“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
For our first 2 months in southeast Asia, we have some first experiences such as traditional wedding, visiting a family who delivered a healthy baby girl, funeral visitation, (mentioned in a previous blog). David also got his first haircut and dental work. I also got my first dental cleaning done a few weeks ago. These may seem trivial for many, but for us, it takes some courage and faith to do these things as we are still learning the language and navigating the city. We thank the Lord for His peace and for blessing us with local people who have good English. In addition, we are also taking our first language learning together on weekends. Last but not the least, on April 27th, we celebrated our 9th year wedding anniversary by joining our radio station staff visiting listeners in some villages in another provinces. Again, our first time to visit our radio listeners. It was a joy to meet them in person who faithfully listen to our radio program. Here are some photos to share:
Our friend Vanna, his wife and 2nd baby girl
Khmer Wedding
Bride and Groom (in the middle) in their traditional Khmer wedding outfits
Families of the bride and groom
With the family of the bride
Visiting a family who listens to our Family FM programs.
A group of Family FM listeners in a village
Celebrating our 9 years of the Lord’s faithfulness.
We praise and thank the Lord for His grace to serve Him with faithful and diligent workers of FEBC Cambodia. We also thank Him for our faithful ministry partners.
The coming of the Holy Spirit is a promise of Jesus to His followers.
On May 28, 2023, Christians will be celebrating the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost traditionally is 50-days after Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023). In the following days, we will be sharing devotions from the Book of Acts in the Bible.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Reading: Acts 1
Jesus rose from the grave! He was alive and even ate with His disciples (John 21). Jesus was seen by His followers, His own family, and other people in Israel after He rose from the dead. (See I Corinthians 15:5-6). Then Jesus had to return to His heavenly home with His Father. Jesus promised His disciples before His crucifixion the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-9). Then after His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to gather and wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4-5). He told them why and the purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples thought Jesus was empowering them for a political uprising, to revolt against Roman rule (v.6). But Jesus had a different plan for them. He wanted His disciples to receive power from the Holy Spirit to have boldness, courage, wisdom, faithfulness, joy, and peace so they could be effective witnesses for Him. Jesus wanted them to continue preaching the Gospel the same way He did when He was conducting His ministry with them during His earthly life. After Jesus was arrested and suffered death on the cross, His disciples were all afraid and went into hiding. Jesus knew how they felt and knew all their fears. So, Jesus knew they need the power of the Holy Spirit – to have courage and boldness to follow His commandments.
Jesus told His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). He gave them this commandment, and He also equipped and empowered them to do what He told them to do. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8 NKJV)
Thought for the Day:
The words and promises of Jesus to His disciples are still true for all His followers today. Jesus wants us, His followers, to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can be witnesses for Him to our families, our neighbors, our friends, those in other places, and to people of other countries and ethnicities.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to us Your followers. Holy Spirit please fill us, your followers, with your power and your spirit of might, wisdom, courage, and boldness to be witnesses for You wherever You send us. Amen.
Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years. ”
Genesis 1:14 (NKJV)
During the month of April, people in different parts of the world celebrated some important holidays and traditions such as Jewish Passover, Christians’ Easter, Islam’s Ramadan, and Cambodia’s New Year. Let’s take a closer look at some of these holiday festivals.
Another New Year Holiday
Happy Khmer New Year
During our 6th week living here in Cambodia, we experienced a major holiday, the Khmer or Cambodian New Year. People in the western world celebrate the new year on December 31st to January 1st, but in some other countries and cultures the new year holiday is celebrated in different months according to the lunar calendar. For example, Chinese New Year was observed this year on January 22nd.
Backdrop used for the New Year celebration of FEBCambodia in a live program on social media.
This year, Cambodia celebrated the traditional new year during the week of April 10-16. During this week, many people traveled to their hometowns for family reunions. Students in all schools had vacation, and most people had a few days off from work. Some of our expat friends traveled as well for sightseeing, while David and I enjoyed the quiet city with no traffic. While many people took days off from work, some of our radio station workers continued to have live programs on FM radio and social media to encourage the listeners. For me the new year is a time to have a new beginning. Isn’t it a blessing that God gives opportunities for a new beginning in different cultures and places?
“The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 (NKJV)
Passover Festival
Every year for almost 4000 years, Jewish people in different parts of the world celebrate the Passover. Passover, or Pesach, is the time when Jewish people remember the time when the Lord God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. This year, Passover was celebrated during the week of April 5-13. In the modern Jewish calendar, the Passover Festival (Pesach) is celebrated on the 14th day in the month of Nissan which is about March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Traditionally, the celebration starts with a Seder meal on the first and/or second night by eating matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, lamb meat, etc. The origin of this special holiday is found in the book of Exodus in the Bible.
“On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household…So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance…” Exodus 12:1-28 (NKJV)
Ramadan
Another important festival observed by many Muslims in different parts of the world is called Ramadan. This year, the festival began on March 22, and the final day was celebrated on April 20th. It is usually observed during the ninth month in their calendar and is a period of prayer and fasting.
The Holy Week & Easter for Christians
Celebrating Resurrection of our Lord Jesus in the city during Easter Sunday.
For Christians, Holy Week and Christmas are the most important holidays. This year, Holy Week was celebrated during the week of April 3-9. Good Friday was on April 7th, and Easter or Resurrection Day was celebrated on April 9th. The origin of this holy festival is also found in the Bible.
Good Friday is the day when we remember how Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)
The significance of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is not just remembering events that happened 2000 years ago; this is hope for the future.
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus was not just a powerful experience for Himself, it is also for all His followers. As the Apostles Paul and John wrote in the Bible:
“I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” Acts 24:15 (NKJV)
“And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” Revelation 20:5 (NKJV)
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Revelation 20: 12 (NKJV)
The story of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Gospels of Matthew (Chapters 26-28), Mark (Chapters 15-16), Luke (Chapters 23-24), and John (Chapters 19-20).
“He is not here but is risen!” Luke 24:6 (NKJV)
In January 2020, the Lord blessed David and me with a trip to the Holy Land. One of the holiest Biblical sites we visited was the Garden Tomb. Here is an excerpt from a blog post that I wrote about this trip:
“Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.” John 19:38-42 (NKJV)
“As I entered the empty tomb, it was an awesome experience seeing and touching with my bare hands the rough and cold stone where my Lord Jesus was laid some two thousand years ago. I’m at a loss for words; it was truly an indescribable experience. It was a surreal moment to be right there at the spot where Christ arose from the dead – a foundation of my faith, the Christian faith, the empty tomb… Christ is risen, and Christ will come again! Thus, with these words, amidst the crazy things going on in the world, we followers of our Lord Jesus Christ have all the reasons to have hope and to rejoice!”
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. “
Psalm 5:3 (NKJV)
Morning sunrise, a view of the city from our apartment condo.
A week after we arrived in Phnom Penh, we sent our application for visa extensions to the government immigration officials (through an agency). We were told the process might take up to 14 days. After more than 20 days, we still had not received the important documents. David and I prayed earnestly, and one morning last week, during my morning time with the Lord, I felt He encouraged me from His words in Psalm 5:3. The same day, late in the afternoon just before we left the office, I was surprised when a staff member called and handed us our passports with new visas. We praise and thank the Lord for answering our prayers!
We also thank our Lord for the little ways He encourages us through His creation. In a bustling city of people, cars, tall buildings, construction, etc., sometimes it is a challenge to see the beauty of His creation. However, every now and then we get to see glimpses of the blue sky on a clear day, and some fluffy white clouds. Sometimes at night, on the roof of our apartment building, we get to see a little bit of twinkling stars and moonlight even amid the city lights.
Early one morning last week, it was a blessing to see the colorful sunrise over the horizon of the city landscape, shown in the photo above.
A Wedding Invitation and a Funeral
One day last week, our tuk-tuk driver gave us an invitation for the upcoming wedding of his daughter at the end of the month. Though we have not yet met his daughter, we are looking forward to going to this special event as this will be our first wedding to experience in the local culture. We also want to express appreciation to our faithful driver.
The same day, we found out the father of one of our staff members recently passed away. From the director, we received a note that all staff members were going to the funeral visitation. We all traveled together, about 20 people in 3 vehicles with a big funeral flower wreath arrangement in the back of the truck. David and I had no clue where we would be going. They said, it would be in a province outside the city. It took about two hours to travel 40 miles through the city traffic and on country dirt roads. On the road, we saw some local houses and huts made of wood. There were a lot of mango trees loaded with a lot of fruit, since this is the best season for mangos. We saw palm trees loaded with coconuts and other tropical trees. We also saw some cows freely walking on the road. It was nice to see some small ponds, little hills, and farming fields. We also noticed several Buddhist temples and pagodas. It was nice to be outside the city and catch some fresh air in the country.
Cambodia has two seasons, dry and wet. It is towards the end of the dry season. In a month or so, the rainy season will arrive. Some of the land looked parched and brown. Surely, most of the creatures of the land are waiting for the much-needed rain.
After having experienced cold winter weather just a couple of months ago, David and I have been trying to adjust to the hot weather. Most days, it’s been around 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We were told rainy season comes in May or June. It’s been dry and hot, so we have been praying for some rain. Last Saturday night, the Lord answered our prayer. We were surprised to see a good bit of rain, coupled with thunder and lightning. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer!
When we arrived in the small village where the funeral was to take place, we saw many people already waiting in an old church building. After greeting the family, we were seated, and the funeral service began. Some local church leaders spoke giving their last tributes and paying respect to the man of God who passed away. The father of our staff was a well-known church leader and evangelist. Through translation from one of our staff, we understood a little bit of the message from the main preacher. He spoke and encouraged the family, friends, and relatives by sharing from the Word of God. Here is an excerpt from the Bible verses he quoted:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
After the long ceremony, we were invited to a community meal. We enjoyed the visit even though it was a sad occasion. We were grateful to be there to comfort the family of this man of God who is now in heaven enjoying his great reward as a servant of the Lord.
Another week of adventure. We’re not sure we can share on a weekly basis, but we’ll try whenever we can. Here’s an update on our life here in Southeast Asia.
Our main mode of transportation in the city is called a “Tuk-tuk” or a modern rickshaw. (Other people have cars). On a daily basis, we travel from our apartment to the radio station office (about 10–15 minute drive depending on the traffic). We thank the Lord for a good tuk-tuk driver, Nara, who drives us to and from the office everyday. Going to other places, we also use a mobile phone app to call a taxi or other rickshaws (like booking an Uber ride).
Visiting the Transmitter Site
***
One day last week, we visited the transmitter site of Voice of Love. The studio and office are located in the main part of the city. However, the transmitter site is in the outskirts west of the office site, about 5-6 miles drive, again depending on the traffic. One of the engineering staff took us to the transmitter site. We all rode a taxi.
***
David, as a broadcast engineer is happy to see the FM radio transmitter running well. We were delighted also to visit with the faithful workers who keep the transmitter running day in and day out. We were blessed by their hospitality as they served us drinks and snacks.
Construction of new Data Center and Transmitter Building
For the past few months, David and the leadership of the ministry (VOL) with a project team have been planning the construction of a new tower. Currently our radio station is using a guyed tower. Lord willing, the team here is preparing to have a self-supporting tower and other improvements.
Transportation and Language Challenges
After a good visit with the transmitter staff, and seeing the on-going construction, we prepared to book a ride back to town. We found out that it was not easy to get a regular taxi to go back to town, except for a tuk-tuk or rickshaw. Since small rickshaws can only carry 2 people, the staff suggested we take separate rides. So, we booked our rickshaw. When our rickshaw came, just before we drove away, the driver told our staff in the local language that his phone was not working well. The main language of the people in Cambodia is called Khmer (pronounced Ka-mye). We noticed many of the young people speak some English, but others don’t. Communicating is sometimes a challenge.
So going back to our rickshaw story, in the middle of the ride, the driver said something to us that we did not really understand. We thought he said something in English, the word, “cancel”.
So, we said, “No cancel please”. We didn’t know how to say it in Khmer, and we forgot to use our phones’ translation app. We did not know the road, and we were not sure if the driver was taking us in the right direction to go back to town. So, we started praying. In our phone app, the ride was cancelled, so we could not see if the driver was following the right directions in the map. David and I did not know what to do and how to communicate with the driver. We prayed and trusted God to help us. When we got to the middle of the city, we noticed the driver was not sure how to get to our destination (back to our apartment). With wisdom from our Lord, we told him the nearest landmark, a well-known mall near our apartment. After a few minutes, we arrived at the mall. From there, we knew our way to the apartment. We thank our Lord that even amid language challenges, the Lord took care of us.
So, we started language class this past weekend with a small group of 3 students and 2 teachers (a local teacher and an American).
Last week was our second week in the city of Phnom Penh. We did paperwork for our visa extension and apartment hunting. We thank the Lord for the kindness of Voice of Love (FEBC) staff helping us with the paperwork. At the same time, we looked at several apartment condos in the area. We also thank the Lord for the kindness of the staff of Quality Expat Services who are helping us to look for different apartment condos. Most of the apartment/condos are in high rise buildings.
This past weekend while recovering from jetlag, trying to adjust to a warm climate and different environment, we went to a park and the riverside.
Mekong River
Royal Palace Park
While going around the city, we noticed many places that have altars and images of the traditional religion. It seems many people are engaged in traditional religion as we see food and other items offered on altars and carved images. It is sad to see many people worshipping gods that do not have life. As the Bible says,
“They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; 6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; 7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.
Psalm 115: 3-7
We are praying for many eyes to be opened to the One True God, who loves and cares for them. When we meet people like taxi or rickshaw drivers, shop workers, and others, we try to tell them, “Our God in heaven bless you!” Sometimes we say, “Our God in heaven cares for you, His name is Jesus!”
It feels overwhelming sometimes to see many people who need to know the One True God who created and saved them. We are praying that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers to the harvest field. (Matthew 9:37-39).
We are also grateful to our Lord for His provision, faithfulness, and protection. The Lord provided for us even before we arrived. We have household stuff that we are using now from friends who used to live here, Mike & Brigit. We are thankful to the Lord for keeping us safe while we ride around the city, and for a trusted driver, another blessing from Mike & Brigit. We are thankful also for little ways God encourages us, like finding almond milk, breakfast cereal and other USA products we are familiar with. We thank our Lord God for His faithful provision for all our needs. We thank Him for friends and ministry partners who pray and support us.
A Little Adventure to Share:
Here is a little adventure to share about the first day we arrived in the city. After checking into the apartment/condo and getting into the room, I said a little prayer. We needed to go out to buy some items at the store. When I saw a safe deposit box in the closet, I thought we could keep our passports there and not carry them around. It did not look like the regular safes I had seen in other hotels that have numerical keypads. (Later, I found out, it had a numerical keypad behind a cover). After I placed my passport in the safe and shut the door with the key, I tried to open it but it would not open. After several tries, still it wouldn’t open. We asked help from the hotel staff and they could not help either. They said, somebody will come in the morning to help. David and I spent a lot of times in the afternoon and the following morning trying to crack the safe. David researched online how to open or crack a safe. We were getting anxious about the situation. We prayed hard and earnestly.
The following morning, we again asked the staff for their help. They kept telling us, the manager was on her way.
That morning, as I prayed and had my morning time with the Lord, He reminded of His Words in Ephesians
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. … 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV)
The Word of God in Ephesians 6 spoke to me, first to be strong. When I started to think of the worst, and when doubts and fears started to creep in, the Words of the Lord encouraged me to be strong and to take “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)
Instead of fear and doubts, I was reminded to have faith that our Lord God would send help and will take care of us.
After asking a few times, the manager finally arrived just before 12:00 noon. She had the passcode of the safe box, opened it, and got my passport, PRAISE the Lord! Thank you Lord Jesus!
“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121: 8
After many months of cleaning, sorting and packing, the past few weeks have been like a whirlwind for us! We had several get togethers with extended family, friends, church folks and neighbors. We thank and praise the Lord for the outpourings of love through potluck meals, well-wishes, prayers, cards, gifts, etc. Though emotional to say goodbye to everybody, we are grateful to our Lord for His love and goodness expressed through every individual.
One of the greeting cards that touched our hearts was a handmade card from the children of our home church, Christ Central Church.
We praise and thank the Lord for His grace, wisdom, and strength and for sustaining us over the past few months in the most challenging and difficult time of transition. Changes are not usually easy. Moving house, especially international moving is not fun. But we thank and praise our Lord for everyone who gives to our ministry and for everyone who prays for us so we could serve Him. It is a privilege and honor to serve our Lord and to be called by Him. We also thank everyone who helped us in practical ways such as transporting items to storage, and those who helped in other ways.
Again, it’s all about Him, our Lord Jesus Christ, the very first missionary, who came from His heavenly home to earth.
This is not the end, but just the beginning of a new adventure – Jesus’ Call to His Harvest Field, Adventures in the Mission Field
Part 2 – In Singapore
Salvation Army, Singapore
Sentosa, Singapore
We started our long journey from Alabama on February 27th, going first to Houston, then to San Francisco and arriving in Singapore on March 3rd. While staying at the Retreat Center of Salvation Army, the Lord encouraged us with the words written on the wall: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
While attending a church there on Sunday morning, again the Lord encouraged us through His words:
“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)
Singapore is an interesting place, a melting pot of all kinds of people in Asia. We saw many people from different backgrounds; Islamic people perhaps from Indonesia and Malaysia. There were also people from Hindu backgrounds, Buddhists, Christians, and perhaps people from non-religious backgrounds. We enjoyed a couple of days as we recouped from our long journey.
Part 3 – Cambodia
On March 6th, we finally arrived in the city of Phnom Penh.
We received a warm welcome from FEBC Voice of Love.
It’s nice to reconnect with the staff and workers of Voice of Love Cambodia (FEBC Cambodia). We are touched by their warm welcome, as they presented us with a nice gift of a purple shawl with the official logo of the ministry and with matching white flower-garlands.
Again, we praise and thank the Lord for His faithfulness, for His love and kindness He has shown through our families, friends, neighbors, and church family. We are grateful also for each and everyone who prays and supports our ministry so we can serve Him.
In a recent message we heard, we were reminded that Mission is worship.It’s all about God, His heart for people from every nation and every tongue, to know Him and His love for them. And for them to worship Him.
We would appreciate your prayers as we adjust to a new culture, as we apply for a visa extension, and as we look for housing. Please pray also for wisdom and fruitfulness as we share the love of Christ in Cambodia. Thank you all, and our Lord Jesus bless you all!
“If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, “Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10
Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-12
Life is always busy, but the past few months have been especially hectic. Packing, unpacking, and road trips to visit churches and ministry partners have kept us busier than usual. On top of that, unexpected and unwelcomed health issues came up for both my husband and me. A writer’s workshop was coming up, and I was interested in going. However, with other pressing matters and a long to-do list, I faltered and hesitated to go. I thought to myself, “How could we squeeze in a seven-hour drive to the coast? Surely, it would be more convenient to join online to save us time and money.”
Though hesitant, my husband suggested we go. When I got to the workshop, I tried to keep my mind off the next thing on my to-do list. After a couple of hours sitting and listening, I felt calm and peace. My mind stopped racing from concerns and the many things I needed to do. It helped me to sit still and focus. I was glad I came! I realized too, the Lord gave me the time to be away from the chaos and busyness of life, to just sit still and enjoy the moment. My husband and I even enjoyed a couple of days at the beach. Through the kindness of a friend, the Lord even took care of our accommodation, a nice condo by the beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean! Thank you, Lord!
While staying at the beach, I sensed the gentle whisper of the Lord saying something like, “Remember the time you made a commitment to follow Me as your Lord and Savior? Since then, your life has been in my hands.” I then realized that even when I stumble, falter, or fall – no matter what happens – my life is still in His hands. He is the One taking care of me and holding me still. I was not even aware that both my husband and I needed that that little break, a time off from the chaos of life. I learned, too, that God knew exactly what I needed. Even when I am not sure what to do, God still leads me. Since my life is in His hands, I can rest in His loving arms.
As the psalmist says in today’s reading:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?… If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139: 9-10 (NKJV)
Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for your love and care. Help us to trust you always even amid chaos, and to remember our lives are secure in your loving hands.
Thought for the Day: When we follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, our lives are secure in His hands.
Your Thoughts:
Your Prayer:
(Note: Written in November 2022 as a devotional writing for Southern Christian Writers Conference, SCWC).
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 NIV
Reading: Matthew Chapter 1
The name of Jesus literally means “Savior”. The angel was clear to Mary and Joseph when he said, Jesus will save His people from their sins, and not from the Roman rule and oppression, but from SIN. The people of Israel at that time of history was ruled by the Roman government. And according to history, many of the people suffered and were oppressed by the tyranny of the Roman rule. So many of the Jews or people of Israel were expecting and waiting for their Messiah, their Deliverer. They were expecting somebody that maybe like Moses or King David in the Old Testament who delivered the people of Israel from slavery and oppression. King David had fought many battles against the enemies of Israel- neighboring countries who tried to oppress them. So, many of the people of Israel on Jesus time on earth were waiting for their Messiah, someone to deliver them from the oppression of the Roman rule.
However, from the start and the plan of God was to send Jesus to save His people from their sins- from the bondage of sins. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The apostle John says, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! “ (John 1:29)
Marker for the birthplace of Jesus, Church of Nativity, Bethlehem
Reflection:
We may not be like the people of Israel in the past who were oppressed by foreign rule. However, many today are oppressed and in bondage to sin. Sin and evil has power over people’s lives. It is not easy to be released from the power of sin. No matter how much one tries, or do all the self-help and positive thinking, only Jesus has the power over sin and the evil one.
Only Jesus can save Israel and the people of the world from sin.
Christmas is love!For God so loved the people of the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish, but will have eternal life (John 3:16).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that You came us a humble baby to save us from our sins! I thank you for Your forgiveness and mercy. I praise You that you are the lamb that was slain and the only atonement for our sins.
The Creels' Catch 