-’81), പിന്നീട് തുടർച്ചയായി മൂന്ന് കാലയളവുകൾക്ക് (1982-’88) ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ (ചർച്ച് ഓഫ് സൗത്ത് ഇന്ത്യയുടെ) (Church of South India) മോഡറേറ്ററായും, 17 വർഷം ദക്ഷിണ കേരള മഹായിടവകയുടെ മൂന്നാമത്തെ ബിഷപ്പായും സേവനം അനിഷ്ഠിച്ചു (1973 to 1990). ആ കാലഘട്ടം മഹായിടവകയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ സുവർണ കാലഘട്ടമായി അറിയപ്പെടുന്നു. ആത്മീകവും ഭൗതീകവും സാമൂഹികവുമായ സമഗ്ര വളർച്ചയുടെ കാലഘട്ടമായിരുന്നു അത്. തന്റെ ശുശ്രൂഷയിൽ ഉജ്ജ്വലവും ഉത്കൃഷ്ടമായ നേതൃത്വം കാഴ്ചവെച്ച വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി.
നൂറാം ജന്മദിനം | 14 February 2025
ബിഷപ്പ് അങ്കിൾ എന്നു ഞാൻ സ്നേഹപൂർവം വിളിച്ചിരുന്ന യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാനിരതമായ ജീവിതത്തെ ആസ്പദമാക്കി അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നൂറാം ജൻമദിനവുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട ആരാധനയിൽ (ഫെബ്രുവരി 16 ഞാറായഴ്ച 2025) CSI St. Luke സഭയിൽ പ്രസംഗിക്കുവാൻ എനിക്കു അവസരം ലഭിച്ചതു ദൈവകൃപയുടെ ധാരാളമായ അനുഗ്രഹമായി ഞാൻ കരുതുന്നു. തിരുവനന്തപുരം ജില്ലയിൽ അമരവിള എന്ന ഗ്രാമത്തിൽ കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബം സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന പ്രദേശത്തു തന്റെ പൈതൃകമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് St. Luke സഭയായി മാറ്റപെടുന്നതിനു അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ അവസാനത്തെ ആഗ്രഹം എന്ന നിലക്ക് മഹായിടവകക്ക് കൈമാറുകയായിരുന്നു.
ദാസ്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Servant Leadership
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ തന്റെ പേര് അന്വർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന വിധത്തിൽ സ്വയം യേശുവിന്റെ ദാസനായി കരുതിയിരുന്നു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിനായി ഞങ്ങൾ മൂഢന്മാരാകുന്നു” (“We are fools for Christ” | 1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 4:10) എന്ന വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകളിൽ നിന്നാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ധൈര്യം കണ്ടെത്തിയത്. തനിക്കായി ഒന്നും നേടുവാനോ കീർത്തി സമ്പാദിക്കുവാനോ അദ്ദേഹം ഒട്ടും താത്പര്യം കാണിച്ചിരുന്നില്ല. ബഹുമാനവും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരിക്കലും അന്വേഷിച്ചിട്ടില്ല. എന്നാൽ ഈ സാധാരണ മനുഷ്യനെ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിനയശീലനായ ദാസനെ, ദൈവം അതിശയകരമായ രീതിയിൽ ഉയർത്തി. സ്ഥാനമാനങ്ങൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തേടിയെത്തുകയായിരുന്നു.
സഭാ നേതൃത്വത്തിലും, എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ പ്രസ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ അമരത്തും, പൊതുസമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മദ്ധ്യേയും അദ്ദേഹം കൈവരിച്ച അത്യപൂർവ്വ നേട്ടങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ച് നമ്മൾ എത്ര മഹത്വമായി കരുതുന്നു എങ്കിലും, തന്റെ കല്ലറക്കൽ ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ സുവിശേഷത്തിൽ നിന്നുള്ള ഒരു വാക്യം (Luke 17:10) എഴുതണമെന്നായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ആഗ്രഹം. അതോടൊപ്പം “കർത്താവിന്റെ അയോഗ്യ ദാസൻ, നിന്റെ സ്നേഹമുള്ള കൈകളിൽ വീഴുന്നു,” എന്ന വരിയും.
ജനാധിപത്യ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Democratic Leadership
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ബിഷപ്പായിരുന്ന കാലത്ത്, ചർച്ചയിലുള്ള വിഷയം സംബന്ധിച്ച് അഭിപ്രായമറിയിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ച എല്ലാവർക്കും അതിനു അവസരം നൽകിയിരുന്നു. അജണ്ടയിലുള്ള വിഷയങ്ങൾ നന്നായി പഠിച്ചു, നല്ല തയ്യാറെടുപ്പോടെ മാത്രമേ അദ്ദേഹം മീറ്റിംഗുകളിൽ പങ്കെടുക്കുമായിരുന്നുള്ളു. വ്യത്യസ്തമായ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടുകൾ പങ്കുവെച്ചവരെ ശ്രദ്ധാപൂർവം കേൾക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.
എല്ലാവരും അവരുടെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങൾ പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ച ശേഷം മാത്രമേ തിരുമേനി സംസാരിക്കാറുള്ളു. ആ സമയത്ത് ആരെങ്കിലും ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചാൽ, അദ്ദേഹം ഉറച്ച നിലപാടോടെ, നിർണായകമായ അധികാരത്തോടെ, “ഇപ്പോൾ ബിഷപ്പ് സംസാരിക്കുന്നു” എന്ന് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുമായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ ഇടപെടാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചവർ “Now the Bishop is speaking,” എന്ന വാക്കു കേൾക്കുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ യഥാർത്ഥ നേതൃത്വത്തെ തിരിച്ചറിയുകയും ശാന്തരാകുകയും ചെയ്തിരുന്നു.
കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത് | അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ
അദ്ദേഹം CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ ആയിരുന്ന അവസരത്തിൽ സിനോഡിൽ (Synod) ബിഷപ്പുമാർക്ക് വിരമിക്കേണ്ടതില്ല എന്ന വാദം ചിലർ അതിശക്തതമായി ഉന്നയിച്ചു. മറ്റു സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങൾക്കു ഉള്ളതു പോലെ നമുക്കും ബിഷപ്പ്മാർ മരണം വരെ അധികാരത്തിൽ തുടരണം. അതു ബിഷപ്പ് എന്ന പദവിക്കു സ്ഥായിയായ (permanent) സ്വഭാവം കൊണ്ടുവരും എന്ന് ശബ്ദയാനമായ സംവാദം നടന്നു. ഈ ചർച്ചക്ക് അവസാനം കുറിച്ചത് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി നൽകിയ ചരിത്രപരമായ മറുപടിയാണ്.
ദൃഢതയോടും ഉൾകാഴ്ച്ചയോടുമുള്ള യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ കാലത്തിന്റെ ചുവരെഴുത്ത് എന്നു പറയാൻ സാധിക്കുന്ന അഗ്നിസ്ഫുടമായ വാക്കുകൾ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക:
“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”
ഈ വാക്കുകളാണ് ബിഷപ്പുമാർ 65 ആം വയസ്സിൽ വിരമിക്കണം എന്ന ചരിത്ര തീരുമാനം എടുക്കുന്നതിൽ നിർണായകമായത്. പുതിയ തലമുറക്ക് നമ്മൾ മാറി കൊടുക്കണം എന്നും അവർക്കു മാത്രമേ കാലം ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്ന വേഗത്തിൽ തീരുമാനങ്ങൾ എടുത്തു മുന്നോട്ടു പോകുവാൻ കഴിയു എന്നാണ് തിരുമേനി ഇതേ പറ്റി പിന്നീട് ഒരു സ്വകാര്യ സംഭാഷണത്തിൽ പറഞ്ഞത്.
പ്രൊഫഷണൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Professional Leadership
തിരുമേനി അദ്ധ്യക്ഷനായ യോഗങ്ങളിൽ പ്രൊഫഷണലിസത്തിന്റെ ചിന്തയും ലക്ഷ്യബോധവും അദ്ദേഹം കൊണ്ടുവന്നിരുന്നു. ഒരിക്കലും സമയം കളയാതെയും, എല്ലായ്പ്പോഴും കൃത്യസമയത്തെത്തിയും, യോഗങ്ങളെ ബിസിനസ് രീതിയിൽ നടപ്പാക്കിക്കൊണ്ട് അതിൽ അച്ചടക്കവും ക്രമവും കൊണ്ടുവരികയും ചെയ്തു. തിരുമേനിയുടെ മരണ ശേഷം, അന്നത്തെ CSI മോഡറേറ്റർ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഓരോ യോഗത്തിലും കൊണ്ടുവന്ന ദൈവസാന്നിദ്ധ്യത്തെ” കുറിച്ച് പരാമർശിച്ചിരുന്നു.
തിരുമേനി ഓരോ ദിവസവും പുലർച്ചെയുളള സമയം ദൈവവചനം വായിക്കുന്നതിനും ധ്യാനിക്കുന്നതിനും ചിലവഴിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഈ സമയത്തു പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലൂടെ ദൈവസാനിധ്യം ആഴത്തിൽ അനുഭവിച്ചിരുന്നതാണ് അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ഈ വിധത്തിലുള്ള ദൈവഭക്തിയുള്ള നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്ക് നയിച്ചത്. തിരുമേനിയുടെ സ്വകാര്യ ദൈവാനുഭവം, പൊതുജീവിതത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനു പ്രൊഫഷണൽ ആയ മുന്നേറ്റം നൽകി.
സമൂഹ നേത്യത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Community Leadership
ദൈവം തന്നെ ഇടയപരിപാലനത്തിനു ഏല്പിച്ച ജനങ്ങൾ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും ദരിദ്രരും തളർന്നവരും പാർശ്വവത്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടവരുമാണെന്നു ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനു അറിയാമായിരുന്നു . അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം എപ്പോഴും അവരുടെ കൂടെയായിരുന്നു. കേരളത്തിലെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതാക്കളും, അവരുടെ വ്യത്യസ്ത പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രങ്ങൾക്കപ്പുറമായി , തിരുമേനിയുടെ ഹൃദയം ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കാനാണ് തുടിക്കുന്നതെന്ന് അറിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു കുഞ്ഞാടുപോലെ സൌമ്യനും താൻ സേവിക്കുന്ന ജനങ്ങളിൽ ഏറ്റവും എളിയവന്ന് എപ്പോഴും സമീപിക്കാവുന്ന വ്യക്തിയുമായിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ദരിദ്രർക്കായി നീതി ഉറപ്പാക്കുന്നതിനു ശബ്ദം ഉയർത്തുന്നതിലും സഭയിലെ എല്ലാ അഴിമതികളേയും വിമർശിക്കുന്നതിലും അദ്ദേഹം ഒരു സിംഹം പോലെ നിലകൊണ്ടു.
എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership
യേശു തന്റെ ശിഷ്യന്മാർ സ്നേഹത്തിൽ ഒന്നാകണമെന്ന്, “അവർ എല്ലാവരും ഒന്നാകേണ്ടതിന്നു” പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചു, (യോഹന്നാൻ 17:21). ഇത് ദക്ഷിണേന്ത്യ സഭയുടെ മുദ്രാവാക്യവുമാണ് (Motto). ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ ഈ പ്രാർത്ഥന യാഥാർത്ഥ്യമാക്കാനും പ്രകടമായതാക്കാനും വിവിധ സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളെ ഒന്നിച്ചുകൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിലൂടെ എപ്പോഴും ശ്രമിച്ചുകൊണ്ടിരുന്നു. ദൈവജനത്തിനിടയിൽ ഈ ഐക്യം സാധ്യമാക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം എപ്പോഴും ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവിൽ ആശ്രയിച്ചിരുന്നു. “ദൈവരാജ്യം ഭക്ഷണവും പാനീയവുമല്ല, നീതിയും സമാധാനവും പരിശുദ്ധാത്മാവിൽ സന്തോഷവും അത്രേ (റോമർ 14:17) ” എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം ശക്തമായി സമർത്ഥിച്ചു.
ഈ ഐക്യം വിശ്വാസികളുടെ തലത്തിൽ സാക്ഷാത്കരിക്കുന്നതിന് അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിച്ചു. ഇന്നും അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ എക്യൂമെനിക്കൽ ദർശനവും ദീർഘവീക്ഷണവും വളരെ ആദരവോടെ കരുതപ്പെടുന്നു. മറ്റ് സഭാവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടെ തലവന്മാരുമായി അദ്ദേഹം ഉഷ്മളവും ഹൃദ്യവുമായ ബന്ധം പാലിച്ചു. മറ്റ് മതസ്ഥരും സംഘടിപ്പിച്ച യോഗങ്ങളിലേക്കും അദ്ദേഹം ക്ഷണിക്കപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു.
ആത്മീയ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Spiritual Leadership
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ കരുണയുള്ള ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായിരുന്നു. ഹൃദയം തകർന്നവരോടൊപ്പം കരയുവാൻ മടി കാണിക്കാത്ത ഒരു വ്യക്തി. വേദനയുടെയും കഷ്ടതയുടെയും സമയങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ദൈവദൂതനെ പോലെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഭവനങ്ങളിൽ സന്ദർശിച്ചതായി അനേകർ പറഞ്ഞു ഞാൻ കേട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തോടുള്ള ഒരു ആത്മീയ ബന്ധത്തിന്റെയും പരിചയത്തിന്റെയും സ്വരത്തിലായിരുന്ന. ലളിതവും ശിശുസദൃശവുമായ വാക്കുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ദൈവത്തെ ഭയഭക്തിബഹുമാനത്തോടെ “നീ” എന്നു പറഞു സംബോധന ചെയ്തിരുന്നു .
വ്യക്തതികൾക്കും വ്യക്തിഗത ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും കുടുംബങ്ങൾ, സഭകൾ എന്നിവയുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കും വേണ്ടി ദൈവത്തോട് പക്ഷവാദം ചെയ്യുന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ വിശ്വസ്തമായ ശീലമായിരുന്നു. വെള്ളിയാഴ്ചകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉപവാസം ആചരിച്ചിരുന്നു. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളുടെയും കണ്ണീരുകളുടെയും ഫലമായി പലരും അനുഗൃഹീതരായി.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകൾ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്തുതികളെ പ്രതിധ്വനിപ്പിച്ചു. പ്രതിസന്ധികളിൽ അദ്ദേഹം അക്ഷോഭ്യനായി നിലകൊണ്ട്, “യേശുവിന് സ്തോത്രം” എന്നും “പറഞ്ഞുതീരാത്ത ദാനം (യേശു) നിമിത്തം ദൈവത്തിന് സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 9:15) എന്നും പറയുമായിരുന്നു. “ദൈവം കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിൽ യേശുവിലൂടെ പ്രകാശിപ്പിച്ച സ്നേഹം…” എന്നത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനകളിൽ പല അവസരങ്ങളിലും മുഴങ്ങി കേട്ടിരുന്ന വാക്കുകളായിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം നിരവധി പുസ്തകങ്ങളും ലേഖനങ്ങളും രചിച്ചു, അതിലൂടെ തിരുവെഴുത്തുകളിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിനുള്ള ആഴമുള്ള ജ്ഞാനം മറ്റുള്ളവർക്ക് പകർന്നു കൊടുക്കുവാൻ സാധിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ജനം ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശ്യങ്ങളുമായി യോജിച്ചുനിൽക്കുമ്പോൾ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ ആത്മാവ് വ്യക്തികളെയും കുടുംബങ്ങളെയും മാത്രമല്ല, മുഴുവൻ സമൂഹങ്ങളെയും പരിവർത്തനം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.
ഒരു അനുഭവകഥ
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള എന്റെ കുട്ടികാലത്തെ ദീപ്തമായ ഒരു ഓർമ പങ്കിടട്ടെ. ഒരു ദിവസം മുതിർന്നവർ സ്ത്രീകൾ കുട്ടികൾ ഉൾപ്പെടെ ഏതാണ്ട് 20 പേർ ഒരു വാഹനത്തിൽ തിരുമേനിയെ കാണുവാൻ LMS കോമ്പൗണ്ടിൽ സ്ഥിതി ചെയ്യുന്ന Bishop’s Houseലേക്ക് വന്നു. ഏതോ പാവപ്പെട്ട ഗ്രാമീണ മേഖലയിലുള്ള സഭയിൽ നിന്നുള്ളവരാണെന്നു കാഴ്ച്ചയിൽ എനിക്കു തോന്നി. അവരുടെ ആഗമനോദ്ദേശ്യം തിരുമേനിയോട് സംസാരിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞ നേരത്ത്, തിരുമേനി അവരെ ഉള്ളിലെ ഒരു ചെറിയ മുറിയിലേക്കു ക്ഷണിച്ചു.
ഞാനും അവരുടെ കൂടെ ചെന്നു. അപ്പോൾ ഒരു കർട്ടൻ മാറ്റി തിരുമേനി ആ മുറിയുടെ ഉൾവശം കാണിച്ചു അവരോടു പറഞ്ഞതു: “ഇതു എന്റെ പ്രാർത്ഥനാ മുറി” എന്നാണ്. അവിടെ ഞാൻ നോക്കുമ്പോൾ ഒരു മേശ ഒരു കസേര ഒരു ബൈബിൾ ഒരു പായ് എന്നിവ മാത്രമേ ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നുള്ളു.
എന്തു കൊണ്ടന്നെന്ന് എനിക്കറിയില്ല ഈ ഒരു നിമിഷം നാൽപതു വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു ശേഷവും ഇന്നും മനസ്സിൽ മായാതെ നിൽക്കുന്നു. തന്റെ ഔദ്യോഗിക ഉന്നതികളെ കുറിച്ചൊന്നും വാചാലനാവാതെ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി പ്രാർത്ഥനയെ ഉയർത്തിക്കാട്ടിയത് എത്ര മഹത്തരമാണെന്ന് ആ നിമിഷത്തിലേക്കു തിരിഞ്ഞു നോക്കുമ്പോൾ എനിക്കു മനസ്സിലാവുന്നു.
ക്രൂശു-കേന്ദ്രീകൃത ദൈവശാസ്ത്ര നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership
യേശുവിന്റെ രക്തത്താൽ ദൈവം ഒരു പുതിയതും ജീവനുള്ളതുമായ വഴി നമുക്കായി തുറന്നിരിക്കുന്നു, അതിലൂടെ നമുക്ക് ദൈവത്തെ സമീപിക്കാനും (എബ്രായർ 10:19, 20) പാപമോചനം പ്രാപിക്കാനും ദൈവത്തിനും മനുഷ്യർക്കും ഇടയിൽ നിരപ്പ് പ്രാപിക്കാനും കഴിയും എന്ന് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഉറച്ചിരുന്നു. യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിലൂടെയും അവിടെ പ്രകടമാകുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്നേഹത്തിലൂടെയും എല്ലാ തിന്മയെയും ജയിക്കാനാകുമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു. ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വചനമായ യേശു ജഡം ധരിച്ചു മനുഷ്യനായി നമ്മിലൊരുവനായി; അവനിലൂടെ ദൈവം നമ്മോട് അടുത്തുവന്ന വിധത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും അദ്ദേഹം ഉത്സാഹത്തോടെ സംസാരിച്ചിരുന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദൈവശാസ്ത്രം ക്രൂശിനെ കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചതും ജനങ്ങളെ മുൻനിറുത്തിയുള്ളതുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരുവശത്ത് ദൈവത്തിൽ മഹത്തായ വിശ്വാസം കാണിക്കാനും മറുവശത്ത് സഹാനുഭൂതിയും സ്നേഹവും നിറഞ്ഞ ഹൃദയത്തോടെ തന്നെ ഭരമേല്പിച്ച ജനത്തോട് അടുക്കാനും ഈ ദർശനം ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസനെ സഹായിച്ചു. “ക്രിസ്തുവിൽ ഞങ്ങളെ എപ്പോഴും ജയോത്സവമായി നടത്തുകയും എല്ലാടത്തും ഞങ്ങളെക്കൊണ്ടു തന്റെ പരിജ്ഞാനത്തിന്റെ വാസന വെളിപ്പെടുത്തുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ദൈവത്തിന്നു സ്തോത്രം” (2 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 2:14) എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം വിശ്വസിച്ചു.
നേതൃത്വത്തിന്റെ സ്വരത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in The Voice of Leadership
ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കൃപ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയുടെ മുഖത്തെ പ്രകാശിതമാക്കിയിരുന്നു. ഒരു പ്രഭാഷകൻ എന്ന നിലയിൽ, ആ പദത്തിന് സാധാരണയായി അർത്ഥമാക്കുന്ന രീതിയിൽ അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് കരിസ്മ (charisma) ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല. എന്നിട്ടും, അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ പ്രസംഗങ്ങൾ അവയുടെ ആഴം, ചിന്തയുടെ വ്യക്തത, ദൈവവചനത്തിൽ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കിയുള്ളത് എന്നിവയ്ക്ക് ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. 1983-ൽ കാനഡയിലെ വാങ്കൂവറിൽ നടത്തിയ “ദി ഫീസ്റ്റ് ഓഫ് ലൈഫ്” (The Feast of Life) എന്ന പ്രസിദ്ധമായ പ്രസംഗത്തിന്റെ വിശകലനം കാണുക.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് സ്വാർത്ഥ താല്പര്യങ്ങളൊന്നും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നില്ല, സ്വന്തമായി ഒന്നും സമ്പാദിച്ചു കൂട്ടിയതുമില്ല. താൻ നേതൃത്വം നൽകിയ ജനങ്ങളുടെ പൊതുനന്മ മാത്രമായിരുന്നു ലക്ഷ്യം. അതിനാൽ സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ രാഷ്ട്രീയ നേതൃത്വം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അഭിപ്രായങ്ങളെ ബഹുമാനത്തോടെ കേട്ടിരുന്നു.
ടീം ബിൽഡിങ്ങിലെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Team Building
ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന രീതിയായിരുന്നില്ല ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ അനുവർത്തിച്ചിരുന്നത്. സഭാനേതൃത്വം നല്ല സംസ്കാരം ജീവിച്ചുകാണിക്കുമ്പോൾ മാത്രമേ അത് പഠിപ്പിക്കാൻ കഴിയൂ എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം മനസ്സിലാക്കി.
അതുകൊണ്ട്, സത്യസന്ധതയുള്ളവരെയും അവരുടെ സ്വന്തം മേഖലകളിൽ മികവ് പുലർത്തിയവരെയും അദ്ദേഹം തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത്, സഭാ ഭരണത്തിലും പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിലും പ്രധാന പങ്കുവഹിക്കാൻ അവരെ കൊണ്ടുവന്നു. ഈ ടീം വർക്ക് ആയിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജനനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ വിജയത്തിന് നിർണായകമായത്. എല്ലാവരുടെയും സംഭാവനകളെക്കുറിച്ച് അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ബോധവാനായിരുന്നു. വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധങ്ങൾ പാലിക്കുന്നതിനും മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ നേട്ടങ്ങളിൽ സന്തോഷിക്കുന്നതിനും അദ്ദേഹം വളരെ ശ്രദ്ധാലുവായിരുന്നു. പുഞ്ചിരിയും പ്രശംസാ വാക്കുകളുമായി അദ്ദേഹം എല്ലാവരെയും പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ചു.
നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പടിയിറങ്ങുമ്പോൾ അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ വിടവാങ്ങൽ പ്രസംഗത്തിനായി തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത ദൈവവചനം , ടീം വർക്കിനെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ തത്വചിന്തയെ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിക്കുന്നു: “ഞാൻ നട്ടു, അപ്പൊല്ലോസ് നനെച്ചു, ദൈവമത്രേ വളരുമാറാക്കിയതു.” (1 കൊരിന്ത്യർ 3:7 വിശുദ്ധ പൗലോസിന്റെ വാക്കുകൾ).
ആത്മപരിശോധന മാതൃകയാക്കുന്ന നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസന്റെ പെരുമാറ്റ ശൈലി ഉന്നതമായതും മാന്യവുമായിരുന്നു. താൻ എത്തിച്ചേർന്ന ശ്രേഷ്ഠമായ സ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെ ഔന്നത്യവും മഹത്ത്വവും യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ എല്ലാവരുടെയും മുന്നിൽ അദ്ദേഹം ഉയർത്തിപ്പിടിച്ചു.. സി.എസ്.ഐ. മോഡറേറ്ററുടെ പദവിയെ അദ്ദേഹം സത്യസന്ധതയോടും പരാമർത്ഥഹൃദയത്തോടും ദൈവിക നേതൃത്വവും ഉള്ള ഒരു ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥാനമാക്കി മാറ്റിയതിൽ ഇത് വ്യക്തമായി കാണാമായിരുന്നു. ദൈവം ഉയർത്തുന്നതനുസരിച്ചു ദൈവത്തിന്റെ മുമ്പിൽ അദ്ദേഹം താഴ്മയോടെ നിന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ഒരു മറക്കാനാവാത്ത ശീലം എന്നത്, എല്ലാ വർഷവും ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 5-ന്, അദ്ദേഹം ബിഷപ്പായി അഭിഷിക്തനായ ദിവസം, എല്ലാ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളിൽ നിന്നും വിശ്രമിച്ച് പ്രാർത്ഥനയിലും ആത്മപരിശോധനയിലും ദിവസം മുഴുവൻ ചെലവഴിക്കുക എന്നതായിരുന്നു. ആ ദിവസം തന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായി നിൽക്കുന്നുണ്ടോ എന്ന് പരിശോധിക്കുകയും ആലോചിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു.
ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനക്കു അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശാണ് മാനദണ്ഡമാക്കിയത്. “സമൂഹത്തിൽ ഏറ്റവും നല്ലവരെന്ന് ആദരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നവരും തങ്ങൾ എന്തുമാത്രം പാപികളാന്നെന്ന് മനസ്സിലാക്കണമെങ്കിൽ യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് സ്വയം പരിശോധിക്കണം.” [യേശുക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശുമരണവും തിരുസഭയും ഒരു വിഹഗ വീക്ഷണം” എന്ന തലകെട്ടിൽ യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി എഴുതിയ പ്രബന്ധത്തിൽ നിന്നു എടുത്തത്. ക്രൈസ്തവ ദീപിക ജൂലൈ 2010].
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ശ്രേഷ്ഠത എന്നത്, മറ്റുള്ളവരോട് പ്രസംഗിക്കുന്നതിന് മുമ്പ്, യേശുവിന്റെ ക്രൂശിനു മുന്നിൽ നിന്ന് ആത്മപരിശോധന നടത്താൻ അദ്ദേഹം തയ്യാറായി എന്നതാണ്.
യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ
എന്ന പാട്ടുപുസ്തകത്തിലെ തനിക്കു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട 282-ആം ഗാനം തന്റെ 85-ആം ജന്മദിനത്തിൽ ഗായകസംഘം പാടണം എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം നിർബന്ധമായി ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടതു ഈ ആത്മപരിശോധനയുടെ തുടർച്ചയാണെന്നു നമുക്ക് മനസ്സിലാക്കാം.
അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ നേതൃത്വ പൈതൃകത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത | Excellence in His Leadership Legacy
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയെ ഇന്നും ജനങ്ങൾ വലിയ ആദരവോടെ ഓർക്കുന്നു. താൻ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ ഇരുന്ന കാലത്തിലെ മഹാന്മാരോടൊപ്പം അദ്ദേഹം ധീഷണാശാലിയായി നടന്നിരുന്നു. എങ്കിലും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ഒടുവിലത്തെ വർഷങ്ങളിൽ ഒരു ചെറിയ വീട്ടിൽ (Bishop’s Cottage ) വസിച്ച് താഴ്മ പുലർത്തിയ ഒരു ജീവിതമായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റേത്. ഇന്നും നമുക്ക് ഒരു മാതൃകയായി കാണാനും പിന്തുടരാനും കഴിയുന്ന ഒരു വ്യക്തിയായാണ് അദ്ദേഹം ഓർമ്മിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്.
അദ്ദേഹം ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ അവസാനം വരെ ദൈവത്തിന്റെ വിളിക്ക് വിശ്വസ്തനായിരുന്നു, ഓഫീസിൽ നിന്ന് വിരമിച്ച ശേഷവും കർമനിരതനായി ജനസേവനം തുടർന്നു.
അദ്ദേഹം തന്റെ ജീവിതം മുഴുവൻ യേശുവിന്റെ മുഖത്തേക്ക് നോക്കി, ആ നോട്ടം അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തെ മാറ്റി മറിച്ചു—അന്ധകാരത്തിലും ദാരിദ്ര്യത്തിലും മറഞ്ഞിരുന്ന ഒരു കൽക്കരികട്ടിയിൽ നിന്നും ശാശ്വതമായ തിളക്കവും പ്രകാശവും ഉള്ള ഒരു വജ്രമായി അദ്ദേഹത്തെ മാറ്റിയത് യേശുവിലേക്കുള്ള നിരന്തരമായ നോട്ടമായിരുന്നു. അനേകരുടെ വാക്കുകളിൽ, “യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി ഒരു വിശുദ്ധനായിരുന്നു, കൂടാതെ തന്റെ ഭൗമിക ജീവിതത്തിൽ യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ അദ്ദേഹം യേശുവിനെ പ്രതിഫലിപ്പിച്ചു.”
അനുബന്ധം
1800 കളിൽ എപ്പോഴോ മിഷനറിമാരുടെ പ്രവർത്തന ഫലമായി യേശുവിനെ അറിഞ്ഞ നല്ല കായികാഭ്യാസിയായിരുന്ന സുബ്രമണ്യം. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ മൂത്ത മകൻ ജോഷ്വ. ദൈവത്തിൽ തീക്ഷണമായ വിശ്വാസം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന, നല്ല പ്രാർത്ഥന ശീലമുണ്ടായിരുന്ന ജോഷ്വ എന്ന കരുത്തനായ മനുഷ്യന്റെ 9 ആൺ മക്കളിൽ മൂത്ത മകനായ Rev. J. Isaiah യുടെ മകനായിരുന്നു യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി. എന്റെ പിതാവ് പി. ക്രിസ്തുദാസ് രണ്ടാമത്തെ മകനായ പത്രോസിന്റെ മകനാണ്. യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനിയും കൊച്ചു ദാസ് എന്ന് കരിയിൽത്തോട്ടം കുടുംബാഗങ്ങളുടെ ഇടയിലും അമരവിള സഭയിലും അറിയപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന എന്റെ പിതാവും തമ്മിൽ ഗാഢമായ സഹോദര ബന്ധം നിലനിന്നിരുന്നു. പലയിടത്തായി ജീവിതമാർഗങ്ങൾ തേടി പോയ കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങൾ തമ്മിൽ സ്നേഹ ബന്ധം നിലനിറുത്തുന്ന കണ്ണിയായിരുന്നു എന്റെ ഡാഡി.
1962 ൽ അമരവിള സഭയിൽ മഹായിടവകക്കു ആകെ മാതൃകയായി ആദ്യമായി Poor Fund (സാധു സംരക്ഷണ നിധി) നടപ്പാകുന്നതിൽ ഒരു സുപ്രധന പങ്ക് വഹിക്കാൻ എന്റെ പിതാവിനു ദൈവം കൃപ ചെയ്തു. മഹായിടവകയുടെ നന്മയും വികസനവും മുൻനിറുത്തി പലരേയും നേതൃത്വത്തിലേക്കു കൊണ്ടു വരുവാൻ നിർണായകമായ റോൾ വഹിക്കുകയും അതിനായുള്ള ചർച്ചകളുടെ നാഡീകേന്ദ്രമായി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുകയും ചെയ്ത എന്റെ പിതാവിനെ Kingmaker എന്നാണ് മഹായിടവകയുടെ ആദ്യ സെക്രെട്ടറിയും പ്രഗത്ഭ പട്ടക്കാരിൽ ഒരാളായിരുന്ന Very Rev. Philip David അച്ചൻ വിളിച്ചിരുന്നത്.
ഞങ്ങളുടെ പൂർവപിതാക്കന്മാർ കായികാഭ്യാസികളും മർമ്മചികിത്സാവിദഗ്ധരും സിദ്ധവൈദ്യത്തിൽ നൈപുണ്യം ഉള്ളവരുമായിരുന്നു. ഒരു കാലത്തു അവരുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തോടൊപ്പമുള്ള ചികിത്സാശുശ്രൂഷയുടെ ഓർമ നിലനിറുത്തി കൊണ്ടാണ് യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി തനിക്കു പരമ്പരാഗതമായി ലഭിച്ച കുടുംബവീട് യേശു ശിഷ്യനും വൈദ്യനുമായിരുന്ന ലൂക്കോസിന്റെ നാമധേയത്തിൽ ഒരു ദൈവാലയമായി മാറ്റണം എന്ന് തീരുമാനിച്ചത്.
Malayalam PDF ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത
For further reading:
Bishop Jesudasan–A Short Speech of Tribute
യേശുദാസൻ തിരുമേനി: ദൈവവിളിയോടു വിശ്വസ്തത പുലർത്തിയ എളിയ ദാസൻ
The Art and Craft of Sermons and Preaching
Are Sermons About God or Are They to Make You Feel Good?
Sunday Sermonettes | The Great Kitchen Debate: Distraction or Devotion Which Is Better
Sunday Sermonettes #027
The Complaint: My, Me, Myself; a Victim Story
Martha opens her house for Jesus and makes herself busy trying to prepare; probably a meal. See, hospitality was held in high esteem in the culture of those days. The story says that she was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. It leads us to the “Great Kitchen Debate. Distraction or Devotion Which Is Better?”
Now she had a sister named Mary. She came and sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his words. This troubles Martha. She comes and asks Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.”
This seems to be a normal complaint and request in this context. One person is doing all the work. The other is simply chatting with the guest. Martha feels herself a victim left alone to do all the work.
Don’t you also feel like complaining when others seem to take it easy while you alone shoulder the burdens at work, whether it be home or office?
The Response: Nailing the Problem Which Is Lack of Focus
What makes this normal situation different is Jesus’ response: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus is not finding fault with Martha’s hospitality. But Jesus is pointing out that she is worried and upset about many things. The language that Jesus used tells us about a person being pulled in different directions at the same time. There seems to be a lack of focus.
Isn’t it typical of many of us? Aren’t we pulled in many different directions when it comes to work? When that happens, can you stop for a moment and try to prioritize. Look at what is urgent and of utmost importance at that point in time. Then focus on that one thing. It will make a difference.
Which Is Better: Distraction or Devotion
Jesus is trying to point out to Martha that her value in life does not come from what she does. God does not give us marks according to our performance even though he has promised many crowns and rewards to his faithful followers.
Jesus is present in her house. He was welcomed as the guest. Yet Martha is now very busy, distracted with preparations, her many tasks, and much serving.
She failed to value his presence. She failed to value his words—his words which Peter once described as words of eternal life (John 6:68). More than that she feels herself to be a victim of the situation when she could have had the joy of having the companionship of the Son of God in her home.
Martha is someone with great faith as her extraordinary declaration of who Jesus is shows (John 11:27) while at another time she conversed with Jesus by the grave of her brother Lazarus. But on this occasion, she is making her kitchen the greater priority.
Always put people first and tasks below them in your priority list whether at home or the office. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing in doing so.
God Is Valuing Your Companionship Not Your Busyness
We live in a fast paced world. We are busy all the time. We are dominated by the chores of life and its dull routines. Unless you make a deliberate effort to sit at Jesus’ feet, you will miss him altogether even when he is present with you.
Jesus in his response to Martha tells her that the better choice is devotion. Spending quiet and quality time with him is more important than attempting to do something for him.
So many of us are trying to do things for him. He doesn’t find fault with that. But he is asking us not to lose focus. Not to miss the better thing.
Life’s moments might not repeat themselves. So when you are with someone who loves you and cares for you, give him or her the fullest attention you can possibly give. That is the better thing than the good things you might be able to do for them.
Choose Devotion: Spending Time with Jesus
When was the last time you enjoyed the presence of God in your life? It is not something dramatic. It can happen in the kitchen in the ordinary routines of life. Just think on God. Thank him and praise him. Tell him you love him.
Will you not take a few moments to stop and talk with Jesus. In the words of Robert Frost,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Choosing to spend time with Jesus who bled and died for you on the cross is a choice very few make on a daily basis. That is a road that is less travelled by. But if you choose to go that way, the way of love, adoration, worship, and devotion; it will make all the difference.
Featured image: Photos by Monika and Elina Fairytale from Pixabay | Adobe
Sunday Sermonettes | Excellence in Leadership in the Ministry of Bishop Jesudasan
Sunday Sermonettes #026
The Missed Photograph: An Anecdote
It was the time we had planned to prayerfully celebrate the 85th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan (February 14, 2010) with family members. I then had a desire to publish a Coffee Table Book that would compile photographs capturing the most significant and finest moments of the Bishop’s life and ministry. I thought it would serve as an inspiration for future generations.
For several days, I visited him at his home, trying to understand and document the defining moments of his official life.
During one such conversation, Bishop Jesudasan mentioned that during the LMS (London Missionary Society | Later renamed the Council for World Mission) bicentenary celebration in London in 1995, around the theme “Dare to Dream,” only three people were given the opportunity to speak at a special gathering. during the event. One of them was Queen Elizabeth of England. Another was Bishop Desmond Tutu, representing the African continent. And the third was Bishop Jesudasan, representing the Asian continent.
With great enthusiasm I asked my Uncle, “Do you have a photograph of that moment?”
His response deeply disappointed me: “Hey, we don’t go there to speak while thinking about taking photos!”
A man who never sought to preserve even a single photograph to showcase his own greatness—that was Bishop Jesudasan!
Bishop Jesudasan. That was how people lovingly called the late Most Rev. Dr. I. Jesudasan, who exhibited excellence in leadership in his ministry during his tenure as member of the Central Committee of World Council of Churches (WCC) (1983-1991), as Deputy Moderator (1980-’81) and then Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) for three consecutive terms (1982 to 1988), and as the 3rd Bishop of South Kerala Diocese for 17 years regarded as the golden period in its history (1973 to 1990).
It was a period of holistic growth—spiritual, material, and social—for the diocese. Bishop Jesudasan, who exhibited brilliant and exceptional leadership in his ministry, led this growth from the front.”
The sermon I had the joy, honour, and privilege of delivering on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Bishop Jesudasan, my Uncle, at the St. Luke’s CSI Church, Kariyilthottam, Amaravila, a village in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 16th February 2025, focused on the prayer life of Bishop Jesudasan. This church stands where his ancestral home had been and as his last wish it was deeded to the diocese to. build a church.
Excellence in Servant Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan considered himself a servant of Jesus. That is what is name means in his native tongue Malayalam. He found courage in the words of St. Paul, “We are fools for Christ” (1 Cor. 4:10). He showed no interest whatsoever in gaining anything for himself or acquiring fame. He never sought honour for himself. But God exalted this ordinary man, a humble servant of God, in extraordinary ways. Positions and honours sought him out.
Yet in spite of all that we consider his phenomenal achievements in church leadership, ecumenical and social standing; he asked that his tombstone bear the words from the Gospel of Luke (17:10). And also inscribe the words “An unworthy servant of the Lord, falls into they loving hands” along with it.
Excellence in Democratic Leadership
During his tenure as Bishop, he always gave space to everyone who had something to say, allowing them to share their opinions on the topic under discussion. He came to meetings well-prepared on the agenda items and listened attentively to those who held opposing views.
After everyone had their say, he would finally rise to speak. If someone attempted to interrupt him at that moment, he remained firm and, with decisive authority, declared, “Now the Bishop is speaking.” Those who tried to heckle him would then recognize his true leadership and settle down.
The Writing on the Wall of Time | Fiery Words
When he was the Moderator of the CSI (Church of South India), during a Synod (the highest decision-making body) meeting, some strongly argued that bishops should not retire. They reasoned that, like in other church denominations, CSI bishops should remain in office until death, as this would bring a sense of permanence to the role of a bishop. A heated, intense vocal debate ensued. What brought this debate to a decisive conclusion was the historic response given by Bishop Jesudasan.
Bishop Jesudasan. with his firmness and insight, spoke words that can be called the “writing on the wall of time”—fiery words worth noting:
“Are you permanent? Am I permanent? None of us is permanent.”
Later, in a private conversation, Bishop Jesudasan reflected on this decision, saying, “We must step aside for the new generation. Only they can move forward at the pace that the times demand.”
Excellence in Professional Leadership
He brought a sense of professionalism and a sense of purpose to the meetings he chaired. He never wasted time, was always punctual, and brought discipline to the meetings by conducting them in a business like fashion. After his demise, the then Moderator of the CSI remarked about “the presence of God he brought into every meeting.”
It was his daily habit of early morning quiet times with God in reading the Bible and prayer that helped him bring this kind of a godly leadership to all meetings. His private time with God gave him the professional edge in public life.
Excellence in Community Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan knew that a vast majority of the people God had called him to shepherd were poor, downtrodden and marginalized. His heart was always with them. Even the political leadership of the Indian State of Kerala irrespective of ideologies knew that his heart beat with the thoughts of helping the poor and brining them social justice.
He was gentle like a lamb and always approachable to the least among the people whom he served. But he was like a lion when he championed their cause for justice and spoke against all kinds of corruption within the church.
Excellence in Ecumenical Leadership
Jesus had prayed that his disciples be united in love, “That they all may be one (John 17:21 which is the motto of the Church of South India as well).” Bishop Jesudasan was always looking forward to making this prayer real and tangible by brining denominations together. He always relied on the Spirit of God to bring about this unity among God’s people. He truly championed that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ref. Romans 14:17).
There were several initiatives he took to make this unity happen at the grassroots level. Even today his ecumenical vision and farsightedness is held in high esteem. He maintained a warm and cordial relationship with the heads of other denominations and he was invited to many meetings organized by people of other faiths too.
Excellence in Spiritual Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan was a man of compassion and someone who would weep with the broken hearted. I have heard people describe him as an angel of God who visited them in their time of pain and suffering. His prayers had a tone of familiarity with God addressing him “You,” with reverence and adoration in simple childlike words.
He had a faithful habit of interceding with God for the personal needs of individuals, families, and churches. He observed a fast every Friday. Many were blessed through the fruit of his heartfelt prayers and tears on their behalf.”
His prayers echoed the praises of God. In crises, he stood firm and unshaken. and was often heard saying: “Praise be to Jesus,” and “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift (Jesus)! His often repeated prayer was: “May the love of God that shone through Jesus on the cross . . .”
He authored many books and wrote many essays that showed his deep understanding of Scripture. He believed that when God’s people aligned themselves with God’s purposes the Spirt of God would move and transform not just individuals and families but entire communities.
An Anecdote
Let me share a radiant childhood memory of Bishop Jesudasan. One day, a group of about 20 people comprising of elders, women, and children arrived in a vehicle to meet him at the Bishop’s House located in the LMS compound. From their appearance, I felt they were from a poor church in a rural background.
After they had spoken with him about the purpose of their visit, the Bishop invited them into a small room inside. I, too, followed them in. Then, drawing aside a curtain, the Bishop revealed the interior of the room and said to them, “This is my prayer room.”
As I looked inside, I saw that the room contained only a table, a chair, a Bible, and a mat. I don’t know why, but that moment has remained vividly in my mind even after forty years.
Looking back at that moment now, I realize how profoundly the Bishop upheld the power of prayer without making any effort to highlight any of his achievements in life.
Excellence in Cross-centred Theological Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan championed the truth that God had opened a new and living way through the blood of Jesus shed on the cross through which we could approach God (Hebrews 10:19, 20), find forgiveness of sins, and also reconciliation between God and men. He also believed that the victory over all evil is possible through the cross of Jesus and the love of God on exhibit there. He spoke passionately about how God came near to us in Jesus, the Word of God become flesh, human just like us.
His theology was cross-centred and people focused. This vision helped Bishop Jesudasan show great trust in God on one hand and be near to the people he shepherded with an empathetic and loving heart. He believed that God “leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
ഒരാളായിരുന്ന
Excellence in The Voice of Leadership
Bishop Jesudasan had the grace of God lighting up his face. As a speaker he did not possess charisma in the way that word is popularly understood. Yet his sermons are remembered for their depth, clarity of thought, and grounding in God’s Word. Kindly see the analysis of his famous sermon, The Feast of Life, delivered at Vancouver Canada in 1983. As he had no vested interests—only the common good of the people he led—the political leadership of the State listened to his opinions with respect.
Excellence in Leadership in Team Building
Bishop Jesudasan was not a one-man show. He understood that culture can only be taught as it was lived out by the top church leadership.
Therefore, he found people of integrity and having a track record of excellence in their own respective fields and brought them to key roles in the church administration and activities. This teamwork was crucial to his success in leading the people. And he was very conscious of the contribution of every one of them. He was very particular about keeping personal relationships and rejoiced in the achievements of others. He encouraged everyone with his smiling face and words of appreciation.
The words he chose for his farewell speech as he stepped down from leadership truly reflect his philosophy of team work: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (Words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:7).
Excellence in Leadership in Modelling Self-Introspection
Bishop Jesudasan had a manner of conduct that was dignified exhibiting a true knowledge of the Chair he occupied and elevating its stature in the eyes of all. This was more than evident in the way he made the CSI Moderator’s post an honoured one with his reputation of integrity and godly leadership. The more God exalted him in leadership roles, the more he humbled himself before God.
One of his unforgettable habits was to take a day off from all activities on 5th of August, the day he was consecrated as Bishop and spend the day in prayer reviewing and reflecting on whether he is staying true to the call of God in his life.
The cross was his touchstone. In one of his articles he wrote:
“Those who are respected as the best in society must examine themselves before the cross of Jesus Christ to realize how great sinners they are.”
(Christava Deepika: July 2010 Article titled: The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and God’s Church—A Bird’s Eye View). His excellence in leadership was that he was willing to do this self-introspection standing in front of the cross of Jesus before he preached to others.
“Jesus, how beautiful is Your form to my eyes!
Make me, Your disciple, wholly like You.”
യേശുവേ നിന്റെ രൂപമീയെന്റെ
കണ്ണുകൾക്കെത്ര സൗന്ദര്യം
ശിഷ്യനാകുന്ന എന്നെയും നിന്നെ-
പ്പോലെയാക്കണം മുഴുവൻ.
The 282nd song from the Malayalam Hymn Book, which he particularly loved, was one he insisted the choir sing on his 85th birthday. This can be understood as a continuation of his practice of self-introspection:
Excellence in His Leadership Legacy
The legacy he left behind is that even today his name is spoken with great admiration as he had exhibited a life of humility (living in his small cottage in later years) even while he walked with dignity along with the great men of his times. Even today he is spoken of as a role model whom we can look up to and emulate.
He was a man faithful to God’s call on his life till the very last. He prayerfully continued to serve the people even after retirement from office.
He looked to the face of Jesus all his life and that look transformed his life from a lump of coal in obscurity and poverty to that of the enduring shine and brilliance of a diamond. In the words of many, “he was a saint and during his earthly life he truly reflected Jesus.”
For further reading:
Bishop Jesudasan–A Short Speech of Tribute
ബിഷപ്പ് യേശുദാസൻ: ശുശ്രൂഷാനേതൃത്വത്തിലെ ഉത്കൃഷ്ടത
The Art and Craft of Sermons and Preaching
Are Sermons About God or Are They to Make You Feel Good?
Sunday Sermonettes | The Power of Prayer: Discovering How Prayer Works
Sunday Sermonettes #025
Disappointed with Prayer
Most of us do not know how prayer works. When you discover it; you will be confident to pray. And also experience the power of prayer. The truth is that most of us are disappointed with prayer. Simply because God did not answer prayers according to our wishes; many of us have given up on praying to God.
Encouragement to Pray
This post is an attempt to encourage you to pray. For God is always listening to your prayers. There might be a lot of doubts in your mind about prayer. All of them cannot be answered.
But I can assure you one thing–-If you keep on praying in spite of your doubts, and your feeling that God is absent and not listening; there will come a day and a moment when you will have the joy of knowing that none of your prayers were lost.
Prayer Is About Seeking and Finding God
Remember, God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, He has promised that when you seek his face (that is his companionship and not his gifts), you will find him when you seek him with all your heart.
Yes, you will find him if you are earnest in prayer. Finding God and discovering more about him is the great encouragement and joy in prayer.
Prayer as a Relationship Based on Love
Prayer is not all about asking; even though God encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. He delights in us asking him because those who believe and trust in the name of Jesus are his children. So prayer is a joyful time of sharing things in your heart with your Father in heaven. So it is based on a relationship of love and not on fear.
Prayer Is the Ability to Listen to God
Prayer is also the ability to listen to what God is saying. He mostly guides us through words from the Bible. When God speaks there is an unmistakable certainty about it. It will be specific with a calm assurance of God’s peace.
When he speaks he will never contradict what he has already said in the Bible. Jesus has promised his gift of peace to us. So if you have an impression in your heart and it takes away your peace and brings distress and conflict in your mind; know that it is not from God. When God speaks, it will also come with his peace in your heart.
Prayer and Emotions
Prayer can become a time of display of strong emotions too. Sometimes we are too burdened to even utter a word. There is an inward groan from the heart for help while the lips are silent. Often we cry in our distress.
God collects all our tears in his bottle and records them in his book or scroll says the Bible. So there is nothing to be ashamed about crying or weeping as you pray. The shortest verse in the Bible says: “Jesus wept.”
Prayer as a Discipline
A life without prayer is like a barren desert. There is no refreshing, no renewal, no reviving or recharging. If the Son of God could not live without prayer while on earth; how can we?
Even though it is possible to pray anywhere and everywhere at any time during the day or night; it is good to set aside time for prayer regularly at a place which is quiet where no one will disturb you. A place where you can be alone; talk to God and listen to him.
Prayer and Action
A day begun with a prayer of thanks for the gift of a new day, and a seeking of help and wisdom for the activities of the day, will be a day accompanied by God’s blessings. Instead, we often rush to work, get too busy with our daily routines, and forget God.
Prayer is also work. So much can be accomplished if people would pray more for God’s guidance and help and knowing his will than trying to achieve everything in their own strength and knowledge.
It is prayer that gives you the courage, wisdom, and strength to make your faith become action. It assures you of success in your efforts because God is involved in your attempts because you prayed.
Prayer and Distractions
A problem with prayer is that a lot of distractions come to mind when you try to pray. Why? Because the devil knows that if someone gets connected to God; then he has to flee. So he prevents that from happening.
With the mobile in our hands; it is quite an easy thing to keep us buried in the entertainment it brings. Even the good things you watch can take away the best time you can spend in prayer.
Prayer Starters
The miracle of prayer is that even a child can pray. No qualification is required for you to start praying. If you don’t know how to start praying, why not just say, “O God, I love you.” It is a good starting point.
Or say “Hallelujah.” it means Praise the Lord. All heaven resounds with joyful notes of thundering Hallelujahs in song and praise to the Lamb of God. Oh, it can bring down God’s presence to surround you!
God’s Help in Prayer
There is also God’s help and assistance in prayer. God the Holy Spirit from within our heart, lifts up our inmost desires and heartbreaks to the throne of God. the Father. The Bible presents God as our Saviour who daily bears our burdens.
Jesus, present at the right hand of God, always lives to intercede for us. He shared in our human experiences and prayed to God while on earth with loud cries and tears. So when prays for us, he is merciful and compassionate and a great friend to bring our needs before God.
Jesus the Only Mediator Between God and Men
See, there is no need for any other person, past or present, to come between you and God. For the Bible declares that Jesus is the only mediator between God and men.
He is your advocate who speaks in your defense before God. He speaks on your behalf and through him alone you can approach God in prayer.
The Name of Jesus carries authority. God listens when you pray in the Name of Jesus for his precious blood always speaks the word of forgiveness for you when you are broken in heart and turn away from your sins.
How to Pray
You can pray anytime. You can keep your eyes open or closed. You can stand, sit, walk or kneel, or prostrate yourself face down and pray. You can pray while in the kitchen, while you are driving, or while you are attending a business meeting.
You can pray in any language or just pray to God silently. Sometimes God gifts you a language you might not know, a language that is angelic or human to help you pray.
What to Pray For
You can ask for help, for wisdom, for guidance, for strength of mind, for grace to forgive others, for courage to face difficulties, for receiving favour in the eyes of others, for health and healing, for mercy and forgiveness; and patience to wait for God to act in your life in his time.
You can ask God to gift you his peace and joy in all your troubled situations and even ask God to help you to pray in the right way. .
If you have sinned against God; ask for cleansing through the blood of Jesus from all that defiles heart and mind.
You should pray for the Spirit of God to touch you with God’s everlasting, unfailing, and compassionate love, because God pours out his love into our hearts through the Spirit of God.
Prayer Changes and Transforms Us
Prayer also changes us. God uses delays and frustrations and cries of “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” to break our wills and make us humble. He prepares us before he blesses us. Therefore be bold and confident to pray to the God of all hope and mercy.
He first of all encourages us and makes our heart strong before he answers our prayers. He also prepares circumstances so that the time of our relief and deliverance will be of maximum impact to strengthen our faith in him.
The New and Living Way Opened for Us to Pray
When Jesus shed his blood on the cross and his body was broken on that tree; the huge curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom supernaturally. It indicated that by the blood of Jesus a new and living way was opened for all to approach God with boldness and freedom. Yes, you have access to God the Father 24 x 7 through the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of God.
Peace as a Sign of Assurance in Prayer
Then, there is the peace of God which guards our hearts and minds like a battalion of soldiers and secures it against all invading worries. It can happen even in the most trying circumstances when we pray.
Therefore we need not be anxious because the peace that comes from God in answer to prayer surpasses all logic and human understanding. Yes, God will gift you his peace and make you bold. The assurance in your heart comes even before the answer to prayer comes and no change is seen in the negative situations you are in.
Why Prayers Go Unanswered
Even though there are so many things that put a roadblock to effective praying; there are a few things that need to be highlighted:
- If we cherish sin or wrong things in our heart; God cannot answer prayer.
- If we harbour unforgiveness in our heart; God cannot answer prayer.
- If we ask with wrong motives, God cannot answer prayer.
- If there is a lack of faith and there is doubt in our heart; then God is not pleased with that prayer.
- And if we do not ask according to his will for our lives; God cannot answer that prayer.
- And often we give up praying before God’s answer reaches us. See he is shaping and moulding your character and strengthening your faith while the answer is on the way. But a lack of persevering prayer can cause us to miss God’s best in our lives.
Start Praying Now
So my dear friend, why not start praying. Come to God with a child-like expectation. Be honest about anything and everything. God listens and he already knows what you need even before you ask him. And all heaven notes a man or woman who prays.
It is a blessed joy and great honour to have an audience with God every time you pray. And signing off prayers, “In the Name of Jesus,” aligns your requests to God’s character and his purpose for your life. Amen (it means “so be it.”).
Discover How Prayer Works
There is no way that any one of us will ever graduate in prayer. Prayer is like an ever-deepening river. You learn to pray by praying. The more you pray, the more you discover about prayer and the God who answers prayer.
As said in the beginning, prayer is an expression of a love relationship. You are God’s child. So talk to your Father in heaven. You can talk about anything; even your secret innermost thoughts and struggles of the mind which no one else can know anything about.
Whatever is your concern; is his concern too. Prayer helps you know God and discover him as your Comforter and Friend and Guide and Helper. May God gift you joy in prayer as he has promised in the Bible.
Simplicity in Prayer
The Bible says in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
God is asking you to call on him. He promises to answer you. You have direct access to God through Jesus. He will show you things you do not know in response to prayer. Just call him.
And speak to him as you would talk with a friend.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is powerful. It is your direct connection with God. Prayer has got the power to demolish strongholds of negativity and wrong thoughts in your life. Prayer has got the power to move mountains that stand in your way. Prayer has got the power to change the hearts of people. Prayer has got the power to bring you angelic help in times of distress. Prayer has got the power to open doors in your life. Prayer has got the power to make God’s promises real in your life.
So “pray continually,” “pray without ceasing,” “never stop praying,” “pray all the time,” with thanks in all circumstances to experience the power of prayer.
Fight Discouragement in Prayer
The greatest weapon the devil uses to get people to stop praying is discouragement. He will tell you that God will not answer your prayers. He will discourage you through opposition even through your close relatives, family, and friends.
Discouragement can come when you prayed for something positive but its opposite happened. Discouragement can come through delays to getting answers to prayers.
But Jesus is encouraging you to close the door and pray in secret to God and not give up praying. Do not doubt God’s Word. Throughout the Bible we find God answering prayer on behalf of his children. Therefore you need to fight discouragement that comes and go on praying.
Ask | Seek | Knock | Receive
Let me end with this encouragement to pray from Jesus’ words in Luke 11:11–13 in the Bible:
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Read more on The Holy Spirit Who is our Helper in Prayer
Featured image courtesy: Photos by Israel Torres on Pexels | Microsoft Designer
Sunday Sermonettes | Worship Jesus the Victorious Lamb of God Who Has Triumphed
Sunday Sermonettes #024
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
Above all, we are called to look beyond time and into the heavens to see and experience the mighty thundering songs of praise, adoration, and worship that belong to the victorious Lamb of God who has triumphed:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise.”
Yes, in heaven, the songs of praise revolve around the Lamb who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
We see in heaven the Lamb of God mighty like a lion in judgement and awesome in wrath against all rebellion of mankind against him.
We see the Lamb at the centre of the throne of God in heaven lead his people like a Shepherd and wipe away every tear from the eyes of those who suffered for him and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!” “Amen.”
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns,
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come.”
Yes, look to the Lamb of God. Salvation belongs to him, our God, and he will overcome everyone who makes war against him because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Featured image courtesy: Photos by Caleb Oquendo on Pexels Microsoft Designer
The above post is based on truths from the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible. It is a sequel to the Sunday Sermonette published on September 15, 2024 titled: An Unusual Introduction: Look, the Lamb of God
Sunday Sermonettes | Making and Giving Excuses: The 9th Habit of Highly Ineffective People
Sunday Sermonettes #023
Understanding the 9th Habit
Stephen R. Covey wrote about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And he added an 8th one which says “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.” Here is the 9th habit which can undo you. It is the habit of making and giving excuses. They are the hallmark of highly ineffective people.
We learn to make and give excuses at home to avoid punishment, practice it at school to fool teachers, and bring it to perfection at the workplace to cover up our inefficiency. It is a blessing for the lazy and a mask for the perfectionist who never gets started. But it is a habit the 9th one that will undo you.
The Parable
Jesus talked about people making excuses. He told a story or a parable to illustrate it. He spoke about a man who was preparing a banquet and had sent out invitations for the feast. When the time for the feast came he sent out his servants to bring in the invited guests. And surprisingly all those who had earlier accepted the invitation began to make excuses.
The first one said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” The second one said: “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” And still a third one said: “I just got married. So I can’t come.”
At first look, you can’t find fault with any of them. They gave legitimate excuses. But if you think why Jesus told this story; then you will understand what these people missed.
The man who hosted the feast is God himself. The invitation is to enjoy God and be part of his kingdom. In that sense, the invitation was to be seen as a huge privilege; much greater than a personal invitation by The President of the United States of America.
The Excuses
Now let us look at the excuses: There is the tragedy of the present and now; toppling the eternal. There is the disaster of earthly things crowding out spiritual things. There is the sorrow of priorities being misplaced.
Business and work or career and personal relationships are important. But they should never crowd out your love for God and seeking him.
What Happens When You Reject God’s Invitation?
God will simply bypass you to extend the invitation to those whom you think are not worthy to be part of God’s kingdom. In this story the man sends invitation to people in the streets and alleys of the town to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.
Yes, when you make excuses to God, he will be extending the invitation to people you will never normally accept to be part of your group.
And even after all these things had been done there was still room. So he sends invitation far and wide for people to come even from far away. He also added this warning: Not one of those who were originally invited will get a taste of my banquet.
As you look at the life of Jesus we find the religious people of his day rejecting him. But he was welcomed by the sinners, the common folk, and the social outcastes. People who were looked down upon by the society found a great welcome in Jesus’ invitation to be part of God’s forgiving love.
Know that Jesus accepts you just as you are with all your sins, mistakes, faults, and failures.
Practical Application
First of all, are you in the habit of making and giving excuses? Are you even aware that you have this 9th habit which is destroying you and is undoing you?
Secondly, when God gives you a chance, when he is inviting you; show urgency to accept the invitation and be part of his love. Lesser things will take care of themselves; be it career, family, friends, or earthly possessions. God first. Let that be your watchword.
If you have read this much; think of your excuse of not having a closer walk with God. What is the excuse of not coming to accept the love of God shown on the cross where Jesus bled and died for you?
Thirdly, making and giving excuses is a tactic we employ to avoid responsibility. When Prophet Nathan confronted King David telling him that he did great wrong in committing adultery and murder; he humbly accepted responsibility saying: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) He did not make excuses for his sinful acts.
Call to Action
#1. Become aware of your habit of making excuses; for making and giving excuses is that 9th habit of highly ineffective people.
#2. Show urgency to act when God is giving you a chance to put him first in your life without making excuses.
#3. Accept responsibility for your decisions without blaming others or circumstances for your behaviour.
The above post is based on The Parable of the Banquet or Great Feast found in Luke 14:15-24. Featured image courtesy: Photo by Kenneth Surillo on Pexels | Microsoft Designer
Sunday Sermonettes | You Are No Failure If You Can Tell God, “I Love You!”
Sunday Sermonettes #022
My dear friend, you are no failure if you can tell God, “I love you.” It was Peter who said “Lord, I love you.” after his dismal failure. And it happened thus: It was early morning by the seashore of Galilee.
“Come and have breakfast,” said the Risen Jesus as he invited 7 of his disciples to the breakfast of fish and bread on a fire of burning coals he had prepared for them.
A great drama was to follow. Jesus confronted Peter because of his failure. Peter had denied knowing his Master after Jesus was arrested and taken to be crucified to bleed and die for you and me.
But surprisingly there was no condemnation in the voice of Jesus. Only the question, “Do you love me?” Peter said “Yes Lord, I love you.”
God is simply looking for love. What God values is your heart. Your simple expressions of love. Just tell him, “O God, I love you.” It doesn’t matter how much you have failed. Simply say: “I love you.”
You might be hurt and broken. You might not feel like saying it. But say “O God, I love you.” You might be afraid of God for many reasons. It doesn’t matter, just tell, “O God I love you.”
You might not be sure whether God will accept you. He certainly will. Just go ahead and tell him of your love for him; however feeble or weak it is.
Jesus had earlier called Peter to help others to experience God’s love for them. In Jesus’ own words, Peter was called to be a “fisher of men.” But Peter was discouraged by his failure. Peter’s heart was broken by that one look from Jesus before he was led away to be crucified.
Peter had gone outside and wept bitterly that night. But Jesus, after rising from the dead, had sent a special message to Peter and met with him one-on-one to encourage him. Yet he went back to his old trade of fishing in the sea and took 6 of his friends along with him.
But that night they caught no fish, nothing. Though they were experienced fishermen they had nothing to show for their labour. Jesus called out from the shore and said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” They did so and caught a huge number of fish.
It was only then they realized it was the Lord who was standing on the shore. That reminded Peter of an earlier miracle which was similar. By the shore of the same sea, Jesus had called him. This was the place of his first love when the holiness and love of God he saw in Jesus had compelled him to forsake all and follow him.
Now Jesus was reminding Peter of his first love. It had grown cold. He was an utterly broken man thinking that God cannot love him anymore.
See, Jesus has nothing to do with people who are full of pride and full of their importance and having no need of God in their lives. But he came to touch broken men and women who are full of sorrow and shame because of their sins, mistakes, and failures.
He is simply asking you, “Do you love me?” Peter was hurt when Jesus asked the same question to him the third time.
But it was love that made Peter say, “I love you Lord,” three times for he had denied his Master thrice. Jesus forgave Peter and got love in return. For Jesus himself had said on an earlier occasion that he or she who is forgiven much, loves much.
Peter was restored to a place of leadership and usefulness. The cowardly Peter, later touched by the Spirit of God, became a bold firebrand for Jesus.
And he truly became a fisher of men because he dared to say, “O Jesus, I love you.” Yes, friend, your life is no failure if with all your heart you can tell God in your brokenness, in your shame, in your defats, “O Lord, my God and my Saviour, I love you.”
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This Post is based on the incident recorded in the 21st Chapter of the Gospel of John in the Bible.
Sunday Sermonettes | #OpenToWork | Tips to Find Your Destiny from the Search for Lost Donkeys
Sunday Sermonettes #021
The Context
Saul, in response to a request, went in search of his father’s donkeys that were lost. He was an impressive young man, without equal in that land. He went for an ordinary task. But that led him to his destiny. He met with the Prophet Samuel to whom God had already told to anoint the young man coming to meet him, king. This post from Sunday Sermonettes has invaluable tips to assist you in your job search as you are #OpenToWork.
Be Enthusiastic
When you are #OpenToWork, always be enthusiastic about the work you currently have a chance to do. It might not be something spectacular. But when you do it with diligence and mindfulness, it will lead you to better opportunities.
Believe in Possibilities
When you are #OpenToWork, always believe in possibilities. How can you know if some ordinary task you are doing will not lead you to find a greater purpose in your life? Even after Samuel told him about the kingship, Saul was not fully convinced. When the time came and the people gathered together to greet the new king, Saul was not seen. Finally, they found him hiding behind the baggage.
Your inferiority or insignificance is no barrier for God to exalt you in the time of his choosing.
Seize Opportunities
When you are #OpenToWork, be ready to seize opportunities. It might be a half-chance or might not even have anything to do with your true calling in life. You might get an opportunity for something as ordinary as looking for lost donkeys. But like a goal-scorer in football who anticipates where the ball might come in the penalty area; you should anticipate opportunities to come your way.
Be Aware of What’s Happening Around You
That brings us to the next point. When you are #OpenToWork, be prepared. It requires constantly updating yourself and also having a big picture of trends and changes happening in your domain. As far as Saul was concerned, the political climate of that time was that people were clamouring for having a king like the other nations around them. Even though he least expected it, he became their first king. But you should make yourself aware about what is happening in the job market to be prepared for your opportunity.
Travel with Hope
When you are #OpenToWork, travel with hope. There came a point in their journey Saul was discouraged in his search for donkeys. It was his servant who encouraged him to go and meet the seer (the prophet was called seer in those days because he had a God-given ability to see into the future). His servant told him that the seer would tell them what way to take. As R. L. Stevenson wrote in his essay El Dorado: “To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.”
Sharpen Your Skills
Again, when you are #OpenToWork, sharpen your skills. If your axe is not sharpened, all your efforts at felling trees is not going to be effective. And King Solomon shares his wisdom encouraging you to be skilled in your work: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings, he will not serve before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29 Bible)
A Change of Heart
Perhaps, one more thought from the episode of Saul being chosen king is that you and I need a change of heart. Often when you search for a job, you might be rejected multiple times. That can lead to discouragement, resentment, and even a sense of failure. Saul, in response to Samuel informing him that he is to be king, says that his family is one having the least social status in their land. So God had to change his heart to prepare him for his destiny.
Similarly, you too have to realize that your worth and significance come from your value as an individual in God’s eyes. You need to see yourselves from his perspective.
When you are #OpenToWork, do not allow being fired from your work, being laid off, networking without results, enduring long periods of silence when you don’t hear back from your potential employer, or your applications being repeatedly rejected even after many positive rounds of interviews define you or your worth. They are just layers on the core value of who you are in God. He values you for who you are and not based on your performance.
“Follow Me” to Your Destiny
The big lesson to learn is that the lesser things will be taken care of. The donkeys for which Saul went searching were later found. Saul had no role in finding them. But he had found his destiny.
When Jesus asked a man to follow him, he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” What he meant was that he will finish all his household duties and after everything is settled he will come and follow Jesus.
To this Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” What Jesus meant was that those who are not having God’s life in them will take care of the ordinary tasks. You don’t worry about the routine and lesser things of life. But think of the destiny that God has planned for you. Act on it now.
The story of Saul’s search for donkeys and rise to the throne is found in 1 Samuel 9 and 10; and Jesus’s conversation with the man is found in Luke 9:59, 60.
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#OpenToWork #JobSearch #Networking
Sunday Sermonettes | The Day of Small Things
Sunday Sermonettes #020
“Who despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10a Bible). These words should inspire hope in you because they beam a light on what the Spirit of God can do in your life even if it is in ruins right now. So get started on rebuilding your life right now. Do not despise the small beginnings of this change or transformation.
Do remember that if there is one thing that has made people fail, it is that they never get started. Some people never begin because they fear failure. Others think too much about what people will say. A few think about a perfect beginning and postpone it for a later date. And it never happens.
And if there is one thing about success you would like to know, it is to start small. Most of the things that are begun with the help of the Spirit of God are humble beginnings. They are mostly like a shoot out of dry ground. It doesn’t promise much. But God will see to it that it is watered and it flourishes in spite of extreme circumstances it finds itself in.
If your life is in ruins, and you think all hope is lost; God is encouraging you to start rebuilding your life once again with his help. It will be an effort that will be accomplished not on your human strength or power but by the Spirit of God. It calls for your reliance on God and his unlimited resources.
You need not look at your insignificance and lose heart, for it is God who is on your side. You might face discouragement looking back at the lost glory of your past; the seeming impossibility of the present task, and also the opposition you are facing. But God’s purposes would prevail.
You just begin the task. The beginnings will seem small and humble. But God will do a great work. And its accomplishment will bear the stamp of God’s glory in it as well.
Today, when you begin to realign your life to God’s purposes, you might feel disheartened by the slow progress you are making. God is encouraging you today not to despise the small beginnings you are making.
What you are now attempting can become a source of inspiration, a lampstand that gives light continually with the oil supplied by the Spirit of God, and a significant milestone in the plan of God to call others to his love and care.
And opposition is not a sign that your beginning was a mistake; but it is probably the surest sign that you are on the right track. God is building resilience in you through the opposition. He is teaching you to rise above discouragement like how an eagle uses the might of the wind to rise higher.
Yet there will come a moment when God will demolish the mountain-like opposition and help you complete the task that you have begun to do with his help. When God acts; there is no chance for the opposition to stand against you.
All this requires a shift of focus from your side. Stop looking at your smallness or the smallness of your beginnings to rebuild your life. Instead turn your focus to the Spirit of God who is mighty to accomplish what human strength can never do.
Yes, there is hope for you because there is no limit to what the Spirit of God can do to rebuild and transform your life from small beginnings so that it will blaze with the glory of God.
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Sunday Sermonettes | God’s Compassions Never Fail for They Are New Every Morning
Sunday Sermonettes #019
Sometimes, you are tired of living. Troubles everywhere. No one seems to care. Everybody is busy with their own lives. You have no one to turn to. Then remember, you have God whose compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Like dewdrops that appear each morning bringing in fresh hope and renewal.
It is good to note what David the king and poet has described. He says that God remembers that we are but dust formed from the ground of the earth. So God has compassion on those who fear him just like a father has compassion on his children. There is a gentleness that is reflected here. God has a perfect understanding of your brokenness in life; and he visits you with compassion.
Yesterday you might have failed. You might have sinned against God. You might have made mistakes that you regret today. Yet do not give up. For God will show you compassion. Morning brings word of his unfailing love. He gives you a fresh start today. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Just accept that in faith even as you trust in him.
Remember, your failures are opportunities for God to show his grace to you. Grace means undeserved mercy. He wants you to get up and not lie down in despair. He is showing you what you can be in Jesus. Your future has been sealed with the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Therefore God is showing you compassion today.
So, rise up. Each new dawn is God’s way of saying: “Go on in the strength I will provide. Do not look at the threatening circumstances and lose heart. Do not look at your sins and give up. Instead look to me. I will show you mercy. I will give you yet another chance. Turn away from all evil. Then you will find that my compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
Therefore when you wake up, thank and praise God for there is hope for you. No matter what you feel, the compassion of God is real, authentic, genuine and true. It will not fail. You can trust in its newness every morning because it comes from God who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
When you wake up, if your heart is burdened, just think of God’s compassions as a soft bed on which you can sink into and still find it holding you up with needed strength. God promises you today that his love for you will not be shaken even if mountains are shaken and hills removed because he has compassion on you.
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Sunday Sermonettes | God Is the Lifter of Your Head
Sunday Sermonettes #018
Sin, failures, mistakes, and troubles caused by people who are close to you can cause your head to bow down. You might feel defeated. Sometimes you are burdened by sorrow. Or you can think of any number of reasons that pull you down. It is at such times that you need to think of God, who is the lifter of your head.
Life might bring unexpected reversals of fortunes. Sometimes friends and family can act against you. Those who stood by you in your good days and were loyal to you might change sides quickly. You might be forced to lick your wounds. When everyone and everything seems to turn against you, and your head is bowed down in despair, it is then you need to remember that God is the lifter of your head.
Even when others think that you are finished and there is no fight left in you; know that God is not finished with you yet.
First, he will be a shield around you. You know what that means. It means that God himself will take the hits against you so that you will be protected. It means that he has a stake in your life that no force on earth or hell can disrupt. He has invested in you by the blood of his Son Jesus shed on the cross. He will therefore surround you with help.
Next he will be your glory. You know what that means.
In spite of all the trouble you are going through right now; your value, worth, and significance come from God.
No matter what negatives others are telling about you, no matter how much they shout you are a failure, no matter how firmly they believe that God will not help you anymore, the weight of evidence is on your side. God will come to your help and will be the lifter of your head.
What you should always recall in your mind is that the author of Psalm 3 (where we find the words, “But you … O LORD … lift up my head” ) was going through a great crisis in his life when he wrote these words. His own son was trying to kill him and take over the throne. He had to flee for his life, covering his head, walking barefoot, and being pelted by stones while being cursed by his enemies. Moreover people were saying God will not help King David because he had committed grievous sins.
It was true that he had sinned—adultery and murder. It was true that he had no right to expect help from God. But because he admitted to God saying, “I have sinned against the Lord,” and had sincerely repented of his sins; he found mercy and forgiveness with God. At the same time the troubles he was now going through were the consequences of his sin.
Yet, in spite of his present misery, David had the courage to hope in God. You too can hope in God even when defeated and down. Seek God’s mercy and expect his help. There is no defeat in your life that God cannot bring good out of it.
So David cries out to God for help. He is assured that God will answer him. Therefore even when enemies are closing in on him, he is able to lie down and sleep at night. For his found strength to sustain in his trust in God. And he expressed confidence in God even when tens of thousands are drawn against him in battle on every side.
You too can find consolation in the fact that your deliverance and your salvation does not depend on your goodness but God’s mercy alone. Even when you find yourself in a defeated situation today, lift up your eyes and look to God who is the lifter of your head. He will not leave your head bowed down in shame. He will lift you up. For God delights in showing mercy to those who trust in him.
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.” — Micah 7:8, 9 Bible.
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Shortest Message on Christmas: The Historical and Current Reality in Your Life
The shortest message of Christmas is: “Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and in my heart.” Even a child can understand this. But there are two truths here that we should not miss:
One is the historical reality of Christmas. When you write today’s date you are affirming the fact that Jesus came to divide history with His Story.
The second truth is about the current reality of Christmas. Jesus came to bleed and die on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins. So that your history can be remade into brand new life by his story.
And this new life is eternal. That is the hope of Christmas and the joy and peace it brings to you now when you trust in Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — Jesus Christ | John 3:16 Bible
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Sunday Sermonettes | When You Feel Forgotten by God
Sunday Sermonettes #017
At some point in life each one of us might have asked this question, “Has God forgotten me?” We ask this question during the difficult times in our life.
The first thought is that delay to God’s answers to your prayers are no indication that God has forgotten you. Often, in the waiting period, when you see-saw between hope and despair, God is preparing you to receive the goodness he has kept in store for you.
Secondly, God has promised not to forget you. And he does not lie. He never fails to keep his promises. He has said that it is highly unlikely for a mother to forget her new born baby. God says, even if she forgets, I will not forget you.
Thirdly, God is teaching you to walk by faith during those times you think that God has forgotten you. When God seems absent, the path ahead might look dark and threatening. Your friends might fall to help you. But your faith does not depend on sight. You learn to take one step at a time in hope.
Again, many times it is written in the Bible, “God remembered” someone. Does that mean God had forgotten them? No. God remembered is an expression which means the season for God to act in their lives had then come. And suddenly things begin to move in their lives swiftly.
Now, does your complaint that God has forgotten you make you an unbeliever? No. It simply tells us how weak we are and how much ẁe need to learn to depend on God to live our lives. God is bigger than we think and he does not find fault with your honest doubt, “Has God Forgotten me?”
One of the things that helps you rise above despair is looking back on your past and seeing how God has helped you. Think about how God took care of your needs during the very difficult situations in your life. He is the same God and changes not. He will not forget you. He will surely come to your help.
Sunday Sermonettes | How to Get Your Heart’s Desires God’s Way
Sunday Sermonettes #016
The Promise
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 Bible).
That is an exciting promise. No limits. It simply states that God will give you the desires of your heart. When God’s Word says so, you can put your confidence in it because God always keeps his part of the promise made. As you look at this promise you find God’s part as well as your role in it. God will give, but you have to delight in him.
God First
In simple words, it means you should not put the cart before the horse. You have to put God first in your life. In all things. It is then that God becomes the delight of your heart.
When your thoughts revolve around God most of the time; he becomes the delight of your heart. This is a simple way of saying it. But it can become a start pointing. Start thinking about God and his everlasting love for you. Think of God sending his Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross for you. Think of his forgiving love towards you.
Love for God
Delighting in God is all about love for him. He simply desires you to love him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Love for God and delighting in him go hand in hand.
Again, try to express your love to God. Start to praise him. Just thank him that he has been good to you. Maybe you have gone through great troubles in life. You feel a grudge against God for the bad things that have happened. Still, make a try to tell God that you love him.
It might seem like offering God bits and pieces of a broken toy. But he accepts them all from you because you are genuinely trying to express your love. He accepts it from you as a loving father would accept it from a little child.
Talk to God
If you persist in expressing your love for God and try to talk with him; then over a period of time, God works in your heart. Be honest with God when you talk with him. Bring all your desires to him. And tell him all that is in your heart. He listens to all that you say and even what you do not say. Your heart is an open book before him; so are all your thoughts too. So he knows it all.
When you delight in God, that is when you put God first, something happens. That means you don’t fight with God about your desires. You don’t quarrel with him over it. You just tell him whatever is in your mind.
When God’s Desires Become Your Desires
During this process, God gets the chance to help you understand what his mind is about the desires you have. He will, through different people or situations but mainly through words of the Bible, speak to you. And he will show you what is best or wrong about your desires. And you get a chance to align yourselves with the best that God desires in your life. It is like having the sail of a boat catch the wind.
Then God’s desires for you become your desires. And he will give you the desires of your heart. So delight yourself in the LORD, Let him be first in your life. It will exclude and put to death every evil and sinful desire; and the temptation to do wrong that comes to your mind.
The Cleansing Blood of Jesus
And then when your heart is free of all darkness and is filled with God’s light, there is no limit to God fulfilling the desires of your heart. You might wonder how your heart can be rid of evil! Is that even possible? Yes, it is possible if you ask God to wash you clean by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for you. The power and effectiveness of the blood of Jesus is overwhelmingly real.
Yes, when you delight in God, he will fulfil the desires of your heart. Isn’t that like one blank cheque given you to draw from the unlimited resources of God?
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Sunday Sermonettes | Lessons of Faith and Possibilities from the Miracle of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand
Sunday Sermonettes #015
God’s Compassion
The basis of any miracle in your life is God’s compassion. This is the first of many simple lessons of faith and possibilities in the miracle of five loaves and two fish multiplied to feed five thousand people..
Jesus is moved with compassion as he sees the hungry crowd. He wants to help them. So he asked his disciples to give them something to eat.
Your Focus
Their response is like how we respond to impossibilities we face. One of them said, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!.” That was true. But they forgot it was Jesus who was with them.
The simple lesson here is to take our eyes off the difficulties facing us and focus it on Jesus. We might not know what to do. But we can look to him with expectation and in faith.
Possibilities in Small Things
Jesus already knew what he was going to do. He asked how many loaves they had. He said, “Go and see.” Jesus was willing to see the impossible happen in small things.
By this time, another one of the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish.” That was good for a boy’s meal.
The disciple also added his doubts to the introduction. He asked, “But how far will they go among so many?” That was a realistic question. We too often ask such questions that express doubt, negativity, and impossibility. But we should not forget who is with us and what his plans are for the impossible situation.
Jesus was not disturbed by the question that was asked and the doubt that was expressed. He simply said, “Bring them here to me.” Yes, bring your meagre resources to Jesus and see what he is going to do with them.
A Prayer of Thanks and Expectation
Jesus creates expectancy now. He asks the disciples to seat the people in groups of hundreds and fifties. With nothing but the five loaves and two fish in the hands of Jesus,, the people would have wondered about what was going to happen.
Then Jesus exhibits his calm assurance that his Father in heaven always heard his prayers. He looked up to heaven, said thanks, and broke the loaves. He asked the disciples to distribute. He did the same with the fish. At least for once, the disciples did not doubt. They acted on his command.
Sharing and Multiplication
The five loaves of barley and two fish multiplied to feed the crowd of five thousand men besides women and children. I wonder at the willingness of the boy to share his food. Possibly if we are willing to share, God is willing to do a miracle.
Yes, God is moved with compassion when we are in need. He doesn’t always do miracles of this kind; but often uses people to meet our needs. You too can be a channel of his compassionate touch in the lives of your friends just like the boy who shared his food with Jesus.
Difficulties Can Be Met with an Attitude of Praise and Thanks
You can always take your difficulties to Jesus. You might not know what to do. But you can be assured that he has a plan. The feeding of the five thousand teaches us to thank God even before the miracle happens. It is a joyful expectation of our confidence that God is willing to meet our needs.
When we give thanks, God acts in ways beyond our imagination. We then see impossibilities give way to surplus with very meager resources. They even collected twelve baskets of barley loaves left over for Jesus had said, “Let nothing be wasted.”
What Are Miracles For?
Immediately after the miracle, Jesus dismissed the crowds and his disciples and went up alone on a mountainside to pray. That was the secret of his life. He always kept in touch with his Father in heaven, depended on him fully, and did everything to please him.
The miracles that Jesus did was a natural outflow of his constant and intimate connection with God, his heavenly Father.
The next day the crowds come searching for Jesus. Then Jesus told them something startling. “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”
How true it is that even today many follow Jesus without realizing that he is the One who satisfies their deep spiritual hunger and thirst.
Miracles are meant to lead us to God and not to satisfy our selfishness. Miracles are meant to help us focus on eternity and not on our worldly desires.
Jesus the Bread of Life
Miracles should lead us to Jesus and to the moments his body was broken for us on the cross and his blood shed there for us and the forgiveness of our sins. He is the Bread of Life who alone can fully satisfy, nourish, and gift you eternal life.
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This article is based on Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Narratives found in the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible: Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, and John 6:1–14.
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Sunday Sermonettes | The Audacity of Hope in God Who Does Not Disappoint
Sunday Sermonettes #014
Audacity is courage or confidence of a kind that other people find shocking. We are now talking about that kind of courage or confidence to hope in God. It becomes shocking as you continue to hope in God when people are against you and perhaps all circumstances look negative. For the Bible confidently declares, “I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
The audacity of hope in God is what you can hold on to when you lose control over your life, when people turn against you for no reason, when fortunes take a plunge downwards, and money to make both ends meet seems hard to come by. Hope encourages you to persevere in the midst of troubles of various kinds including illness, depression, and burnout.
Hope is the expectation and the confidence you have about the good that God is capable of bringing out of adverse situations and circumstances you find in your life. It takes a long-term view rather than being shortsighted and having a grumbling attitude in life. It gives you the courage to wait for God to act on your behalf.
In other words, the consumerist world we live in encourage us to grab things now, gratify our desires now, lust for more now, and instantly do things now; be it on credit. That kind of greedy attitude does not work with God. For he delights in those who hope in him and are willing to wait for his perfect time to act on their behalf.
The audacity of hope in God helps you rejoice even when you’re defeated and down. It is not positive thinking but something deeper that expresses its confidence in God even when outward circumstances are gloomy, and dark, and seems to be hopeless. For God is the source of all hope and he is the One who can cause you to abound in hope or overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit given to us.
The Bible speaks about Abraham, who is known as the Father of faith, believing in hope against all hope, and holding on to what God had promised him. And he was rewarded for his expectant faith in God after waiting long years for it. That perhaps is the secret: Looking to God with expectation and anticipating the good that he is going to do in spite of nothing-seems-to-be-happening days, months, or years.
Here we stand on sacred ground. The promises of God seem unbelievable when people and circumstances are against us. There might be delays. And there might be no indication from God that he is going to do something far above what we have asked or imagined. It is at these moments of silence that our faith is tested. Yet let us believe on in hope.
When you keep on praying and no answer seems to come by, it is the hope that God will listen and answer that gives you the ability to ask, seek, and knock without losing heart and courage. Persistent prayer and untiring enthusiasm to seek God’s face is what turns hope into reality.
The audacity to hope gives you the boldness in prayer to claim God’s promises. It says, along with King David, “You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28). For it is when darkness surrounds us that we need to hope and trust in God all the more.
And it is when you have this kind of a buoyancy in hope or have optimistic faith that you see a small cloud the size of man’s hand rise on the horizon. It is just a small sign of the abundance of rain that is coming. And you can be assured that your prayers are being answered in response to your hope in God.
Yes, believe that hope in God will not leave you disappointed. You’ll certainly be a better man or woman for holding on to hope when despair clouded your mind. Yes, God is able to do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine.
And when the object of your hope is Jesus and his precious blood he shed on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins, there is the overflow of hope not only for this life but also for the life to come which is eternal. He is the greatest dealer and leader in hope the world has ever seen.
“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” — Romans 5:5
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Sunday Sermonettes | Not Rejected and Forgotten but Loved and Accepted as You Are
Sunday Sermonettes #013
So many walk away to the edge because they have failed in life.
So many give up because no one seems to care.
So many find it difficult to handle rejection.
So many are unable to escape the mistakes they made while young.
There are others who have been cheated after having been given false promises. Life is a mess for many. Unable to break habits they are slaves to, many groan and cry in despair.
Into this brokenness there walks in someone who was himself rejected, despised, wounded, bruised and forsaken.
To those who find it difficult to forgive themselves, he says, “Your sins are forgiven.” To those who are rejected, he opens his arms wide like when they were stretched out on the cross.
You are accepted just as you are no matter how much a mess you have made your life to be. He offers no easy answers. But he shares your pain. And he says, “My peace I give you.”
After all, at the end of the day, you need someone who understands; don’t you? Do not shun him thinking you are beyond help. There is no one else like him who comes to your help when you are hurting.
He never said, “I love you!” But Love was never on exhibit more plainly than when he was lifted up on the cross. He bled for you that you may belong to him. His promise to you is not an easy life but his presence with you in your troubles.
Yes dear friend, he walks in when everyone else has rejected you and walked out on you. His name is Jesus. He is your glorious hope who will make life shine bright once again for you.
Sunday Sermonettes | When You Feel Forgotten by God
Featured images courtesy: Collage of images by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke, Вероника Сбитнева, Nick_the_Photographer, Foundry Co, Alexandra_Koch by Pixabay.
Sunday Sermonettes | God Is Holy and He Commands Us to Be Holy like He Is
Sunday Sermonettes #012
God Is Holy
I remember the emotion I felt when I read the first five books of the Bible for the first time. The realization that I stand in front of a holy God hit me with full force then.
Often we think of God as God is love. That is true. But the one unique thing about God is that he is holy.
I have no clue how to describe the holiness of God. In simple terms, he is separate from us because of his holiness. Glory, splendour, majesty, worship, awesome, beauty, unapproachable light; are all words that are associated with his holiness.
God’s Holiness is Incomparable
Often we compare ourselves with others and think, “I am better than him or her.” But God is inviting us to be holy like him. And it is impossible by any human effort.
Why? When Moses, who twice spent time with God forty days and nights on a mountain, asked God to show him God’s glory; he was told: “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Prophet Isaiah, likewise, had a vision of God seated on his throne and heavenly angels calling out to one another non-stop in his presence:
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
His response as he cried out was: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.”
Simon Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus, had his first encounter with Jesus when his fishing boat was empty after a hard night’s toil in the sea of Galilee. Jesus told him to put his nets into deep water and there was a huge and miraculous catch of fish. Then Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”
All these examples show us that not one of us qualifies to stand before God. The Bible says that all our righteous acts, which means all the good deeds that we do, are like filthy rags or really dirty clothes before God. They cannot earn us our salvation.
God’s Holiness Will Search Us Out
As we stand before God, his light will bring out all the hidden things in our heart and mind—even those things, minute things, that we might have forgotten. There is no escape. Every single thought; every single word; every act that we did will all be shown for what they truly are:
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Can we stand before this holy God? No. There is a huge separation between God and us because of his holiness and because of our sinfulness.
God’s Holiness Demands Sacrifice of Sinless Blood
Therefore God himself made a way for us to approach him. He sent Jesus as a human being to bleed on the cross and die for all the sins that we have committed. As we look to Jesus and accept the truth that he died for you and me; God cleanses us from all our sins by his blood.
How is that possible? It is because Jesus lived a sinless life. And the sacrifice of his broken body and blood has all the merit in the world to give us the right to come before God without fear. For the Bible says,
“And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
And since Jesus shed his sinless blood for you; that is the only way we can go to God who is holy. He is inviting us to be holy like he is. As you look at your own sins; you might feel like giving up because being holy is impossible. But God is coming near to you in Jesus; loving you and accepting you just as you are.
God Is Commanding You and Me to Be Holy like He Is
But he won’t leave you just as you are today. He will work on you and put in your heart a desire to be holy like Jesus. And he will also make you holy like him.
That is why the Bible calls us to repent of our sins. In popular terms, it is like making a U-turn from the wrong way and moving on in the right way.
As we walk on the roads, dust and other dirt will definitely stick to us. And therefore we take a bath everyday. It is the blood of Jesus that washes us clean every moment from all sin in our lives so that we too can share in God’s holiness.
It is a process; and not just a one-time event. So the bible asks us to purify and cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. So let us fear God and shun all evil and constantly increase in desire to be holy like God.
“I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.”
Photo by dakzxz on Pixabay | Microsoft Designer
Sunday Sermonettes | God Motivates You to Cross the Finishing Line
Sunday Sermonettes #011
Can you expect to rise above your defeats? Yes you can, God helping you.
Can you find strength to go on in spite of all failures you have faced? Yes you can. For God’s Word says to you:
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 1
You might have made mistakes; but that is how life is. Not one of us is perfect; and it is foolish to think that all those who succeed do it perfect all the time.
Now life for you might have slowed down; it might have even come to a standstill.
Hope might be at its last flicker. But there is a God who fans into flame the smoking wick.
He will not give up on those who think themselves failures.
He comes to give you strength. His love is neither weak nor sentimental. What he sees when he looks at you is unparalleled beauty arising out of what has been wrecked.
There is a voice of hope that whispers courage in your heart. He is asking, “What are you doing here lying down on a bed of despair, my child?”
You cannot lock yourself in your room and expect to hide from him. When he has business to do with you; he will walk right in. For he holds the key to your life; didn’t you know?
Your heartaches are his concern even when you think no one cares.
Never will he ask you to walk alone. You might not recognize his presence with you; for he loves to see you walk by faith and not by sight. He is there by your side when you are losing grip on the rocks you climb.
Still believe: When you have lost your strength and you feel that you can longer fly; he will lift you high. And make you climb the heights.
You can soar on wings like eagles on high for it is love that brings him near and touch your hurting life.
Never give up for there is a finishing line. And he is waiting there to see you cross the line.
It doesn’t matter you stumbled and fell many times. But all that now counts is that you did not lose faith in God who bled on the cross for you and did not lose sight of the finishing line.
Featured image courtesy: Image by Satya Tiwari from Pixabay | Microsoft Designer
Accept Jesus Who Is the Gift of Christmas
Santa Claus brings gifts at Christmas. It reminds us of God’s gift of Jesus. Jesus came to bleed and die on the cross. It was to gift you with God’s forgiveness.
Now is the time to accept his gift. Just thank him for bleeding to death on the cross for you. Turn away from all evil and say Yes to the gift of eternal life. For he rose from the dead and lives forever.
Jesus loves you and accepts you for you are his child. Nothing can separate you from his love. So thank God for Jesus, the indescribable gift.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 Bible
Sunday Sermonettes | How to Get Your Heart’s Desires God’s Way