Be good when it matters

Luke 22 : 47- 53

Most of us have a story of pain and hurt to tell. We have an amazing memory to talk about friends and family who have hurt us at some point of time. Some of us carry it all the way till we get an opportunity to settle scores else the grave takes it all.

The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus was one of the most illegally done trial till date. He was arrested in the dark hours and was not given a fair trial before embracing the cross. But Jesus made a huge impact even during the fag end of His earthly ministry. There was a troop of soldier with some Jewish leaders who came to  arrest a good teacher who was no harm to anyone. But what really startles is how Jesus responded to the situation. The big troop was all prepared to counter any kind of opposition. But they just did not have to do anything as such. He behaved like a gentleman. He trusted His Father was in control.  Jesus in fact went on to put back the ear of the guy who was injured by Peter.

Jesus behaved good even when times were like real bad. He alone is good and that's why he could behave good. Anyone can be good to those who respect you and love you. But the real worth of a true follower is tested when he/she meets with people and situations which are unkind.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Smart & Selfish ?

Luke 22: 39-46

These days we hear of prayer warriors & towers. Jesus himself was a prayer warrior. But His understanding of prayer was entirely different. We see prayers more as damage control now, but there's more to it. We limit things to  our little understanding and that doesn't help the cause at all.

Jesus was in a habit of prayer. He would always be connected to His heavenly Father. In fact he would go away from everything for a while and take out time to pray. We often pray when we are in need of some kind. Even though there's nothing wrong about it. But We are expected to be connected to God always and not be need driven. When Jesus went to pray in garden of Gethsemane, he was doing it out of habit. But this time he was very sad and agonized. Without the shadow of a doubt Jesus was always ready for the cross. But He was worried of His absence from the trinity for the time he would be on cross. That's what explains the sweat like drop of bloods.

Jesus woke up his disciples to pray that you will not fall into temptation. Now that's a great prayer to pray. It is always valid and useful. Our needs and desires might differ with time, but vulnerability to sin is always active. This can only happen when one has the habit of prayer.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

With Christ and Christ like ?

Luke 22:23-38

All of us love to call the shots. Infact one finds great pleasure and satisfaction in being the Lord over another. There is rarely anyone who may not be superior to someone in someway. They like to keep it up and bring more under them. Human beings are born that way. We are happy when our views are taken and disappointed when we are not honored

There arose a dispute among Jesus’ disciples as to which one of them is the greatest. For a moment it seemed that Jesus’ efforts of last 3 years of teaching and training them had gone down the drain. But lets be assured of the fact that neither Jesus nor the disciples left the mission midway. To err is human and its so true in our personal lives. But to get back to life is awesome. The problem here is not simply about ego but it is blinding one from the great reward lying ahead. This can only be achieved when one goes through the motions of Life as placed by God. The disciples were fighting for such small positions in the roman empire which were always at threat. They valued themselves only to those little towns and cities. Even though the roman empire stands so tall in history, Yet its history. Jesus was preparing the disciple to be the judge and rulers over all and also hold the keys of heaven.

Several times we lose the bigger things in life both on earth and heaven due to our ego and irresponsible behavior. We are called to be servants and only the servant would hear those golden words : Well done My good and faithful SERVANT.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Have you let your guard down ?

Luke 22: 15-23

God always knew the past, present and the future. But the mystery is that even when God is in complete control, He lets human decide their will. Jesus was always going to go to the cross. But Judas chose to betray and get Jesus arrested. In spite of being one of the 12 disciples, Judas became an instrument in the hands of the enemy.

We are living in a sinful world and we are always vulnerable to give into sin in some or the other way. We can be born in the best of the families, educated in the highest ranked school, attending the finest Church, working in the top most company, yet we can fall in sin and be a bad example for many around and after us.

The bottom line is let's be on our guard. Let's search into our own lives and hearts. Have we allowed sin to get in and destroy us and others around us. We must be careful.

The cross reminds us that's their is sin and that's why Jesus died of the cross. But He died not just for the forgiveness of our sins. But to give a new life, a life in abundance.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com