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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 topics
- “The Christian journey”
- “ The Conquest of Canaan” and the
- “Lent season”.
in the previous months, now in the months of April and May, considering that
post resurrection of Christ (one of our concluding themes’ you would remember
in the meditations of March, was Resurrection), birth of the Church was a
landmark event in Biblical history, I want to cast the spotlight on the Book of
Acts (which records the birth and growth of the Church). This would ensure to a large
extent continuity of thought albeit under the ambit of new subject.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
May 9th
Facebook of First century?
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him,
"Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he
has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."–
Acts 9: 10-12
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We know that Saul of Tarsus on the Road to Damascus was blinded in the presence of the Lord by a dazzling light
(Acts 9:8-9/
22:11). Now his eye-sight had to be restored.
The good Lord could have done that Himself, but remember from now on this fiery resident of Tarsus would be
playing in "a new team". His new teammates for once would be the very ones’, he had so intensely hated.
So in the wise Divine scheme of things, there was nothing quite like using a Christian -whom Saul had set out for
to persecute-for the purpose of first healing him and then providing for his other immediate needs
(Acts 9:17-19)
for that would create immediate bonding between him and his benefactors (read new team mates).
So enter into the stage…an unlikely ophthalmologist, trembling in fear (considering Saul’s original
antagonistic motives vis-a–vis Christians) “Doctor” Ananias -a devout Christian residing in Damascus.
Now these are the days of social networking portals with the likes of Facebook heading the list.
There are so many mutual benefits of being a part of an e-social network, reason the promoters of these portals….
one amongst others being immediate access to help in the event of any emergency in an unknown place.
Now Saul and Anainias had not seen each other’s face in any first century facebook but the good Lord established
the requisite network which resulted in miraculous restoration of eyesight of the former. Nothing quite like being
a part of Divine network! Right?
Friend, the very fact that you are reading this devotional is proof of the fact that both of us are part of
“Christ’s Facebook”. Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, just to be part of your “big family” is such a blessing, for this “family” was created to be one of caring and loving each other.
Despite no earthly blood ties, how wonderful it is to be united by your “shed blood”. We praise Thee once again for
merging so many different people into “one” family of yours. AMEN.
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