The rising sun will come to us from heaven Luke 1:78

Luke chapter 1 is filled with divine wonders and miracles. Angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and to Mary to tell them about the birth of John and Messiah. Zacharias became speechless because he had doubted the words of angel. Later, his speech was restored in obedience to the command of the angel Vs: 63-64.  When his speech was restored Zacharias lifted his voice and glorified God. In this incredible paragraph of praise Vs: 67-79, Zacharias prophesised about the coming Messiah and pictured Him as “Dayspring” which means “Sunrise” Vs: 75. Zacharias has rightly named Him “Dayspring” as He makes His rays shine upon the world trapped in darkness.

The careful study of Vs: 78-79 helps us to understand about three areas of our life that can be transformed dramatically by the rays of Heaven’s Sunrise. First, Sunrise shone in our darkness that we may have peace with God, and we no longer abide in the darkness of this world. The Sunrise transformed the darkness in our lives into light. He has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light that we may declare the praises of Him 1 Peter 2:9.  Second, Zacharias tells us here that Jesus came to bring His light into the very shadow of death. Jesus conquered death on our behalf therefore we believers do not need to fear death, 1 Corinthians 15:53-58. For a believer death is nothing but a doorway through which we pass from this world into the presence of the Lord in Heaven. If we are in Jesus, if the Rays of Heaven’s Sunrise shone in our lives, certainly death has no claim on us. Jesus the Sunrise conquered death for us eternally. Third, Zacharias says that the Rays of Heaven’s Sunrise shines to direct our feet into the path of peace. When we were in darkness we didn’t know how to walk in accordance God and His righteousness. We were left to our own devices; we merely tend to wander farther away from God, Isaiah 53:6. But when we are saved, when the Rays of Sunshine shone upon us, the Lord gave us a heart to follow Him, His Spirit within us to guide us, and He gave us His perfect Word to teach us of His ways and of His will for our lives. Bible is the blessed Word of God that will never lead the saint of God astray, instead that will ever supply the guidance needed to get us safely home to Heaven, Psalm 119:105.

Dear friends, I don't know where this message finds you. In darkness, afraid of the future, or unsure about today, but I know that where ever you are, there is help, and there is hope in the Person of Heaven's Sunrise! Let us allow the rays of Heaven’s Sunrise to shine in all the areas of our life. Let our light shine before men that they may glorify our Father who is in heaven.   

THE SAVING GRACE OF GOD MATTHEW 1:1-17

Matthew’s genealogical account in this text is something unusual because in the Jewish custom women were never given a part in anyone's genealogy. However God the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to include these five women in the genealogy of Jesus to show us God’s love and His saving grace upon the fallen men. In these five women we can see the complete portrait of our Lord's love and plan of salvation for the sinners.

Thamar – Thamar the Canaanite was the incestuous daughter in law of Judah (Genesis 38:1-30). The meaning for the word “Thamar” is Palm tree. This refers to stability and life giving power! Jesus stabilizes all of life. He gives purpose to the wayward soul. He is also the fountain of life. Men are dead apart from Him, Ephesians 2:1, and are made alive when they believe on His name - Acts 16:31; 1 John 5:12. 

Rahab – Rahab was the prostitute and the member of a doomed race (Joshua 2:1-24).  The meaning for the word “Rahab” is Wide, Broad.  Rahab’s life and her inclusion in the family of God shows that God's love is broad, it extends to all men - Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16. His grace is available to all men - Romans 10:13. Jesus can transform the sinner’s life Hebrews 11:31. 

Ruth - Ruth was a Moabitess, a Gentile. She was the poor widow of an Israelite, she was moral and upright. If there was ever a friend to the sinner, it was and is Jesus! Matthew 11:19! His love for His friends was so deep that He was willing to demonstrate it by dying on a cross - John 15:13. 

Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11 - Bathsheba was the adulterous wife of a Gentile man named Uriah, 2 Samuel 11:3. The meaning for the word Bathsheba is Daughter of Complete Satisfaction. The soul's satisfaction is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Himself Psalm 107:9. Jesus is rest and contentment for the sin weary soul! - Matt. 11:28!

Mary - Mary was a young, pure Israelite girl. She was evidently very religious and was willing to yield her life and her reputation to the hand of a God Luke 1:26-38. The meaning for the word Mary is “Their Rebellion”. Certainly we can see contrast between her name and her attitude but the name has profound spiritual meaning.  It is our rebellion against God that separated us from God and made us worthy of hell. In Jesus, there is total reconciliation! He never lowers God's standards, He raises ours! He turns our rebellion into love and devotion to the will and way of God - 1 John 4:19!

Do you want to experience God’s saving grace? If so, then come to Jesus. Come to Him right now. You cannot be a part of His ancestry, but you can be a part of His lineage. All it takes is a step of faith on your part. Will you take that step of faith right now? Will you come to Jesus? He has come for you today, why don't you just come to Him?

The Rod of Discipline (Proverbs 13:24)

Laws are made in our contemporary Society against parental disciplining at home and in School. The Child Right movement and the activists say spanking children is bad because it teaches them to be violent and hurts their self-esteem. Will disciplining children hurt their self – esteem? Will it make them rude and violent? What the Word of God says in this regard? Let us find answers for these questions in the light of the Scripture.

God, in His revealed Word, said that “he who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Proverbs 13:24). Further the Word of God also gives us the reason why we need to begin disciplining our children "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him (Proverbs 22:15)." Thus the “Rod of discipline” is used to remove the foolishness that is bound up in the heart of the child.

The Word of God allows the parents to discipline their children however the parents should understand the true meaning of disciplining before they discipline their children. First, disciplining the Children is not mere beating or inflicting pain on their body instead it is moulding and shaping them with their unique talents and abilities to reflect the nature of God. It’s to make the children to mature and reflect the character of Jesus as shown in the bible. Second, Discipline is not something we do to our children; it’s something we do for our children. Third, Discipline is a moral correction which may include corporal punishment (Proverbs 22:15). The “Rod of discipline” in Proverbs 22:15 has the idea of inflicting pain in order to associate pain with wrong. The “Rod of discipline” will remove the foolishness from the heart of a child when it is administered in God’s way with the right motive. The right use of the “Rod of discipline” helps the children to learn two simple yet essential facts: first, it helps them to understand wrong brings pain second; it helps them to learn right brings affirmation. The children will not die when they are spanked but the gentle and firm spank will deliver their souls from the way of death.

The “Rod of discipline” is unavoidable to save the children from the way of death however the measure and mode of correction must depend upon the age, sex, and temperament, mental and physical maturity of the child. The important point for the parents to notice here is that their disciplining should be gracious like our Heavenly Father's discipline, never more than the children can bear. The parents also must be sure that disciplining of their children will surely bring them to repentance and confession.

Let me conclude my writing with the illustration to help the parents to know consequences when their children are not disciplined according to God’s way. The poet Coleridge was visited by a man who had a theory about raising children. He stated, "I believe children should be given a free rein to think and act and thus learn at an early age to make their own decisions. This is the only way they can grow into their full potential." Coleridge made no comment but simply led the man to his garden. "Come see my flower garden," he said. The opinionated visitor took one look at the overgrown garden and remarked, "Why, that's nothing but a yard full of weeds." The wise poet declared, "It used to be filled with roses, but this year I thought I'd let the garden grow as it willed without tending to it. This is the result." Dear parents the “Rod of discipline” is necessary for the proper maturing of your child. If you truly love your children you will discipline them. God is the great example of parental love, yet He does not spare the rod ... Hebrews 12:7.

Yours in His service

G. Paul Raj

Wandering Sheep! Restoring Shepherd

Wandering Sheep! Restoring Shepherd

Isaiah 53:6; Luke 19:10

The great men and women of God mentioned in the Bible and in the history of Christendom were prone to wander and committed serious sin against God. Despite their weakness and shortcoming God out of His love and mercy brought them back to His fold and glorified His name through them. We too tend to wander and often run away from God. Therefore we are often compared to sheep in the Bible, in Psalms 23 we read about the relationship between the sheep and Shepherd. Psalms 100 says that we are the sheep of His pasture. We are compared to sheep because we are so much like sheep that tend to wander and go astray and go on our own way (Isaiah 53:6). It is common for the wandering sheep to fell prey at the mouths of wild animals. Likewise we too invite spiritual disaster by wandering away from Jesus our true shepherd that would ultimately result in eternal damnation. However there is a “Hope of Restoration” for every wandering sheep that which is willing to yield and to obey the tender voice of the Shepherd. 

Many years ago, a man by the name of Robert Robinson was riding in a stagecoach.  Another passenger in the coach was humming a verse of the hymn “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.”  She asked Robinson what he thought of the hymn she was humming. His answer was a strange one.  He said, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” In 1743, when Robert Robinson was just eight years old, he lost his father. The fatherless Robert became unruly and indulged in gambling and drinking. God saved him through George Whitefield. He then had become a preacher in the Methodist church. At the age of 22, he wrote the song “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” to express his joy that he found in his new faith and to complement his sermon at the Calvinist Methodist Chapel in Norfolk, England. Robert encountered circumstances that which made him to wander from the Lord and forced him to join Unitarian Church that which deliberately denies the deity of Jesus Christ. However God according to His divine will restored this wanderer back into His fold through the hope filled words “the streams of mercy are still flowing” uttered by his co – passenger in a stagecoach. If the sheep tend to wander then it is Shepherd’s nature to restore the wandering sheep back into His fold. In Psalms 23 verse 3 we read that Lord restores the sheep that strays.  The word “restores” means ''to bring back, to turn back, to draw back.'' Luke chapter 15 is called “God’s lost and found department”. Jesus our loving Shepherd cares for every one of us. He is the Good Shepherd who goes out to look for every wandering sheep and rejoices when he can bring them back to the faith.

St. Augustine was born at Tagaste (modern Algeria) in Africa.  His father was a pagan who became Christian on his death bed. His mother Monica was a devout Christian. Thus he had an opportunity to have a Christian upbringing.  Though he was brought up in Christian atmosphere, his sins of impurity and his pride prevented him from knowing the divine truth anymore. His mother’s incessant prayer and the preaching of St. Ambrose paved the way to his repentance. Yet his philosophical thinking made him to believe that he could never live a pure life. The distressed Augustine cried to his friend Alipius "Unlearned people are taking Heaven by force, but we, the learned are wallowing in the mud of our sins!" One day full of bitter sorrow, Augustine flung himself out into the garden and cried out to God, "How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an end to my sins?" God answered his prayers and prompted him to read one of Apostle Paul’s letters in which he exhorted believers to put away all impurity and to live in imitation of Jesus. That did it! From then on, Augustine began a new life and was baptized on Easter Eve 387 A.D... Dear friends, if any one of you feels that you have slipped away from the faith then turn back and allow the Good Shepherd to find you.  We begin to find life only when we come back to our Heavenly Father. It is never too late to repent and to return to the fold.

Your in His Service

G. Paul Raj

Abide with us

Abide with us

Luke 24:29

The story behind the hymn “Abide with me” is remarkable. The author of the hymn, Henry Francis Lyte, was an Anglican priest and vicar of All Saints Church in Brixham, England. He was also a published poet and accomplished hymn writer who also penned “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” and “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven”. For most of his life Lyte suffered from poor health, and he would regularly travel abroad for relief, as was the tradition in that day. Nevertheless, he developed tuberculosis and, at the age of 54, came near to the end of his life. However, there is no clear evidence when he actually wrote this hymn. But assumptions say that Lyte probably wrote the hymn in 1820, and recalled the hymn during the illness that led to his death in 1847. He whispered “Peace and Joy” and lost his breath on September 4, 1847.  Many have a misconception that this hymn should be sung only in the funeral service. But the plea “Abide with me” at the end of each verse tells us the truth that we need God in every stage and condition of life.  Thus the hymn echoes cry of the saints who feel their need of God in each and every moment of their life.

Lyte’s this hymn was based on his sermon he preached on the text of the resurrected Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus; at their request "Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent" (KJV) Jesus ate dinner with them (Luke 24:29). He revealed himself to them. In short, he lingered in their presence. The death of Jesus created disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, defeat, discouragement and despondency in the heart of Cleopas and in the other disciple. But when the resurrected Lord agreed to stay with them and revealed Himself to them their despondent hearts had been changed to hearts filled with hope and renewed faith. The presence of the resurrected Lord graciously cleared away the fog of confusion and their broken hearts had been transformed into hearts that were on fire for their Lord!

The half spelled Waterloo war news "Wellington defeated . . ."  under General Wellington against Napoleon on  18, 1815, created fear and despair in the hearts of English people temporarily. The dreadful news was spread across England quickly, throwing the land into despair. The people of England thought the battle was lost. But the cloud of fear, despair and qualm soon lifted from their hearts when the people heard the complete news "Wellington defeated Napoleon." The people’s mood was geared up from tragedy to triumph.

Dear friends, the things that we see, news we hear and the situations that we are going through may create the cloud of disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, defeat, discouragement and despondency in our hearts but be courageous because the living God is with us in every stage and condition of our life. The assurance of His constant presence can lift the cloud of fear, despair and qualm from our hearts. But we need Him to abide with us to protect us from the evil of this world, the temptations of the devil, and the weakness of our own sinful flesh. The days are evil and dangerous therefore we need Him to abide with us every passing hour! Dear friends let us earnestly beseech the Lord to stay with us as the Emmaus disciples beseeched: “Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.” 

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

1 John 1:7

No gift God has given us is more important than the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross provides forgiveness of our sins “The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). His precious blood brings us close to God “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). His sinless blood has the power to cleanse us from all sin “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). His blood has power to heal us “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

“There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” is one of the first hymns Cowper wrote after his first attack of temporary madness. He struggled with such despair and depression due to the harassment and failures he had encountered in his life. When he was ten he was sent to boarding school and there his suffering was added to by the cruelty of the older boys. After much difficulties he pursued his degree on law and passed the bar examinations. However in his nine years of law practice he never once felt worthy to serve people nor could he manage to attract business for himself. In 1759 he failed in his interrogation to become the Clerk of Journals in the British Parliament.  His seven years of love with his Cousin Theodora came to an end after her father opposed their marriage. The subsequent failures in his careers and in his personal life forced him to attempt suicide in three different ways. Because of his suicidal tendencies Cowper was confined, for a brief period, in St. Albans Asylum and, remarkably, it was during this time that his famous hymn was written. Dr. Nathaniel Cotton took care of the patients at that asylum. He was a believer in Christ, and God, in His mercy, was pleased to use him in Cowper’s conversion. Cowper found a Bible lying on a bench in the garden, about six months after he came to the asylum. He read John 11, and then Romans 3:25 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” This scriptural account of Christ's redeeming work touched Cowper's heart, causing him to later testify thus: 'There shone upon me the full beams of the sufficiency of the atonement that Christ has made; my pardon in His blood; the fullness and completeness of my justification and, in a moment, I believed and received the gospel.' These words have been used by the Holy Spirit to encourage many saints and a call to wayward sinners to find their peace with God which can only be found in that "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins".

When evangelist John Wesley (1703–1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’” The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit. Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ and a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man. “Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!” John Wesley really did have something more to give the thief that night—the good news of salvation. And we have the same responsibility to share the gospel with those who cross our paths.

Jesus could never become our true Saviour until He was crucified and shed His precious blood on the cross. It is not His teaching and His life alone but His spotless blood that saves our soul (Hebrews 9:22).  Therefore, what can wash away our sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus! What can make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Only the blood of Jesus that flow from the cross make us as white as snow. 

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

As the children of God we are expected to face even the adverse circumstances with the spirit of unfailing gratitude in our lives. Paul and Silas had exemplified this spirit when imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16:25). Such an attitude is made possible only by the grace of God. It can become a vital reality only when we truly experience and accept Romans 8:28. Giving thanks to God under all circumstances is possible to those who say “AMEN” to the will of God in their day to day walk with God.  John Chrysostom one of the Church Fathers lived three hundred years after Paul lived. He was a good and brave man who preached very plainly against iniquity of all kinds. The empress was not a good woman, so she schemed to have him falsely accused and banished. He died an exile from his home. Thirty years later, his body was bought back to Constantinople for burial in the imperial tomb. Chrysostom's motto was inscribed on the tomb: "PRAISE GOD FOR EVERYTHING!" As his friends testified, "When he was driven from home, when he was a stranger in the strange land, his letters would often end with that doxology, 'Praise God for all things!' “Where did Chrysostom get his motto? From Paul—"In everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians. 5:18).

After William Carey was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India, his supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the Bible for distribution. Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could produce the scriptures in the local dialect. He had also prepared dictionaries and grammars for the use of his successors.  One day while Carey was away, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the building, the presses, many Bibles, and the precious manuscripts, dictionaries, and grammars. When he returned and was told of the tragic loss, he showed no sign of despair or impatience. Instead, he knelt and thanked God that he still had the strength to do the work over again. He started immediately, not wasting a moment in self-pity. Before his death, he had duplicated and even improved on his earlier achievements.

Let us commit ourselves to praise God for everything that happens to us under his government.

WHEN GOD SAYS “NO” 2 SAMUEL 7:1-29

In this passage we read that David had a desire to build a temple for God and he wished to build a permanent dwelling place for God who was his refuge. Since the time the Tabernacle had been built during the days of Moses; God’s presence had dwelt in the Holy of Holies of that temporary building.  David wanted to give the Lord a proper, permanent place to manifest His glorious presence. As David sat in his palace, he felt guilty that he lived in the lap of such luxury when the presence of God lived inside of a tent.  David believed that God of such glory should have a house befitting to His majesty. The careful study of the text reveals us the fact that David had no ulterior motives behind his desire to build permanent place for God his Lord. His only desire was to see the Lord glorified and honored.  He wanted God to be exalted and he wanted the Lord to receive the glory and honor that He deserved. 

But in verses 4-17 we read that that God sent His prophet Nathan to tell David that his dream to build a temple for God was not from the Lord. David was willing to accept God’s plan though his plan to build a temple for God was not approved by God. Unlike us who pout when we do not get our way, David just praised the Lord because He trusted God and knew God would do that which is best all the time in the life of His children! In his prayer, David revealed a heart that is willing to accept God’s plan, even though it is not what he originally wanted to do.  The thrust of David’s prayer in verses 27-29 is “thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” This is one of the reasons why David is called “a man after God’s Own heart.”

In response to David’s obedience to God’s perfect will and plan, God made new covenant with David which is commonly known as Davidic covenant. As per this covenant with David God promised him that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple. Apart from Solomon another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This Son is none other than the Promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, whom Matthew called “Son of David” in Matthew 21:9. Thus God promised David that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever.

David was not allowed to build the Lord’s Temple.  But, he was allowed to make preparations for the fulfillment of the dream.  In 1 Chron. 22:1-19; David prepared all the materials necessary for the construction of the building.  In 1 Chron. 28:1-17, David gave Solomon the plans and the instructions necessary to fulfill the dream.  So, in the end, David was still a part of seeing the dream accomplished.  It did not happen as he planned it, but he still got to be part of God’s plan; and that is a dream which come true! If there is anything for us to remember from this message it is this: sometimes you will not see your dreams fulfilled until you are willing to let them go forever.  You have to be willing to adopt God’s dream as your own.  When that happens, you will get to see all your dreams come true!

What can we glean from these verses? The dreams that we have for our lives may not part of God’s plan for our lives. When God says “No” to our plans know that it is not to defeat us or to discourage us.  He does it because He has something far better than we could have ever imagined and planned for us. God didn’t want David to build a temple that is subject to destruction. God’s plan in David’s life was his name to be remembered forever and ever.  

What should be our response when God says “No”?  We should first remember that, today what we are is because of His pure and perfect grace. Second, we should acknowledge the fact that He is the Potter and we are but the clay.  We should assume the place of a humble child before His presence and trust Him to do that which is best to His eyes. Third, Our goal in life should not be to reach our dreams; but to see His perfect will carried out in our lives.  Remember that there is no greater honor than being used by the Lord to bring glory to His name, even it isn’t the way we hoped it would happen, 1 Cor. 10:31.

Repentance that Leads to Reconciliation

Repentance is the only  way to restore our relationship with God that was broken by the sins we committed against Him. For example David penned Psalm 51 when he was at low point in his life. He had sinned with Bathsheba and had even ordered the murder of Uriah her husband in an attempt to cover his sin. David may have thought that he had gotten by, but the Lord had witnessed it all. After God sent Nathan, the prophet, to confront him regarding his sin, David’s heart was pricked and he desired repentance.

David was a man who walked with God and yet he missed the mark, but his heart to repent and remorse over the sin he committed against God elevated him to the level of being a man after God’s own heart. David’s sin in no way advocates that we can sin and get by with it, but there is comfort found through what David had committed against God.

There is hope, forgiveness and restoration for those who truly repent from their sins and seek for God’s mercy. God stands ready to forgive, but we must confess our sin and return to Him. Rom.5:20 says “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”: 1 Jn.1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. If you are at a distance, the Lord desires to restore you. Why not come as He leads? You don’t have to remain away from Him.