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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey in the previous month, now in the month
of Febraury, I intend to focus on a monumental piece of Jewish history….the
Conquest of Canaan, with its particular relevance to modern day breed of
Christian spiritual warriors.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
February 5th
A Statement of Solidarity
Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do,
and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you.
Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your
word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death.
Only be strong and courageous!"
- Joshua 1:16-18
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Often in the Cricketing circles of Cricket-crazy India, we are bound to hear a cliché
‘a captain is only as good as his team’. Very true, unless the team stands united behind him,
focused on the goal, just as he is, the mission of winning cannot be easily accomplished.
Oh, how comforting, it must have been for the Joshua to hear the reassuring and encouraging
words of some of the tribal leaders brought forth in the above-captioned scripture portion.
Their declaration of solidarity with his cause, stating that they would stand by him in his
onerous task, fighting shoulder to shoulder, as it were, would have been ‘sweet music’ to his ears.
It certainly, would have put a spring in his step.
Even in the New Testament, when it comes to the Leaders and followers’ relationship,
nothing much has changed. The followers’ are expected to throw in their lot behind their
God-ordained leaders, whereas the leaders’ on their part are expected to provide a sympathetic,
empathetic, God-honoring leadership, in order the universal good of the Church is
accomplished and its goals achieved. The following words of apostle Peter in his First epistle
sums it up, aptly…
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one
who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is
under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing,
as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over
those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be
submissive to those who are older….” –
I Peter 5:5
Prayer:
Father, put in us a submissive spirit to put ourselves under the yoke of leaders’
ordained by thee. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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