Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God touches your life. You can never be the same again. Neither the present crisis in your life; nor the baggage of the past is going to prevent the future glory that God will bring into your life.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will shine his light in your life. You can then never be in love with darkness again. Though darkness never gives up easily; God’s light that shines is powerful enough to drive all darkness away. And there shall be light.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will show you compassion like never before. You’re hurting and you’re troubled and you’re anxious and worried about your future. God will comfort you like a mother and you will know who God really is. His love is strong and gentle.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will make a change in your fortunes. Yes, there will come a time when you will forget the shame of your youth. There will come a time when gifts will be brought to you. Those who had despised you shall then honour you.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will rebuild your life. You might be looking at the ruins of what once was glorious. You might be thinking of how big a challenge it is to bring back to life all that is lifeless and looks like trash. But God will help you rebuild your walls once again.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will better everything about you. There will be a qualitative improvement in your life’s situation. Instead of trouble; there will be peace. Your present circumstances will prove no match for the might of God who will demonstrate his power and deliverance on your behalf.
Arise, shine, for your light has come. There is a moment when God will not delay any longer. He will make a quick response to your cry. He will come to help. The swiftness with which God will act on your behalf will take all by surprise. For God is working in your life even now when no outward act of his is seen. Let hope overflow because Jesus bled for you on the cross where God’s light of compassion, mercy, and forgiving love had shone to remove all despair and darkness from your life.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1 Bible NIV 1984.
— Note: This motivational speech is inspired by Isaiah Chapter 60 in the Bible.
So let us spread our sails to the wind. Let us keep a steady eye. If the waters grow troubled and the night stretches long; let us anchor on hope till break of dawn.
Therefore my friends, I ask of you to look beyond the present moment. I tell you not to lose courage. The waves might roll and the waters may become troubled; but we will sail on.
It doesn’t matter if you feel afraid and see no way ahead. Whatever happens don’t yield to despair; for though I steer the boat it is the unseen hand of God, my Captain, who guides my boat.
It is not the safety of the shore that we shall seek; but the adventure on the seas. For if my life is a boat on the seas; there is no joy in mooring it to the shore.
So sail on with me my friends; for our time is brief; our task ahead great; and our purpose true.
In this post, you will find these in four sections:
I. A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
II. Bishop Jesudasan’s Sermon: The Feast of Life (transcript).
III. Sermon Analysis
IV. Related Content: Links to condolence messages and media reports.
A Brief Introduction to Bishop Jesudasan’s Life and Legacy
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermons are remembered for their clarity of thought, their grounding on God’s Word, their depth of understanding of cultural contexts, his unique way of combining eastern and western elements, their relevance to the occasion, and for their force of delivery and impact.
He always approached the pulpit with utmost sacredness only to preach God’s Word and never for any other purpose; a lesson his father had taught him.
Bishop Jesudasan came from a very humble background and was exalted by God to positions of leadership: He was a presbyter in the South Kerala Diocese, became Lecturer and subsequently Principal of Kerala United Theological Seminary. He was elected Vice-Chairman of South Kerala Diocese and then its Bishop for a span of seventeen years which is described as the golden age of the diocese. During this time he was elected Deputy Moderator of the Church of South India and later its Moderator for three consecutive terms.
He was Co-Chairman of the CSI-CNI-Marthoma Joint Council, a member of the Anglican Consultative Council, Council for World Mission (formerly London Missionary Society or LMS), and the World Council of Churches; being an elected member of its central committee for ten years. He has authored several books that are Christ-centred and expound the Word of God with great depth of theological understanding and insight.
Bishop Jesuadasan was a man who was faithful to God’s call. He truly made memorable his name Jesudasan, which in his mother tongue Malayalam means, servant of Jesus. He had a true shepherd’s heart and did his utmost to keep the people of God united, He had the attitude of a servant leader, lived a simple life, had absolute trust in God, walked in his integrity before God and men, was compassionate to the poor, cried out for social justice, commanded the respect of secular and religious leadership alike, was a man of prayer spending early morning hours in reading and meditating on God’s Word, and wherever he went spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ and brought a sense of God’s presence to all worship services and meetings he conducted.
Most Rev. I. Jesudasan, the then Moderator of the Church of South India, delivered this blessed sermon at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, on 31st July 1983.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).”
The sacrament of Eucharist is indeed a festival of great joy: the feast of life. Because, here we celebrate the wonderful and unique act of God by which He shared His life with our humanity. This is the cardinal mystery that we proclaim in and through this sacrament. God in His boundless love had shared His life with us by sending His son Jesus Christ to take upon Himself the fallen human nature and to give us eternal life. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.” And the Son of God shared His life with humanity by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down His life for all. This unique sacrifice is the source of abundant life to all people. The Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world.
But how do we participate in this feast of life?
The Lord of life calls us to humble ourselves; to leave our pride and, like Peter, to be washed by our Lord, who emptied Himself to take the form of a slave. When we come to our senses we would also confess before God’s embracing Love, just as the Prodigal son did: “I have sinned against heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” We feel the compulsion to cry out, beating our breast like the Publican, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” It is only the poor in spirit who are deemed worthy to enter into the joy of the kingdom. If we approach the Lord’s table with contrite hearts and empty hands, there awaits for us the bread of life. The Lord is ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Here in Vancouver, we, the representatives of different church bodies who acknowledge and proclaim, “Jesus Christ—the Life of the World,” are privileged to celebrate this Eucharist, offering thanks to God our Heavenly Father. God’s people from all nations, tongues, and cultures have come together to make this occasion unique. We are thrilled at this grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing the new song of praise as we read in the Book of Revelation.
Against this glorious and luminous backdrop we are alarmed to see the acts of betrayal still being enacted in our day. Principalities and powers around us cause fear and anxiety as in the days of Christ. During these days we have been made aware of these frightful depressing modern betrayal scenes.
The darkness that surrounded Jesus Christ was basically a spiritual one, caused by unbelief. According to the New Testament witness, eternal life is to know the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, and the work that is pleasing to God, is to accept Jesus Christ whom the Father had sent for our salvation. For the witness is that in Him we have life. And it is this life that we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.
Many in our world do not care to have vital spiritual relationship with the living God through His son Jesus Christ. So atheism, agnosticism and different types of secular materialism are on the increase. We cannot deal with them either by ignoring them or by replacing them with other concerns. It is in this context that we bear witness to the living Christ who says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. St. Paul says that, “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” At the Eucharist we are made to see the terrible loss that happens to life—whether individual or collective, which is not related to God through Christ. We are called upon to feed the world with the bread of life and lead the nations to the living waters.
Christ sent the disciples to the upper room to make arrangements for the last supper. They went and set one table for it. Painfully we still sit at separate tables in the ecumenical upper room, excluding each other in the name of Him who invited all to His table, propping up our differences with theological arguments. It is, however, a happy thought that the liturgy that we celebrate today is a sign of the advances we have made on our common understandings on Baptism, Eucharist and the Ministry. It is at this table that we become aware that truth is not a theological affirmation, but the sharing of the life our Lord. This feast is, and always will be, one that calls and compels us to be inclusive.
Poet Markham says,
He drew a circle that shut me out . . .
But love and I had the wit to win;
We drew a circle that took him in.
What is the context of this feast?
We know it only too well that millions suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation. The crafty designs of unjust socio-economic structures crush the voiceless poor, they cry for justice. In the name of freedom, values of the kingdom of God are brushed aside and for selfish gains and pleasures of life; people choose to walk on the road that leads to death. Our societies are producing more and more druggists, delinquents, unclaimed children, broken homes, etc. Are these not symptoms of disintegration of our modern civilization? People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help.
Consequent on the massive accumulation of nuclear weapons we live under the dreadful fear of total annihilation of the human race.
The abundant world resources are being wasted on destructive purposes while poverty continues to assume alarming proportions. Indeed the creation itself mourns over the irresponsible and sinful acts toward nature and its resources. The frightened people all over the world yearn for peace while political structures defiantly ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The church too is often tempted to pass by.
The great Indian sage and Poet Tagore says:
“Thou are the Brother amongst my brothers,
But I heed them not,
I divide not my earnings with them,
Thus sharing my all with Thee.
In pleasure and in pain I stand not by the side of men.
And thus stand by Thee.
I shrink to give up my life,
And thus do not plunge into the great waters of life.”
We are very much conscious of the darkness that surrounds us. God has opened our hearts to be concerned about these situations, of which we have just heard. It was in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death, that our Lord instituted the sacrament of Eucharist as the feast of life and then down his life to win victory over the powers of death. In Christ we find the new life which God shares with the world and learn the secret of the life in God. Jesus said, “whoever loves his own life will lose it, whoever hates his own life in this world, will keep it for life eternal.” Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives. “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls,” says Paul to the Church in Corinth.
On September, 1224, the Holy Cross Day, St. Francis of Assissi prayed thus in a prayer vigil:
“Who are thou, my God most sweet?
And what am I, that unprofitable servant and vilest of worms?
O, my Lord Jesus Christ,
Two graces do I pray thee to grant unto me before I die.
The first that while I live I may feel in my body
And in my soul that sorrow, sweet Lord, that thou didst
Suffer in the hours of thy most bitter passion.
The second that I may feel in my heart that exceeding love
Wherewith, Oh, Son of God, thou was enkindled to endure
Willingly for us sinners agony so great.”
May this be our prayer as we take part in this Holy Eucharist.
Sermon Analysis and Appreciation
The Setting
Bishop Jesudasan’s sermon The Feast of Life is based on God’s Word, focuses on the meaning of the Holy Eucharist instituted by our Lord, is set against the backdrop of situations of current relevance and has a global and heavenly perspective.
Two Questions
The whole sermon hinges on two questions he asks about the sacrament of Holy Communion:
Question #1: “But how do we participate in this feast?”
If anyone is not related to God through Christ, we find there a terrible loss that happens to life. In order that we might not suffer loss, we need to humble ourselves like Peter and the Publican and the Prodigal son and seek God’s mercy. It is when we acknowledge that we are sinners, it is when we leave aside our pride, and it is only when are empty and poor in spirit, that we can approach the Lord’s table with “contrite hearts and empty hands.” Then we will find there the Bread of Life awaiting us with his embracing love and ready to fill the hungry with good things.
Question #2: “What is the context of this feast?”
The Bishop points out for us the fact that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper “in the midst of challenges posed by destructive forces and death.” But he also points out that Jesus triumphed over them by laying down his life “to win victory over the powers of death.”
The Feast of Life Is About Sharing
He speaks about the sacrament of the Eucharist as a festival of great joy because it is the feast of life. And it became the feast of life because it centred on one thing: sharing. First of all, God shared his life with our humanity. He did this so by sending his son Jesus to this world. And then the Son of God shared his life with humanity “by proclaiming the good news to the poor, by doing deeds of love and finally by laying down his life for all.” Therefore “Eucharist celebrations become meaningful only when it points to a sharing of our lives.”
The Feast of Life Means Becoming Inclusive
We are called by our Lord, as we participate in the Lord’s supper, to become inclusive and sit at one table and not be divided by “propping up our differences with theological arguments.” We are called by our Lord, to see and listen to the cries of millions of people who “suffer all over the world, living under poverty, oppression and exploitation.” “People in such conditions stretch out their hands for help,” he says.
The Feast of Life Is About the Grand Spectacle of the Foretaste of Heaven
When Bishop Jesudasan looks at the gathering, he sees representatives of different church bodies from all over the world coming together to celebrate the Eucharist. All of them together proclaim Jesus Christ—the Life of the World. It is a great moment to offer thanks to our Heavenly Father. The redeemed people from all nations, tongues and cultures coming together like this, according to the Bishop, is a “grand spectacle which gives a foretaste of the heavenly scene of the great multitude which throng around the throne of God singing a new song of praise.”
The Feast of Life Is About Witnessing to Jesus in an Unbelieving World
The Bishop is alarmed to see “acts of betrayal” that still happen against this “glorious and luminous backdrop.” He highlights the fact that humanity in plunged into spiritual darkness because of unbelief—the refusal to believe in the One whom God sent to this world. The New Testament witness is that in the Son of God we have life. And when we celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist, we have to be reminded that “it is this life we are called to proclaim to a world in spiritual crisis.” Thus the Bishop reminds us that we the church as a people are not only called to be a believing and worshipping community but also a witnessing community to the life that is in Jesus, the Son of God and the Saviour of men and women.
The Acts of the Holy Spirit
The Bishop also reminds us how the Holy Spirit makes Christ’s life a “transforming and life-giving power in the world.” He reminds us that the kingdom of God does not happen in the pursuit of atheism, agnosticism, and secular materialism. But it happens when people seek God’s righteousness first and foremost. He reminds us of the words of St. Paul who wrote: “the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
The Historic Value of the Sermon: The Feast Is About Sitting at One Table
At Vancouver, Canada, at the World Council of Churches, when the Bishop spoke, he was not only testifying to his personal walk with the Lord and Saviour Jesus whom he loved, but he was also speaking as a representative of a community of peoples God redeemed from under oppression and slavery; who by the mighty transforming act of the Holy Spirit and by the relentless and untiring efforts of missionaries in the fields of education, medical care and social reform became united under the umbrella of the Church of South India on 27 September 1947.
Having seen and experienced first-hand the transforming and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit in the life of communities; and having seen the formation of the CSI where four different traditions; viz—Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican came together to become one under the administration and guiding hand of the Holy Spirit; it is no wonder that the Bishop was calling up to give up theological arguments and sit together at one table thanking God for the feast of life he has provided us with.
The Shifting of Scenes
The Bishop lifts up our eyes to looked beyond the grand spectacle of the people gathered together to celebrate the Lord’s supper at WCC Assembly to the great multitude in the heavenly scene as portrayed in the Book of Revelation.
But then from there he invites us to the earthly scene of injustice and oppression where we are called to act to help. In the context of unjust socio-economic structures which crush the voiceless poor who cry out for justice, in the context of values of the kingdom of God being brushed aside for selfish gains and pleasures; a choice that makes people walk on the road that leads to death, in the context of world resources being wasted for destructive purposes where even creation mourns because of sinful acts against nature and its resources; political structures ask that question that was heard at the dawn of human history: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” At the same time the church is tempted to “pass by” like the priest and the Levite in the story of Good Samaritan.
The Triumph of Christ’s Life
The whole sermon is a reminder that Christ emptied himself to give up his life to feed us with the bread of life. He triumphed over the forces of darkness and death by giving up his life. It was loss of his life that rewards us with eternal life. We are called to share this life with the world by a sharing of our lives.
Eastern and Western Elements
The Bishop quotes the American Poet Edwin Markham to highlight that we have to be inclusive. He quotes the Indian Poet Rabindranath Tagore from his classic and Nobel prize winning work Gitanjali to remind us that devotion to God which makes us insensitive to the needs of our neighbours is not what the Feast of Life is meant to be.
Devotion to Christ
In closing, the Bishop quotes the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. To those who have known the Bishop personally, this prayer comes from his lips not as a matter of oration or rhetoric; but as a sincere prayer. It was his life’s walk. He was truly devoted to Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour.
A Classic Sermon
This sermon is a classic because it does not come to us as a usual three-points sermon or even a sermon that is built on stories. Instead, it weaves in and through the pages of the Bible; reminds us of Cain’s question to God in Genesis and takes us to the heavenly scene as shown in Revelation.
In between, he makes us see in our mind’s eye Peter leaving aside his pride to be feet-washed by his Lord, the returning Prodigal son making his speech of repentance and meeting the “Embracing Love” of his father, and the Publican beating his breast. These pictures remind us of all that we learned in Sunday School but with deeper and more enduring lessons attached.
This sermon is a classic because of its huge relevance as it was delivered in the context of the celebration of the Eucharist by believers coming together from all over the world from different languages, nations, and cultures.
This sermon is a classic because we find the Holy Trinity and the Bishop’s adoration of the Trinity holding the sermon together. At the introduction he reminds us of God sending his Son to this world and the Holy Spirit making Christ’s life a transforming and life-giving power in the world. Again in the middle of the sermon the Bishop talks about the New Testament Witness of what life is: it is to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Then he goes on to say along with St. Paul that the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
This sermon is a classic because of implied contrasts throughout the sermon. The Bread of Life is being offered to those who will take it. But there is terrible loss and betrayal and death when the Bread of Life is rejected. Life on one side and death on the other. Sitting at one table together; at the same time propping up differences. The stretching out of hands for help while those cries are ignored on the other. Glorious and luminous backdrop on one side; on the other darkness and unbelief.
One Final Thought—The Feast of Life
The sermon leaves us thinking on the true meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is a reminder of the Lord’s death. It reminds us that in the death of our Saviour we have life. It reminds us there is one table and we have to leave our differences behind and sit united at one table. It reminds us that “acts of betrayal” are still going on and many people choose the road that lead to death. But when political structures deny that they are their brother’s keeper and when the church itself is tempted to pass by we are called to share our lives for the people of this world. It is then that the Lord’s table truly becomes the Feast of Life.
The dead in Christ will rise first. Along with them believers living at the time of Jesus’ coming in the clouds will then be caught up in the air to be with the Lord for ever. Others will be left behind.
The second coming of Jesus will be a sudden coming.Without warning, when people least expect him, he will come like a thief in the night.
The second coming of Jesus will be a majestic coming. His first coming was as a humble child born in a manger. But this time he will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and as Judge of the living and the dead. And his coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, will initiate events that will lead to final and inescapable judgement.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind
The second coming of Jesus will be like a bridegroom coming. Jesus is coming to gather to him his bride. That includes all those who have believed in him so that they all shall be with him forever. And if you find yourself in this great gathering of multitudes in the skies; then know that it was out of his everlasting love for you that Jesus shed his blood on the cross for you.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind.
But till Jesus comes again, he expects you to be busy doing your work faithfully; the work he has called you to do. He is coming at an unknown hour and an unexpected time and let him not find you lazy and oppressing others. For there will be judgement on all such.
So be ready. Look forward to the glorious hope of the second coming of Jesus. Or else you’ll be left behind. See LinkedIn Post
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.” — Revelation 1:7 Bible NIV 1984.
Other keywords of interest related to this post: #Antichrist #Rapture #End of the World #Judgement Day
#666 #Mark of the Beast #The Great Tribulation #Signs of the Times #End Times #Armageddon
Capturing attention of the audience at the beginning is one of the keys to successful public speaking. It is best illustrated in this incident1 recorded in the Bible.
At one point in time and history in a desert a bush caught fire. But this burning bush did not burn up. Becoming curious Moses went near.
When God saw that he had Moses’ attention, he called out, “Moses! Moses!” “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Moses shielded his face for he was afraid to look at God who had come down to speak with him in the flames of the burning bush.
God had an important message to communicate to Moses about himself as well as his plans for the exodus of his people from Egypt where they were in slavery.
But God wanted to capture the attention of Moses first. The burning bush thus became an attention-grabber.
For God was telling Moses that he had seen the misery of his people and have come down to rescue them.
It was a message of hope with a promise of deliverance. It was a message that God was coming down to set captives free with wonders, signs, and miracles.
But God chose to capture attention first before he would give his important message. The burning bush will never be forgotten.
Our introductions in speeches might never be this dramatic. Yet we cannot afford to forget that without capturing attention it is meaningless to try to communicate an important message.
And remember, especially when you are discouraged and downcast, God might be trying to capture your attention. Lift up your eyes, and look around; you might then be able to see one of God’s attention-grabbers for he truly cares for you!
Grace is often described as the favour of God which we do not merit or deserve. On one occasion the LORD Jesus said to St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”1
Paul was praying to God for having a difficulty in his life removed. He prayed thrice. This man through whom God had done many miracles was given an emphatic NO in answer to his prayer.
But the real answer given was a greater lesson. “My grace is sufficient for you. ”
Now what does that mean? It means that God knows that we are weak vessels. He knows that we carry the treasure of God’s wisdom in jars of clay.
So he gives you grace to stand up under pressure. He brings consolation to your soul when you have great anxiety.
He shapes your character when you pass through troubles and difficulties; and you then emerge as gold passed through and tested in the fire.
When troubles sustain, God’s grace sustains us all the more. When we are truly weak; our pride is kept in check, and God’s power is perfected in us.
In other words, we are kept humble and all the more dependent on God. There is less burden on our hearts and minds this way than if we tried to live our lives in our own wisdom and strength.
This is God’s grace. The ability and enabling he gives is sufficient to meet our pressing needs. In other words, you will not lack the supply of his grace. He will hold you by his right hand.
Yes, God’s grace is sufficient for you and for me.
— 12 Corinthians 12:9 Bible NIV 1984
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Respected dignitaries on the dais, beloved colleagues, and graduating students,
Have you wondered how it feels when you’re aboard a ship going on a long voyage for the first time? What is the feel when the ship moves away from shore? You slowly lose sight of your loved ones and all familiar landmarks. Then it is all water everywhere.
But then what sustains you there? Hope! Hope of fulfilling your dreams, hope of a better tomorrow, and hope of a great journey ahead. My dear graduates and post graduates College of Nursing, you are soon going to be part of this situation I have just described. Life, my dear friends, is forward. There comes moments when we have to step out into the unknown and unmapped territories.
Let me briefly spell out three magic words that can light up your path ahead:
The first magic word I would like to shout out loud to you is the word LIFE.
We live in a world which is increasingly becoming hostile to life. The dignity of life is challenged everywhere. People are being reduced to labels, numbers, and even objects. It is in this context that we Nurses are called to nurture life, value life, cherish life, and bring health and healing to the world.
Have you understood the real impact of this? There was once a man, a common labourer in Europe who said, “I am building here a cathedral with the great Architect Sir Christopher Wren.” See, that person had the insight that though his role was to bring together the bricks and build the wall; he was engaged in a larger task of helping people worship God in a beautiful cathedral. He also had the sense of pride and dignity that he was working along with a great builder of cathedrals.
My dear Nursing graduates, you too are working along side our Creator God. He is in the business of giving life; and you along side with him are also engaged in helping people maintain healthy lives. Be thankful that God has entrusted you with this awesome privilige.
In this context let me remind you those beautiful lines from Michael Jackson,
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make it a better place
For you and for me.
The second magic word I would like to leave with you is PURPOSE.
In that classic movie Chariots of Fire which shows the Olympic Gold winning effort of Eric Liddel, there is a moment where he speaks his heart out to his sister Jennie. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.”
Likewise you all are called to be nurses with a purpose—the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people. This is a high calling in life. To fulifil that call, you may have to make personal sacrifices.
Lini Puthussery is one among us in Kerala who with great courage and dignity made a great sacrifice to take care of people infected with the Nipah Virus. She could have played it safe. But she chose to pursue the call of duty. Florence Nightingale could have played it safe duringthe Crimean war but she was ready to be used as an instrument of healing in God’s hands. Or take the example of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who was executed by the Germans for saving the lives of many soldiers during World War I. She was quoted as saying, “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved.”
So my dear graduating students, you are on a mission with a purpose–the purpose to care, to give hope, and to put confidence in people while nursing them back to good health.
The third magic word I would like to bring to your attention is COMPASSION.
We live in the age of ever-happening technology. What is the impact of this? Many husbands know their mobile phones better than their wives and vice versa. With artificial intelligence making great progress; today life is becoming more and more mechanical and robotic. Lost is the time of family prayer and dinner together. We have also let go of simple conversations at home. Everybody is busy chatting with everyone else in the world but not with members of family.
As Mother Theresa noted, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
So know that most people who come into your care are poor. They may have houses, cars, jobs, and plenty of gold but they are emotionally and spiritually poor. What they need is compassion. One of the characteristics of Jesus during his earthly ministry was that he stopped to listen to the cry of individuals because he was moved with compassion.
Can you be a channel of God’s compassion? If yes, a healing beyond that of physical sicknesses can take place. That is a greater miracle.
Let me conclude. I would like to thank all of you for inviting me to deliver this graduation address. I am deeply thankful for the kind words of introduction too.
My dear graduating students you are now going to be angels of encouragement and hope. You are going to be carrying the light of hope in jars of clay. In yourselves you may feel weak and inadequate for the great task ahead. But let me wish and pray that God Almighty hold you by your right hand and lead you on your journey ahead.
King David wrote in his famous Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Yes, he was looking to the presence of God with him for strength in the difficult times of his life.
What an assurance the promise that God himself is with us does give you and me: “I am with you always.”1
Life is a journey where we need companionship. Our loved ones and friends do give us needed support in different phases of our journey. But then is that enough? Isn’t there that vacuum in your heart that only God can fill?
It is when you feel lonely and without hope that you should be able to hold on to this reassuring promise of the Risen Christ: “I am with you always.”
When God himself is with us, it is a treasure that no riches of the world can compare to or is a match for. The realization that God is with you is the greatest motivation for you to walk out of discouragement today.
Yes, the presence of God with us gives us courage to face life and all its challenges. In God, you have a constant companion and friend. When you walk along with him, you need to align yourself with him to walk in step with him. The easiest way to do so is to do what pleases him. But is that easy? I doubt.
Yet the assurance “I am with you always,” is that of God and isn’t it comforting to know that he holds your hand even when you falter and lifts you up when you fall down?
— 1“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Jesus Christ, Matthew 28:20b Bible NIV 1984
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
My dear friend, “Are you thirsting for true love?” If so, your thirst ends here. For it is God who is saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”1
First of all, it is God’s promise of love. What he promises, he keeps. He remains true and faithful to what he has said. That means he will never break his word to you: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Secondly, it is God’s love that is immeasurable. You cannot go beyond the extreme heights or depths or length or breadth of God’s love.
Thirdly, it is God’s love that death cannot break. God’s everlasting love goes beyond time to timelessness and stretches beyond death to all eternity.
Finally, it is God’s love for you for which proof and evidence has been already given. For God so loved you and me and the people of the whole world that he sacrificially gave and gifted his Son Jesus to bleed and die on the cross.
Yes, my friend, God has indeed loved you with an everlasting love. Do not trust your emotions which might feel this love at times and on other occasions feel great dryness in your heart and soul. God loving you with an everlasting love is real fact and truth. Will you love him in return?
— 1“The LORD appeared to us in the past saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3 Bible NIV 1984
Most of us worry constantly. It can depress you and make you lose hope. In the midst of your anxieties, one way to stay afloat without losing hope is to ask yourself the question, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?”
Asking that question will compel you to think. It will make you confront the basis of your confidence, hope, and trust: “Who am I trusting my life with?” If it is God, then there is no reason for your soul to be downcast or for you to be disturbed within.
See, the present crisis in your life is yet another opportunity to trust God with. His arm is still strong to save and he is willing to help you. Do not give up hope. Your trust in God will be rewarded. You will not be put to shame.
Instead of the sighing you are going through now; your mouth will sing forth praises to God. Look forward to that moment. God has a way of making the end better than the beginning, the latter half more glorious than the former one.
The delay has always been in his sovereign control. He will never be late but on time. And when he acts, he will do it swiftly in its time. It will be immeasurably more than what you asked for or imagined.
Therefore say to yourself in the words of the Psalmist, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”1
— 1Psalm 42:5, 11; and 43:5 Bible NIV 1984
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
Not many of us are fully satisfied with what we see in the mirror; are we? Your image in the mirror does not reflect you accurately; does it? But then a mirror reflects a longing within us to see ourselves as we truly are; to be known fully and perfectly as God alone knows you and me.
St. Paul uses the image of a mirror to write about things we know now on earth and things we are yet to see in life beyond the grave. He says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”1
Today we see through a glass, darkly; or in a mirror, dimly. But he shouts out the hope that one day we shall see face to face.
Yes, those who have known the love of God in their lives and have responded to that supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross where he poured out his blood for the forgiveness of our sins; one day will see Jesus face to face.
We will also see our loved ones again—all those who have died believing in him who died for them and rose again from the dead.
Then reflections in the mirror will give way to realities when what is dimly seen becomes clearly seen. This is our blessed hope when Jesus comes again as he promised to take us home for ever!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”1 But is it easy to become poor in spirit? No, not at all. You can be assured that it might take a lifetime to even come near to being poor in spirit.
Being poor in spirit is to see ourselves as spiritually bankrupt when we are without God in this world.
Being poor in spirit is to see how ugly it looks in the eyes of God when I am puffed up with pride.
Being poor in spirit is the opposite of self righteousness which claims ‘I am right, absolutely,” status always.
Being poor in spirit is a state of humility where you are aware of how much and more of God’s grace sustains you each day, moment by moment.
Jesus started off his Sermon on the Mount by pointing to those poor in spirit as heirs to the kingdom of heaven. He was saying that those poor in spirit are truly blessed, happy, and wealthy in a way earthly riches cannot make you.
His standards have not changed. Therefore, when the kingdom of heaven literally dawns on earth someday soon, there will be plenty of shocking surprises.
That is why Jesus said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”2 And in those who finally become first will be a host of innumerable people who became poor in spirit and were rewarded with the kingdom of heaven.
Let me therefore end by asking, “Are you poor in spirit?”
— 2Matthew 5:3 Jesus, Sermon on the Mount. 2Matthew 19:30 NIV 1984
Napoléon Bonaparte said, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” Martin Luther King spoke about the buoyancy of hope while Barak Obama wrote and spoke about the audacity of hope. Whatever it be, God is the source of all hope and he is the One who can cause you to abound in hope or overflow with hope.
St. Paul said that when childish things are put behind, among three things that remain one is hope. Yes, whatever be the context, hope is what you desperately need today.
We live in a time when hope itself is a scarce resource. People are not finding time to spend with God because they are too much distracted with what can be consumed on mobiles. Therefore they fail to plug in to the one source of all hope, God himself!
There is brokenness in relationships that is creating divides that take time to heal. Yes, hope is what you desperately need today.
“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“
How many people know you by name? That question is deeper than you think. In that sense the question is, how many people know you truly?
Your name represents you. Isn’t your name sweet to your ears? Your name gives you your sense of identity and your sense of uniqueness and to a great extent you are not an impersonal alphanumeric code because you have a name.
When others call you by name they respect you as a person. In fact, by calling you by name others are not dismissing you as an lifeless thing or object.
And when God says, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!” it is the highest honour you can have. It means that God knows you like no other. He knows your heart’s true desires. He knows where you fail.
But beyond that when God says, “I have called you by name,” it means that he knows your future. You need not worry about it any more for you are known and intimately known by the One who holds you future.
Isn’t that comforting? But then do you know the One who calls you by name? Do you know the One who has even all the hairs of your head numbered? Therefore, try your best to know him who knows you by name!
“Am I good enough?” The truth is you are not. If you wait till you get over this feel to speak, you will wait for ever. So find comfort in the thought you are good enough with all your faults, shortcomings, and imperfections.
One speaker expressed it like this. “In gully cricket sometimes an opening batsman gets out for a duck the very first ball. Then the opposing team allows him a second chance by starting the game afresh once more. This is similar to God’s grace.”
Often I have heard speakers say that God is a God of the second chance. Is that true? What if he stopped with that second chance given? I believe that God has given us multiple second chances.
The point is simple. It will take a bit longer than your life on earth to get all your problems solved. Therefore learn to speak in spite of all your difficulties, all your “I am not good enough” feel.
You can keep on waiting. Or you can take a bold step and start speaking. The choice is entirely yours. Positive Thinking
A day will soon come when Jesus will call the dead to life. And those who hear his voice will come back to life. Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.
What is the meaning of this? And how does it apply to you?
One, God’s ultimate plan for you is life, not death. That means death is not The End but a new beginning with God whom you’ll see face to face. Therefore those who trust in Jesus and die are in their sleep and will rise one day. The time between death and new life will seem to them like the twinkling of an eye.
Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.
Two, God does not forsake any who trust in him. When he says, no one will snatch you out of my hand1, it means that no evil force or death can wrest you away from his love and out of his mighty hand. There is an eternal security you can find in God alone. Yes, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” 2
Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.
Three, God will wipe away your tears. It is true that there is brokenness of all sorts in your life. It is true that you despair at times. It is true that you feel forsaken by God in certain moments. But hold on to life and believe that his life is at work in your life—it is life that death has no hold on and which it cannot touch. One day, God will reward you for being true and faithful to him in the midst of your tough times.
Yes, life will come forth from ashes and people will awake and rise from the dust.
Therefore my friend, look beyond your present difficulties and troubles. “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”3 There is glory beyond the grave. Be courageous in your tough times and hold on to God for the Spirit of God shall give you strength. Oh, what a joyous day it’ll be when you meet God face to face and be with him for ever and ever!
But then when Jesus is willing to step into the empty boat; will the nets return void? And when he says, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” you can raise a lot of objections; for you Simon Peter are an experienced fisherman in the sea of Galilee; aren’t you? And he is just a carpenter from the obscure town of Nazareth. Or isn’t he?
Is it positive thinking that what creates miracles? Or is it obedience to the voice of him who commands the winds and the waves?
But the greater miracle was not the miraculous catch of fishes.Instead it was Peter’s confession, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”
Isn’t that amazing?
Instead of striking a deep-sea fishing deal with a man who knew the seas better than he, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees. Worship is recognizing the worthiness of him who commands the winds and the waves. And in that process knowing my own unworthiness before his holiness.
The Master’s voice comes across to you today. “My child, have you been toiling hard? And are your boats empty? Do you really know what you need? Is it that you need a boat full of fish? I can give that to you. But is that what you really need? Or is it Me?”
And who is he?
He who angels worship;
before him demons trembled; in him sinners found a friend; the outcasts found mercy;
those who strayed met with compassion;
the sick found healing;
to the guilty, forgiveness was gifted;
he taught with authority;
the wild waves and stormy winds obeyed instantly and calmed;
death bowed down low and licked the ground at his feet; as he triumphed over the grave
by his blood shed on the cross;
he opened heaven for all
who is willing to trust, obey, and follow him.
So, here is he standing across the sea watching you dock an empty boat and washing the nets which did not bring a catch saying, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
—
Post inspired by Luke 5:4 A Haiku Poem:
The empty boat docks.
Cast nets to blue deep says he.
Do that; fishes catch!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
കർത്താവായ യേശു ക്രിസ്തുവിൻ്റെ ധന്യ നാമത്തിൽ ഏവർക്കും സ്നേഹവന്ദനം.
വളരെ വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു മുൻപ് വില്യം കൗപ്പർ (William Cowper) എന്ന കവി ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ ജീവിച്ചിരുന്നു. ഒരിക്കൽ അദ്ദേഹം നിരാശനായി തീർന്നു. ജീവിതം അവസാനിപ്പിക്കുവാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ചു. അതിനായി ഒരു ടാക്സി വിളിച്ചു അദ്ദേഹം ലണ്ടനിലെ തേംസ് (Thames) നദിക്കു മുകളിലുള്ള പാലത്തിലേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുപോകുവാൻ ഡ്രൈവറോട് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു.
യാത്ര തുടങ്ങി കുറച്ചു നേരത്തിനുള്ളിൽ തന്നെ അവിടെ കടുത്ത മൂടൽമഞ്ഞുണ്ടായി. ടാക്സി ഡ്രൈവർക്കു മുന്നോട്ടു വണ്ടി ഓടിക്കുവാൻ കഴിയാതെയായി. ഒരു മണിക്കൂറായിട്ടും മൂടൽമഞ്ഞു മാറിയില്ല. അപ്പോൾ വില്യം കൗപ്പർ ഡ്രൈവറോട്, “എന്നെ തിരികെ വീട്ടിൽ കൊണ്ടാക്കാമോ?” എന്നു ചോദിച്ചു. “തീർച്ചയായും,” എന്നു പറഞ് ഡ്രൈവർ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ തിരികെ വീട്ടിലെത്തിച്ചു.
വണ്ടിക്കൂലി നൽകിയപ്പോൾ ടാക്സി ഡ്രൈവർ അത് നിരസിച്ചു. ഉദ്ദേശിച്ച സ്ഥലത്തു എനിക്കു താങ്കളെ എത്തിക്കുവാൻ കഴിയാത്തതു കൊണ്ട് എനിക്കു ടാക്സി കൂലി വേണ്ട എന്നാണു ഡ്രൈവർ പറഞ്ഞത്.
നദിയിൽ ചാടി മരിക്കണം എന്നാഗ്രഹിച്ച വില്യം കൗപർ സുരക്ഷിതനായി തിരികെ വീട്ടിൽ എത്തി. ആ അനുഭവം അദ്ദേഹത്തിൽ ഇടയനായ ദൈവത്തിൻ്റെ കരുതലിനെ കുറിച്ച് ഒരു വലിയ ധൈര്യപ്പെടുത്തൽ ഉണ്ടാക്കി. ആ സമയത്തു അദ്ദേഹം എഴുതിയ പ്രശസ്തമായ ഗാനമാണ്,
God moves in mysterious ways
His wonders to perform.
അതെ യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ്. അവൻ അത്ഭുതകരമായ രീതിയിൽ എനിക്കായി കരുതുന്നു. അവൻ എന്നെ അറിയുന്നു, എന്നെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു, എന്നെ പുലർത്തുന്നു.
സങ്കീർത്തനങ്ങളുടെ സങ്കീർത്തനം എന്നറിയപ്പെടുന്ന സങ്കീർത്തനം ഇരുപത്തിമൂന്നിൽ പറയുന്ന സത്യങ്ങളാണ് ഞാൻ നിങ്ങളെ ഓർമപ്പെടുത്തിയത്.
യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ് എന്നു പറയുമ്പോൾ അവൻ എന്നെ നന്നായി അറിയുന്നു എന്ന സത്യം ഞാൻ മനസിലാക്കുന്നു. എൻ്റെ തലയെ എണ്ണ കൊണ്ട് അഭിക്ഷേകം ചെയ്യുന്ന ഇടയൻ എൻ്റെ തലയിലെ മുടി പോലും എല്ലാം എണ്ണിയിരിക്കുന്നു.
എൻ്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ എല്ലാ ആവശ്യങ്ങളെയും അറിയുന്ന ദൈവം മുട്ടുണ്ടാകാതെ പച്ചയായ പുല്പുറങ്ങളിലേക്കു എന്നെ നടത്തുന്നു. സ്വസ്ഥതയുള്ള വെള്ളത്തിനരികെ എന്നെ നടത്തുകയും എൻ്റെ പ്രാണനെ തണുപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.
ഈ ഇടയൻ എപ്പോഴും എൻ്റെ കൂടെ ഇരിക്കുന്ന ദൈവമാണ്. എന്നെ പേർ ചൊല്ലി വിളിക്കുന്ന ഇടയനാണ് അവൻ. ഈ ഇടയൻ്റെ സ്നേഹം ഏറ്റവും പ്രകാശം പരത്തിയത് കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിലാണ്:
അവിടെ യേശു കർത്താവ് എൻ്റെ പാപങ്ങൾക്കു വേണ്ടി രക്തം ചിന്തി മരിച്ചു. ആ നല്ലിടയൻ എനിക്കു വേണ്ടി തൻ്റെ ജീവനെ തന്നു. ആ സ്നേഹത്തെ ഏവരെയും ഓർമ്മിപ്പിച്ചു കൊണ്ട് ഞാൻ എൻ്റെ വാക്കുകൾ നിറുത്തുന്നു. ആമേൻ.
കർത്താവായ യേശു ക്രിസ്തുവിൻ്റെ ധന്യ നാമത്തിൽ ഏവർക്കും സ്നേഹവന്ദനം.
എല്ലാ കാലത്തും വിശ്വാസികളുടെ ഏറ്റവും പ്രീയപ്പെട്ട സങ്കീർത്തനമാണ് ഇരുപത്തിമൂന്നാം സങ്കീർത്തനo. ദാവീദ് തൻ്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ എഴുതുകയാണ്. യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാണ് എന്ന ശക്തമായ വിശ്വാസ പ്രഖ്യാപനത്തോടെയാണ് ഈ സങ്കീർത്തനം ആരംഭിക്കുന്നത്.
ഒന്നാമതായി ഇവിടെ കാണുന്നത് നമ്മുക്ക് ദൈവവുമായിട്ടുള്ള വ്യക്തിപരമായ ബന്ധമാണ്.
യഹോവ ഇടയനാകുന്നു എന്നല്ല ഇവിടെ പറഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നത്. യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയൻ എന്നാണ്. എന്താണിതിൻ്റെ അർത്ഥം? എന്താണിതിൻ്റെ അർത്ഥം? ഇടയനായ യഹോവയ്ക്കു അനേകം ആടുകൾ ഉണ്ട്. എങ്കിലും അവൻ എന്നെ വ്യക്തിപരമായി അറിയുന്നു, പേർചൊല്ലി വിളിക്കുന്നു, എന്നെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു. എത്ര വലിയോരു വിശ്വാസ അനുഭവമാണ് ദാവീദ് വിവരിക്കുന്നത് എന്ന് നോക്കുക.
അതുകൊണ്ട് ജീവിതത്തിൻ്റെ ഏതു സാഹചര്യത്തിലും എനിക്കും നിങ്ങൾക്കും ധൈര്യമായി പറയുവാൻ സാധിക്കട്ടെ, “യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയാനാകുന്നു.”
രണ്ടാമതായി യഹോവ എനിക്കായി കരുതുന്നു. അതുകൊണ്ട് എനിക്ക് മുട്ടുണ്ടാകയില്ല.
ജീവിതത്തിൽ പ്രയാസങ്ങൾ വരാത്തവരായി ആരും ഉണ്ടാകാത്തില്ല. എങ്കിലും യഹോവയിൽ ആശ്രയിക്കുന്നവൻ്റെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ നടത്തികൊടുക്കുവാൻ യഹോവ മതിയായവനാണ്. അവൻ തൻ്റെ ജനങ്ങളുടെ ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ മുന്നമേ അറിയുകയും അവർക്കായി കരുതുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.
അതുകൊണ്ട് അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾ തേടി ആരും ഓടേണ്ട. പകരം യഹോവയെ അന്വേഷിക്കുമ്പോൾ, അവനെ സ്നേഹിക്കുമ്പോൾ, ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ അവൻ നിറവേറ്റി തരും.
മൂന്നാമതായി യഹോവ എപ്പോഴും എൻ്റെ കൂടെ ഇരിക്കുന്നു.
മനുഷ്യൻ്റെ സഹായം ലഭിക്കാത്ത സാഹചര്യങ്ങൾ ജീവിതത്തിൽ വരാം. എന്നാൽ അത്തരം കൂരിരുൾ താഴ്വരയിൽ കൂടി നടക്കുന്ന അനുഭവങ്ങളിലും യഹോവ എന്നോടു കൂടെയുണ്ട്.
ഒരിക്കൽ plane–ൽ ഒരു ബാലൻ യാത്ര ചെയ്യുകയായിരുന്നു. പെട്ടെന്നാണ് പ്രതികൂലമായ കാലാവസ്ഥയിൽ പെട്ടത്. യാത്രക്കാരെല്ലാം ഭയപ്പെട്ടു. ചിലർ നിലവിളിച്ചു. എന്നാൽ ഈ ബാലൻ മാത്രം ശാന്തമായി കാണപ്പെട്ടു.
അപ്പോൾ അവനോട് ഒരു യാത്രക്കാരൻ ചോദിച്ചു, “മകനേ, നിനക്കു പേടിയില്ലേ?” അവൻ മറുപടി പറഞ്ഞു: “എനിക്ക് പേടി ഒട്ടുമില്ല. എൻ്റെ പപ്പാ ആണ് ഈ വിമാനം പരത്തുന്നത്. ഈ ധൈര്യമാണ് യഹോവ എന്നോടു കൂടെ ഉണ്ട് എന്ന ബോധ്യം നമുക്ക് നൽകുന്നത്.
എന്നെ കേൾക്കുന്ന ഏവരുമെ, യഹോവ എൻ്റെ ഇടയനാകുന്നു എന്ന വിശ്വാസ പ്രഖ്യാപനത്തിനു പുതിയ മാനവും അർത്ഥവും നൽകിയത് യേശുവാണ്.
ഞാൻ നല്ല ഇടയൻ എന്ന് അവൻ പറഞ്ഞു. ആ നല്ലിടയൻ എനിക്കും നിങ്ങൾക്കും വേണ്ടി കാൽവരി ക്രൂശിൽ രക്തം ചിന്തി മരിച്ചു.
നമുക്ക് വേണ്ടി ജീവൻ നൽകിയ ആടുകളുടെ ഈ വലിയ ഇടയനെ പൂർണ്ണഹൃദയത്തോടെ സ്നേഹിക്കുവാൻ നമുക്കേവർക്കും സാധിക്കട്ടെ. ആമേൻ.
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. There stands before men and women no greater truth and hope than his life triumphing over death. And the good news is that he walks along with you on lonely sunset roads.
The men were sad, their faces downcast. They were moving away from Jerusalem the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion. In their minds, Jesus was dead and gone. Their hopes about him had been dashed.
They had heard the joyous news that angels had broken to some women who had gone and seen the empty tomb that morning: “He is not here; he has risen.”
Yet these men did not believe even though they were amazed at the news.
But then in the walk towards their village as they listened to him open their minds to understand the truth written in the Scriptures that he had to suffer and then enter glory; their hearts burned within them!
By then the sun was setting. And Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us.”
If “abide with me” is your prayer this moment, Jesus will come in to your home however humble it is and to your heart however sad and broken it is.
And there will be a moment of recognition as it happened with those two men when they understood who their companion was when he took bread, gave thanks to God, and broke it for them.
Jesus immediately disappeared from their sight. But the men now had news to carry. They hurried back to Jerusalem at once with the news, “It is true. The Lord has risen.”
At the end of every lonely walk and darkness sunset brings; there comes in Jesus the Risen Lord to walk along with you. Let hope rise again in your hearts because this my friend is the great assurance that you have: The Risen Lord is with you!
Are you tired of living? If yes, there are three quick things you can do.
One, call out to God for help. You need not worry how he is going to answer your prayer. Instead what you need to believe is that God is able to help you and willing to help you.
Therefore the first thing to do if you are tired of living is to call out to God for help.
Two, believe in goodness ahead. It is easy to lose hope when you are under pressure constantly. That is quite natural. But when you wait for God to answer your prayer you need to look ahead to see God’s goodness stored for you.
When it comes, people who despised you and mocked you will see that is God who has shown you goodness. You too will know how troubles you faced moulded you to be prepared for the goodness which God had already prepared for you.
Therefore the second thing to do if you are tired of living is to believe in goodness ahead.
Three, do not entertain bitterness in your heart. It is true that words were painful when people stung you bitterly with their accusations and criticism. It is true that you faced pressure beyond your ability to endure. In spite of all this do not hold a grudge against those who hurt you.
That is not easy. Yet if you can try to see the hand of God orchestrating events, managing people, bringing situations to a crisis, and finally bringing you to that point where you are ready to live your true dream; then instead of bitterness your heart will overflow with gratitude to God.
Therefore the third thing to do if you are tired of living is to stop entertaining bitterness in your heart.
To conclude, the three things to do if you are tired of living are:
One, call out to God for help.
Two, expect goodness ahead.
And three, do not entertain bitterness.
My friend, this is not the time to give up or to quit. But it is the time to hope, to believe and to hold on.
Everywhere! I find people ready to give up.
Everywhere! I find people in need of an encouraging word.
Will you shine your little light?
There never was a time when men and women needed the courage to hope more than now. Yes! Now is the time. If at all we needed light to shine in our darkness; it is now. Will you shine your little light?
But who will show the light? Those that have it, have covered it tight. O foolish ones who think that light gets lost if it is allowed to shine. So they light candles in burning sunlight.
Oh, how they lack the simplest of wisdom. That light should shine not when it is daylight. But light should shine when it is pitch black at night.
So unravel your light. Let it shine. It can be that just before one step to the blackest night; some poor soul will find the light. So will you shine your little light; in this time of rampant night?
Hope rises in every human heart even as light shines. Therefore “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light,” has been a prayer in the lips of many for centuries.
Light conquers darkness—whether it be the darkness of ignorance or the darkness of evil or the darkness of fear; it is the nature of light to conquer darkness.
Light brings hope. A world that has become so busy with even Nano seconds1 being taken into account has no room for failures and those who despair. But light brings hope to even those rejected and broken and marginalized.
Light shines knowledge. Ignorance can imprison people. It can chain people in superstitions, lies and deceptions. And it is the truth of knowledge that can break these chains and set people free.
Light spreads. It is impossible to conceal light and perhaps it is foolishness to attempt to do so. Therefore no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; but puts it on its stand that it may give light to everyone in the house.2
And once upon a time there walked on this earth One who embodied all these. He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”3
About him, his beloved disciple John wrote: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”
Yes dear friends, the greatest of all that light is; is that light gives life. It conquers death by its life-giving power. Therefore let us continue to pray, “Lead us O LORD from darkness to light.”
Right from a child’s wonder as to who made the stars to a philosopher’s explanation of the meaning of life there is in every human heart an yearning to search for the truth.
If truth can be found through men and women’s search for the meaning of life, it might not be a complete understanding because his or her circumstances will certainly colour his or her painting of life.
The question therefore is whether truth is abstract or concrete? Truth, if it has to be within the reach of all, has to be made plain for all to understand. In that sense truth came to us when Jesus was born a child. God came down to us not to judge, accuse, or condemn but to save.
But many people act like how the Roman governor Pilate did when he asked the question “What is truth?”1 to Jesus standing trial before him. But he did not wait for an answer.
And again truth was on public display when Jesus lay hanging on the cross and bleeding to death. The truth that all men and women deserve to be punished for their rejection of God was proclaimed by this act of God. BUT, the truth that God is showing mercy to all who would believe and receive him by placing their punishment on Jesus was a greater proclamation.
Thus in Jesus we find God showing us the truth—the truth about who God is: that he is merciful and compassionate and willing to forgive your sins however great they might be.
Therefore truth is not abstract. It is found in him who claimed: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”2 Look to him and you’ll find meaning in your search for the truth.
How much you miss the present moment and its opportunity because you constantly look back and feel helpless! But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
The past is gone. Nothing can be accomplished by looking back. If you learn from mistakes made, that is something positive. But if you feel helpless and think that you will never make it; then that is cause for serious concern. But be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
Did you know there is Someone who handles your past with compassion? His name is Jesus. His sinless and precious blood was poured out on the cross. The blood of Jesus has the power to cancel all your sins—all its guilt and shame!
His blood is a fountain of cleansing. There is no limit to its cleansing power. The Bible declares that “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”1
If you need this cleansing, look to the crucified One in faith. He will accept you just as you are. But he will not leave you at that point. Acceptance is just a beginning.
Then he will start rebuilding you. He will do it patiently with a Father’s love and disciplining hand.
Instead of the past gripping you and defeating you; God will make your life a story of transformation. Therefore be of good cheer, a thorough cleansing of your past is possible!
Therefore take heart. God is your Redeemer. Your past is taken care of in Jesus. Look forward to your future with hope!
— 1Isaiah 1:18 Bible
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
When your future looks uncertain and no one seems to be in a situation to help you; look to this promise of God for strength and encouragement.
It has remained a favourite with me ever since an elderly priest gave a short sermon on this promise while visiting our home at a very difficult time during my college days years ago.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.1“
Since you have such a precious promise to hold on to, remind yourself that God has chosen you and not rejected you. You belong to him and no power in the entire universe can snatch you out of his Almighty hand.
Again, remind yourself to focus on God and not your problems. God is bigger than all your troubles. Listen to his affirmation that he is with you. What an assurance that is. He, like a loving Father, a faithful brother, a true friend stays by your side at all times. Therefore do not fear nor be dismayed.
Be assured that when your strength runs out, God will strengthen you. When all other help fails, God will help you. He will uphold you. It is only when you hold on to God there is a chance that you’ll let go of his hand. But when God is upholding you, there is no fear of him letting you slip and fall.
Yes my friend, even as doubts cloud your mind as to whether this promise is as true as it sounds, clutch on to it like a drowning man clutches the life jacket thrown at him.
When God makes a promise his word itself is its guarantee that he will make it good and prove it true. Just believe it, hold on to it, and put your entire weight on it. The promise stands with the ring of authority of God surrounding it. May you find the promise true in your life even as I have found it true in mine. Amen!
You need the touch of an angel today. Have not all the troubles that you are facing wearied you down? And you feel like giving up?
Do not be disheartened. God will send an angel to touch you today.
See, when all have forgotten you and given upon you, the God who sleeps not is watching over you. He sees that your strength is gone. And you are no match for the journey ahead.
Yes, he will send an angel to touch you today and bless you with resources needed to move forward.
Is it that you are finding yourself in the midst of a tough battle against negative thoughts and habits? And in spite of all your repeated attempts, earnest and sincere, you find yourself failing and falling time and again.
Ah, you need the touch of an angel whom God will send your way today.
Life is not easy. When worries and fears and losses mount, and when your heart is broken and torn apart by sorrows that are expressed in groans and sighs that words cannot utter, it is then that the Spirit of God will share your burden and give voice and wings to your deepest longings in prayer.
And it is then in a joyous daybreak at a time of mourning that the touch of a God-sent angel would lift up your spirit and cheer you up on your journey ahead.
Oh, troubled child of God, may God strengthen you by the touch of an angel today!
—
“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
—1 Kings 19:7 Bible NIV
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” — Psalm 30:11 Bible NIV
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts.1
Hey, you can bounce back from a defeat always. Bouncing back from a defeat is not an option but a must for all who wish to succeed. You must always keep a burning desire within your heart to push forward, maybe inch by inch, and edge onward towards victory.
My dear friend, a defeat is not a dead end. It is not a showstopper. It doesn’t have a life of its own unless you inflate it like a balloon and make it big in your mind. A defeat might look like a giant having made a fortified city on the mountains, but look at it as a hurdle kept and preserved to make your conquest all the more glorious.
You should never stay comfortable in the valley of defeat. That is where dry bones lie. You should get up, leave behind your past, pray to the Spirit of God to come and breathe life to your vision and press on to victory. If there is some known cause in your life that is causing your defeat time and again, search it out, bring it out in the open, seek God’s help and get rid of it. Eliminate it.
It can be lethargy, complacency, laziness, worry or anxiety, or even a negative habit that is pulling you down. Your love for self-pity, airing victim stories of helplessness, and analysis paralysis of indecision; they all should be disarmed and discarded like a dirty piece of clothing if you have to bulldoze to victory.
Time does not wait for those who rehearse and play back a defeat in their minds. Look up and aim for the summit. When you focus sharply on that one aim and goal and ambition and passion, all lesser things will fade out. The Spirit of God will fill you with strength to rise up and soar on wings like eagles.
There is no reason why you should remain a loser and there is nothing to prevent you from bouncing back but your own doubts.Life can be lived in the valley of defeat or in the plain of daily routines or on the mountain tops. You might be lonely out there at the top and no one might be there to share your joy.
But you will not be alone because God is there where the skies kiss the mountain tops to bless you with his presence and give you the vision for your life forward.
Therefore decide to break out from self-imposed prisons of defeat. And with God’s help bounce back from that defeat you think you can’t break out from. When the Spirit of God moves like a mighty wind in your life; there is sure strength and resource needed for that leap forward.
I love you!
These are the words that has made many buds bloom, made many birds chirp and flap their wings in delight, and has painted mesmerizing loveliness in soft pastels.
I love you!
These are the words that has brought a look of starry wonder, a twinkling delight, and tears of joy to one’s eyes. It has been music to many ears and resonated back a deep sense of thankfulness at being accepted, loved, and cherished.
I love you!
These are the words that had begun a lifetime of companionship, abiding friendship, and long walks through beaches holding hands until the glowing sunset brought in the dark.
I love you!
These are the words that a mother with her first kiss on her newborn’s brow softly proclaims, a father reaffirms when he stands with you in your troubles, and a brother, sister or friend reminds by his or her prayers for you.
I love you!
These are the words that give courage when you have to climb a rocky mountain, and walk through dark valleys in starless nights, or brave the onslaught of tidal waves coming in.
I love you!
These are the words that in spite of the promise made have been broken numerous times, shattered hopes, pushed people to the edge, tore apart families, and has left behind dry and barren deserts that sigh and groan like when thorns wrench the rib cage apart.
I love you!
These are the words which many thoughtlessly proclaim when life is young and is a splash of colours; when love is just like a pleasant breeze that is scented sweet by the fragrance of roses red.
I love you!
These are words that have made countless songs, melodies and symphonies, been the theme of many epic and panoramic movies, and have initiated jealousies and wars in the hearts of men and women.
I love you!
These are words that will continue to be spoken, continue to be cherished, continue to inspire, and continue to ignite, as long as hearts are wedded in love until the skies and the earth shall be no more.
But experience has taught us that New Year resolutions are broken sooner than expected in spite of all the good intentions behind them. And it is heartbreak time then. And giving up all as lost when promises are broken.
One thing you should never forget is that in our unending quest for ideal beginnings in life we wait to the end of the year postponing every good thing we could have attempted. Many opportunities are lost in this kind of waiting.
Instead of waiting for the New Year to come, why not start today with your resolutions. Attempt something you always wanted to do. Begin small. Even when you fail start again. That is the true promise of life.
Achievements and success is not to be seen as destinations and the end of our journeys. Instead see attempts and failures as the real cornerstones of success.
So start today and now. Do not delay. Be realistic that there will be failures and setbacks. But be determined to bounce back. Enjoy the process. And then you will have a beautiful journey ahead.
Do not wait for the New Year. In spite of all the hype and promise about welcoming a New Year it is a deception as far as resolutions are concerned. Do not believe the lie that something magical is going to happen the first day of the year. It can happen or it might not happen.
But if you trust God, and believe in him for your future; today is the best day and now is your opportunity. The promise the Bible declares is that God’s compassions never fail and they are new every morning1.
So get up and start to put your dreams to reality. By the time New Year comes around, you would have far advanced than most of those who chose to sit and watch and wait!
1Lamentations 3:22, 23.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
