TWC – The Word Connects: Connecting you to God and to one another …
Thursday 25 December 2014
In the end, Mary said, “my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!” (Lk.1:46-47) Mary was a godly woman and what that means is that she was a woman who was prepared to do whatever the Lord told her to even though it involved shame, suffering and poverty. She determined to glorify the Lord and rejoice in Him even when what God has called her to was not to a place of honor in the eyes of the world for many years. Today, we honor her but back then, she wasn’t honored by many. As I conclude the Christmas series today, I want to echo the words of Mary, “my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!” Yes, that’s what Christmas should remind us of. It is nice to receive precious gifts at Christmas, it is wonderful to be given special things during this festive season. But what about giving? Giving ourselves completely to the Lord, being prepared to serve Him even when it is difficult to, when it will not put us in the limelight. Are we prepared for that? Are we committed to do whatever it takes to glorify the Lord? And to rejoice in God while taking the tough road? I have met many Christians today who would be prepared to do this and many who are serving the Lord in such situations. At the same time, there are also many today who seem to want Jesus in their lives only to get material blessings. Being a Christian for them is about God doing their will and not them doing God’s will. This is not different from pagan worshippers who pray to their idols only to get something from them. If one idol doesn’t work, they go to another and they will keep looking until they find one that works. Sadly, some preachers have encouraged this kind of Christianity and many have been misled by them. Bottomline is: why do we want to glorify God? The reason is because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. He suffered death on the cross so that we may be freed from the bondage of sin and have eternal life through Christ. We have been saved to fulfill God’s plans and purposes, not to have a party down here. While the Lord may not call every Christian to a ministry or life that would be challenging and tough, but we must never rule out the possibility. May all of us who call ourselves Christians renew our commitment to the Lord this Christmas to always choose the path that would lead to glorifying God and while we are at it, we rejoice in Him for He has made us glad! Have a great Christmas and fabulous New Year!
Today’s Bible text: 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” (Lk.1:46-50)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Aldersgate Methodist Church
revbarnz@gmail.com
Today’s recommended video: You Deserve The Glory … Click here for direct YouTube link
twcdaily.com 